eBay provides internet users with an online flea market where
buyers and sellers from around the world meet to conduct trade.
However, like most traders who are faced with an innovation of
this sort, the first question will always be: It is safe?
The answer is yes, but devious scammers are daily plotting means
to take advantage of eBay's power to forward their dastardly
schemes.
The user's recourse...information and meticulous care in dealing
on eBay. Only then can he be less vulnerable to the scammer.
The common consensus is that bidders are often scammed by
sellers. But it is possible for things to be the other way
around.
Here is a list of the common problems sellers encounter and the
means to handle them.
Fake Escrow Services
A winning bidder may request that an escrow service be used to
assure both parties of a fair transaction. Unfortunately, the
seller is sometimes duped into using a fake escrow system.
To avoid such, the seller must always verify the authenticity of
an escrow service. eBay recommends the use of escrow.com. If the
bidder insists on his or her escrow service, chances are, that
person is a scammer.
Victims of such find it difficult to reclaim their items. They
may, however, appeal to the legal means afforded by the state
they live in. They must also contact eBay regarding the matter
for any assistance they may offer at that juncture.
Deadbeat Bidders
Deadbeat bidders (a winning bidder who doesn't pay for an item
at the auction's close) are more common on eBay. If the winner
of your auction does not pay, you may leave that person a
negative feedback.
As for the listing fees the seller shells out, eBay lays out a
four step procedure sellers can use to potentially recover lost
selling fees. If the sellers complete the process to eBay's
satisfaction, they will receive a Final Value Fee credit and a
relist credit. Filing an Unpaid Item dispute is the first step
toward eBay reimbursing those fees. One can report an unpaid
item up to 45 days after an auction's close.
Trade Dispute
This occurs when the seller and bidder disagree on some terms of
the sale. This may also happen if there is a purported violation
of any of these agreements.
If communication between both parties does not help, they may
consider availing of a third-party dispute resolution outfit to
help. SquareTrade.com is one of these outfits eBay recommends.
Prevention is Better than Cure
A seller's life may be made terrible because of the constant
scamming attacks unscrupulous individuals undertake. But, with
proper information and care, he or she can continue trading on
eBay with relative safety.
About the author:
David Riewe is a Publisher and Online Marketer. Visit his eBay
Blog to Discover 101 Ebay Auction Tips in this FREE ebook
http://www.push-button-online-income.com/ebayblog
