The eBay experience

[GasCat]

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

Buying from reputable sellers is the only solution, I have been burned a few times when I take a chance with a seller that doesn't have a history of good feedback. File your PayPal complaint quickly.

Chris

Smart advice. People shouldn't be afraid to buy things. My average purchase price is far under the retail price paid.

Look at the number of feedback.
Look at the percent of positive feedback.
Click on their feedback number to see what they have sold or bought.
Look for the Paypal green buyer protection box.
Look at the shipping charges. (5.00 seems to be the norm for Blu-Ray discs)
Pay for it using Paypal.
If you have a credit card link it to your Paypal account and you may be able to do an immediate chargeback of funds.
Do not give any feedback to the seller until after the transaction.

Some larger volume sellers don't care if they get a negative feedback. I like the idea about asking quesitons. The person I am dealing with would not have passed that test. Sometimes the deal is good though and if I see the green Paypal box I will go for it. Overall I have had excellent results with eBay sellers.

Paypal requires you file a claim within 45 days. I always look for the green box under their name saying they have a guarantee of payback. They have some restrictions but it will freeze the sellers account for withdraws of money. Only issue a claim as a last resort.

Here are some useful links:
eBay dispute console page:
http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP...rCreateDispute
You can dispute the item 10 to 60 days after the auction has ended. If you payed with Paypal, they will send you there.

Item Not Received or Significantly Not as Described Process
http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/inr-snad-process.html

About Buyer Protection Programs
http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/isgw-b...ion-steps.html

Don't be afraid to try it out but know how to safeguard yourself.