"Best way to use ebay?" Topic

I've sold a number of smaller things on ebay without any problems but I am considering putting up some three to five hundred dollar items and I am concerned about paypal. From what I have read here, if the buyer says they didn't get the package, paypal will side with the buyer even if the seller has insurance and proof of delivery, so, as a seller, I would be out my product and my money. I am considering a US only auction with insurance and delivery confirmation required. Payment to be by check, which must clear prior to shipment. Is this the safest way to sell on ebay? Would you refuse to bid on an auction that required a check? I wouldn't but perhaps some may. Thanks for your insight.

Not sure about US, but in UK EBay insists on sellers accepting PayPal payments. I agree with you about the dangers of unscrupulous buyers trying a " charge-back". Is it worth doing local pick up and requesting cash on collection? Reduces the market, but at least you can be sure of your money and there's nothing going into PayPal's grasping little mitts.

As far as I know ebay doesn't require ebayers to use paypal but I could be mistaken. Do any US ebayers know for sure?

My ebay stuff goes from 200 to 1500 miles from my door, so I wouldn't do a pick-up auction. If it came to that, I'd drag the stuff (miniatures collections) to some conventions.

The issue with Paypal and International shipping is what paypal requires for proof of delievery overseas is either not really available for US shippers or requires really high postage rates that International buyers won't pay.

Basically, do a google search, as there is good discussion on this issue.

^^^Which is why it would be a "US only" auction.

I have done a Google search; now I am here.

This is just one person's opinion so take it as that.

I'd avoid sellers with those terms for a number of reasons. First, it's extra effort for me. I have to find my checkbook (I may write 3 checks a year), mail it, wait for the check to clear then finally receive the product. This process adds days or weeks to the transaction. Using PayPal I can complete the payment in minutes, not days or weeks. If someone else is offering the same or similar items without the hassle then I'd buy from them.

Second, I've seen similar terms from sellers and it strikes me as a bit paranoid. As a buyer I'd like to be treated as one and not as a suspect. As an example, there used to be a hobby store where the staff watched your every move because they were afraid of shoplifters. It always bothered me when I went there and eventually quit buying from them.

Finally, I would not pay for insurance and delivery confirmation. Those are designed to protect you as a seller, not me as a buyer. If something gets lost and you file a claim with the post office, you as the seller get the money not me. It's still your responsibility to deliver the goods. (In most postal deliveries I do not take legal ownership of the goods until it is delivered, not when it is shipped so the insurance protects you, not me).

However, I have no problem with the US only auction. Sometimes a product is too difficult or expensive to ship overseas.

I haven't bought or sold on eBay in years but I've always felt the easier you make it for someone to buy your product the more successful you will be in selling.

Require payment through a USPS Money Order: same as cash, and if they attempt to defraud you, the full weight of the USPS will come down on them (you). Not all Money Orders are created equal. They are used fraudulently, every day (MO's are a favorite of the Nigerian Oil Minister's office…). Make certain it is issued by the United States Postal Service -- reject all others for security reasons, as they could be fakes, and if they are, who do you go to for resolution?…

The USPS Money Order can be cashed at any USPS office, or it can be deposited at your bank. It really is the safest payment method: it protects both parties; if they have an issue with it, move onto another buyer -- life is too short to deal with folks like that. Cheers!

Not sure eBay will permit you to restrict the sale to those terms.

You might be better off setting up your own website, briefly, to sell the items.

The USPS M.O. idea is a good one.

@some other name: Thanks for your input. I'm not worried so much about a buyer ripping me off, I'm more concerned with some schmo at the post office losing my package or delivering it to the wrong house, but the net affect would be the same.

I've had ebay refuse to post a number of my auctions when I listed a money order as an acceptable method of payment, stating they were doing it to protect me against money order fraud.

Ebay does force you to accept paypal here in the US.

I have sold high dollar stuff on Ebay in the collectible/hobbies category and its never been a problem. I've had maybe 5 charge backs in 12 years (13,000+ transactions)and I rarely used tracking, so I think your worrying over nothing really.

If you want peace of mind us the signature required service with your carrier.

The "REAL" reason is to protect their Paypal concession, so they get an even larger cut of your money from sales.

Not sure anyone has challenged them in court over the issue, but seems like an illegal business monopoly to me.

Can you say "class action lawsuit"?

In my experience, Ebay will not allow you to advertise that you will accept money orders but you can accept them if they are offered. You just mark the item as sold. Ebay still gets its cut.