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Step 1
Study the seller’s feedback page. To see this page, just click on the number in parenthesis beside the seller’s name.
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Step 2
Never, never, never buy from a seller with zero feedback. Although everyone has to start somewhere, a zero feedback rating is a huge red flag. Anyone selling on eBay should at least have some history even as a buyer. Find another seller offering the same item who at least has some history on eBay.
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Step 3
Look at how long the seller has been an eBay member. You will see a notation that says, "eBay member since XYZ." You will be safer to buy from a seller who has been on eBay for several months or years, as opposed to one who just started selling last week. Many scam artists sell legitimately on eBay for a short time to establish a history, then “pull the rug out from under” buyers after they have had a few sales. Look for established sellers with a long history on eBay - it is just the safest route.
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Step 4
Look at the seller’s feedback comments. Not only should you consider whether the comments are positive or negative, but actually read the comments. The comments themselves will provide valuable information about experiences of other buyers. You may see comments like, "Took a long time to arrive, poor communication, item was broken, seller won't refund."
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Step 5
Look at the sellers DSR (Detailed Seller Rating). DSRs give in-depth ratings of the seller’s performance on shipping time, shipping costs, communication, and item description. For example, if the seller has a low rating on item descriptions, you will know that he is not being honest and forthright about what he is selling.
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Step 6
Read the item description completely. Understand the seller’s policies regarding returns, damages, and lost packages. Look for sellers who are willing to work out problems and accommodate customers. Avoid sellers who make statements like, “not my responsibility, we can’t, we won’t, all sales final.” Those kinds of comments are a recipe for disaster.
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Step 7
Read the seller’s About Me page if they have one. The About Me page will give you more information about the seller and may help improve your comfort level in dealing with that person.
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Step 8
Ask questions. Always ask questions and wait for an answer before bidding or buying. If the seller doesn’t answer, don’t deal with him. If he isn’t going to acknowledge your email as a potential customer, he probably won’t follow up or help you later if needed.
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Step 9
Go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your intuition. eBay has millions of sellers. You can find the item and buy it from someone else.
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Step 10
If your item is never received, or received but not as described, and you paid by Paypal, file a claim. You can get your money back - the seller will be forced to provide proof of delivery, refund your money, or send a replacement. Instructions for filing a claim are found under the eBay Help section.
Comments
ebaysolutions said
on 7/8/2009 there are a lot of red flags to look for - info of the seller, history transactions, types...many are purely reliant on feedback which only says so much. if you are seeking more details on scam prevention you can find more articles at theGreateBaySolution dot com
MyJB said
on 3/8/2009 Very good article with save yourself from fraud advice. Thanks. 5*
cadence said
on 11/11/2008 Trusting your gut is important. I went against my gut feeling once and almost lost money on a knock-off item.
soanyway said
on 11/10/2008 Well written also. I'm addicted to Ebay and thank you for your article!
veryirie said
on 11/10/2008 As a buyer and seller on Ebay for 8 years, you've covered all the bases for a newbie. This is a great article for avoiding a scam on Ebay! Thanks!