Ethical eBay practices?

[alcoholbob]

I bought a supposedly brand new EVGA p2 1000w psu off of eBay for about $160. A week later the seller tells me dont be worried if the item comes late, they don't keep inventory of items and they are currently negotiating with another ebay seller for the item, when it gets shipped to them then they will turn around and ship it to me with a tracking number but it could take a few weeks before I get the item.

I asked eBay if it's legal to sell an item listed as new or like new, not have the item, and they buy it cheaper from another eBay vendor used and sell it as new and only wait AFTER a buyer makes a purchase with them before acquiring stock of said item which isn't even the same as described in the auction. To me this seems like a bait and switch. I spoke to several eBay reps and they said it's perfectly legal and if I'm not satisfied with the purchase Im free to return it once I have received it, at my expense of course, and the merchant is free to charge whatever restocking fee if they have one listed. The merchant is not obligated to cancel purchase if I ask them.

Does this seem ethical to you?

 

[rudeguy]

I bought a supposedly brand new EVGA p2 1000w psu off of eBay for about $160. A week later the seller tells me dont be worried if the item comes late, they don't keep inventory of items and they are currently negotiating with another ebay seller for the item, when it gets shipped to them then they will turn around and ship it to me with a tracking number but it could take a few weeks before I get the item.

I asked eBay if it's legal to sell an item listed as new or like new, not have the item, and they buy it cheaper from another eBay vendor used and sell it as new and only wait AFTER a buyer makes a purchase with them before acquiring stock of said item which isn't even the same as described in the auction. To me this seems like a bait and switch. I spoke to several eBay reps and they said it's perfectly legal and if I'm not satisfied with the purchase Im free to return it once I have received it, at my expense of course. The merchant is not obligated to cancel purchase if I ask them.

Does this seem ethical to you?

The only unusual part is they told you about it.

 

[alcoholbob]

I guess I'll stick to Amazon for now lol.

 

[cabri]

As long as the item is still NEW and provided by the seller that you contracted with; there is no issue.

May be shady - but how they do business is up to them; similar to drop shipping.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Company?

Ethical?


PFFFFTTT

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Ebay used to have rules against drop-shipping and other scams where sellers acquired items only after selling them. It was mandatory to have things in stock and while it was broken often, Ebay at least pretended to enforce it. When did that change?

 

[rudeguy]

Ebay used to have rules against drop-shipping and other scams where sellers acquired items only after selling them. It was mandatory to have things in stock and while it was broken often, Ebay at least pretended to enforce it. When did that change?

My guess is when they shifted their focus to power sellers. When we had to go through the approval process, they never wanted to verify inventory. In the old days your account would get frozen until you could.

Things change.

 

[WilliamM2]

I would think you could dispute the transaction for item not received if it's already been a week, and they are saying it will be a few more. I think they need to ship in 7 days to be eligible for seller protection.

Unless they changed that too.

 

[rudeguy]

I would think you could dispute the transaction for item not received if it's already been a week, and they are saying it will be a few more. I think they need to ship in 7 days to be eligible for seller protection.

Unless they changed that too.

7 days then you can file the claim
Seller then gets another 7 days to resolve the issue

Its all stupid now.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Welp...

::looks at pile of eBay-able stuff::
::grabs garbage bags::

 

[Rakehellion]

If it isn't the same item, then that's not only unethical but illegal.

But drop shipping isn't that uncommon.

 

[edro]

Wow, that is incredibly lame.
I would cancel.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Uhhhh, unless the item they are buying is NEW and NEW every single time (not used), they can not (and should not) be able to list their item as new.

You can't <Buy Used PSU> ---> <List same item as NEW PSU> ---> <Sell to other user>

Just because you receive an item does not make it a new item. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a dumbass.

 

[WHAMPOM]

I bought a supposedly brand new EVGA p2 1000w psu off of eBay for about $160. A week later the seller tells me dont be worried if the item comes late, they don't keep inventory of items and they are currently negotiating with another ebay seller for the item, when it gets shipped to them then they will turn around and ship it to me with a tracking number but it could take a few weeks before I get the item.

I asked eBay if it's legal to sell an item listed as new or like new, not have the item, and they buy it cheaper from another eBay vendor used and sell it as new and only wait AFTER a buyer makes a purchase with them before acquiring stock of said item which isn't even the same as described in the auction. To me this seems like a bait and switch. I spoke to several eBay reps and they said it's perfectly legal and if I'm not satisfied with the purchase Im free to return it once I have received it, at my expense of course, and the merchant is free to charge whatever restocking fee if they have one listed. The merchant is not obligated to cancel purchase if I ask them.

Does this seem ethical to you?

Not really, they are supposed to have the product they are selling, take it up with Ebay as a "product not as described" get your money back and buy from the Ebayer they are trying to low ball.
Ebay advice: do a search, you may find a cheaper "best offer or buy it now wt free shipping" from the company doing a clearence and bypass the middle man making his profit.

 

[slayer202]

are you dull?