Is ebay as bad as they say it is?

[Tab]

I've seen some really good deals on some airsoft guns on ebay. Now, its it as easy as they say it is to get cheated out as they say it is?

 

[kalster]

no

there maybe some bad deals, some bad auction, some bad traders, but i dont think 'ebay' in general is bad

 

[KarenMarie]

Be careful. Read the seller's feedback, and browse the feedback of those who leftr feedback for the seller. Check location of seller and dont bid higher than you can afford to get taken for.

 

[Fiveohhh]

I'm getting leery of it now, I bought something from someone and just about lost 350 I won't go into detail but it sucked

 

[kami333]

eBay is neither safe nor dangerous. It's the auctions that are safe or dangerous.

There are steps you can take to minimize those risks, aka only bid on local auctions, use escrow, deal only with established sellers, etc.

 

[Dragnov]

Yes. I swore of ebay.

 

[sparkyclarky]

I haven't been burned yet, but I've only dealt with eBay about 10 times.

 

[crawford]

In my 30+ transactions everything has gone perfectly.

 

[Tango57]

Originally posted by: KarenMarie
Be careful. Read the seller's feedback, and browse the feedback of those who leftr feedback for the seller. Check location of seller and dont bid higher than you can afford to get taken for.

same here, just use common sense when dealing with traders. in general i think most deals are positive. occasionally a bad trader or even a bad buyer if you're selling occurs. i always read through their feedback ratings before i place a bid and my personal standard is that i won't buy from a trader unless they have a 97% or higher feedback rating. if the transaction involves a high price on an item, like say over $500 in amount, i would suggest using an escrow account.

 

[Tab]

Whats a escrow account?

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Tabb
Whats a escrow account?

From Escrow.com

Why Use Escrow?

Escrow.com adds trust to the transaction
Escrow.com reduces the potential risk of fraud by acting as a trusted third party that collects, holds and disburses funds according to Buyer and Seller instructions. Escrow services are provided by a licensed and regulated escrow agent.

When to use Escrow.com: Escrow is well-suited for items purchased on auction sites, automobiles, motorcycles, domain names, jewelry, specialized computer equipment, and other high-ticket items.
When to use another payment service: If you know the other party involved in the transaction, or the merchandise can be personally delivered.
Protection for both Buyer and Seller
Buyers receive and inspect the merchandise before the Seller is paid.
Sellers receive their money if the Buyer accepts the merchandise.

Buyer and Seller Agree to Terms
Both parties agree to terms of the transaction, which includes a description of the merchandise, sale price, number of days for the Buyer's inspection, and any shipping information.


Buyer Pays Escrow.com
The Buyer submits a payment, selecting check, money order, wire transfer, or credit card online. Escrow.com verifies the payment. Processing time varies by payment method.


Seller Ships Merchandise
Upon payment verification, the Seller is authorized to ship merchandise and submit tracking information. Escrow.com verifies that the Buyer receives the shipment.


Buyer Accepts the Merchandise
The Buyer has a set number of days for an inspection and the option to accept or reject the merchandise. For more information, FAQs - Return Questions.


Escrow.com Pays the Seller
Escrow.com pays the Seller by check or wire transfer. The transaction is complete.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Like most of the internet, E-bay is only dangerous to the stupid. If you protect yourself and do your research so that you only deal with reputable sellers you shouldn't have any troubles.

 

[Krk3561]

i only had one bad experience, but the guy eventually sent the item after I left him negative feedback after 3 weeks of no reponses to my emails.

 

[Wolverine27]

Like with anything else...use common sense. There are deals to be had on ebay. However, if the deal is way too good to be true then most likely it is.

 

[Shawn]

Ebay is fine as long as you aren't an idiot.