Unfortunately, eBay is famous for scams and shady transactions. Both buyers and sellers can be swindled, but there are steps you can take to prevent being scammed by a buyer or seller. The key is to take your time and research your trading partner before money or product changes hands.

If you are a buyer, take a few minutes to check out the seller whose product you are interested in. Don’t let price be the only driving factor motivating you to buy from someone. How long has the seller been an eBay member? What is his feedback like? Are the photos of the item clear? Do you understand his policies? Take your time and carefully read the listing before bidding or buying. Click here for more tips on how to avoid being scammed by a seller.

If you are a seller, be proactive in screening out undesirable buyers. State your policies clearly. Set your selling preferences to block buyers with poor trading records. Check out your buyer’s history and feedback. Never, ever ship a product before receiving payment. Always use delivery confirmation so that you can prove that an item has been delivered. Click here for more tips on how to avoid being scammed by buyers.

Both buyers and sellers have recourse if the transaction is not completed properly. Each can file disputes or claims against the other in cases of fraud, missing packages, or unpaid items. Know your rights as a buyer and as a seller. eBay won’t step in to help you unless you know how to initate the process and ask for help. Click here for more information about how to file a dispute on eBay.

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Post from: EveryJoe

Protect Yourself from eBay Scams

Has this happened to you yet? Have you received an email from an eBay buyer like this?

“I bought this by mistake. I don’t want the item. You need to void the transaction.”

This scenario is rather absurd because the buyer has to complete several checkout screens before the purchase is complete. What happened is that he changed his mind. You will still be charged the final value fees unless you take action to recover them.

You can react in several ways.

1) Do nothing, ignore the sale, and move on. Your final value fees won’t be refunded.

2) File an upaid item dispute after 7 days and your fees will be credited back to your account if the customer ultimately does not pay for the item.

3) File a mutual withdrawal. The customer must agree to this, but it is a more friendly resolution if the buyer made an honest mistake. Follow these steps:

a) Log on to your eBay seller page.

b) Click “Dispute Console.”

c) Enter the item number.

d) Under “Why are you reporting this item?” Click, “We have both agreed not to complete this transaction.” Answer the following question with details of the situation.

e) Buyer will receive an email from eBay asking if he/she wants to complete the withdrawal.

f) If the buyer completes the request and agrees to the withdrawal, fees are refunded immediately. You will receive an email with this information.

As long as the buyer agrees to this resolution, it is a much more amicable way to resolve the situation when a buyer decides he doesn’t want the item, or has made a resonable error during the purchase. Click here for complete details regarding filing a mutual withdrawal from eBay’s Help Index.

[Image Source: Flickr]

Post from: EveryJoe

What to do When Your eBay Buyer Backs Out of the Transaction