Things You'll Need:
- research as much as possible about the seller
- ebay/pay-pal account
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Step 1
Get past the tackiness factor: Is it tacky to purchase things for your wedding on ebay? Well, perhaps the jury is still out on that.
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Step 2
Use ultimate precautions prior to purchasing on ebay: there are many scam artists looking to make a quick book: Is Purchasing an Engagement Ring on Ebay Safe? As with any large purchase you make, you must always be extremely careful. There are a number of things that you should look into if you consider purchasing a ring on ebay. Below, I have mentioned a few things but this is certainly not an exhaustive list. Take your sweet time when purchasing on ebay and do not make any impulse buys:
- Look at the number of items that a person has sold, combined with the amount of feedback they have received. A person who has sold a number of items with 99% positive feedback is more ideal. Look at the actual comments that people have written about this seller. Positive feedback is a start but not everything...... it is possible to manipulate/fake this, and it is not a foolproof system.
- Also look at the types of items a person has sold. Has someone sold lanterns for two years and than switched just recently to selling engagement rings? That may raise a question or two.
- Look closely at the picture...... is it blurry? Are they trying to hide something?
- What about the description of the item? Is it lifted straight off of the designer's site or is it more personal in nature? Does it seem honest regarding the rings features and flaws? Is it detailed enough? If not, are you able to get your questions fully answered by the seller? Be wary of any seller that doesn't answer your questions.
- Clarify the condition of the ring that you are purchasing. i.e. the quality and characteristics of the stones, the type of metal, whether it has been worn before, etc. Make sure all appropriate paperwork is included with the ring!
- Clarify the return policy. Can the item be returned if you are not satisfied?
- Pay either through your credit-card (and thorughly check on their policy for fraud/insurance claims) or Paypal (which offers some protection up to a certain dollar limit, but with limitations as well). Either method isn't foolproof. It takes time and effort to get your money back........ if you even are able to prove that your claim is legit.
-After you buy the ring, have it independently appraised to make sure you ended up with the ring that you believed to be purchasing.
- If it sounds too good to be true.......it probably is. ie. An authentic Tiffany & Co. diamond 1 carat engagement ring selling for $25. -
Step 3
Making peace with e-bay engagement ring karma: Will purchasing a ring on ebay bring bad karma? What about the sentiment behind a used engagement ring? Will the bad karma from a marriage gone wrong or an engagement that ended abruptly ultimately haunt your marriage? To me this is not something that would keep me up at night. If I see a good deal, I ignore the history and go for it. However, if you are the type to be extremely bothered by thinking of the negative origin of the ring, than I suggest you shop elsewhere.
Comments
MyJB said
on 7/31/2009 Nice article with relevant warnings including one on superstition. 5* and a recommend.