| As with any market, trading on eBay is not
without its hassles and snags.
First of all, it should be duly noted that eBay is an
online market/transaction facilitator. It merely becomes a means for the buyer and the
seller to meet.
Because of its online nature, eBay's auction listing
provides the buyers with a wide selection of goods. The buyers are also enabled to review
the seller through the seller's feedback rating. This helps the buyer decide whether or
not to pursue the trade.
The sellers on the other hand, benefit from a wider
audience due to the popularity of the Internet and eBay. eBay enables them to post easily,
quickly, and extensively.
When eBay connects buyer and seller, the transactions truly
begin as well as the headaches.
Even with the automated nature of most of today's
transactions, eBay is still built on the basic foundation of trading: trust.
A good deal of trust is involved in eBay trading. The buyer
has to trust that the seller is listing a legitimate item, and that he or she will deliver
that item when paid. The seller, on the other hand, has to trust the buyer to pay fully
and without any hidden catches.
Here are a few of the problems one may encounter when
using eBay.
- Seller does not deliver product
This is a buyer's biggest fear. However, it is also one of
the most common snags buyers encounter. Usually, when closing a deal, the seller will
email purchase instructions to the buyer. This will usually include instructions for
payment. The seller will then promise to have the item delivered upon receipt of payment.
If the buyer, after fulfilling his or her part, does not
receive the item within the agreed upon date, he or she should immediately try contacting
the seller. If this proves to be fruitless, he or she should file a complaint with eBay
for assistance regarding the transaction.
- Seller delivers a different / defective product
Sometimes the trading is smooth. Everything goes according
to schedule. However, upon receipt of the item, the buyer finds out that the item is
significantly different from its description on eBay.
What should the buyer do about this?
Good communication between the buyer and seller usually
brings about a speedy and satisfying end to any trading dispute. This should always be the
first step when handling a dispute.
- Seller cannot be contacted for questions when
closing deal
Most disputes come about due to miscommunication between
seller and buyer. But if the seller can not be contacted, that presents a bigger problem
for the buyer especially if that person has already fulfilled payment of the item.
Contacting eBay may help to resolve this problem and they are sometimes willing to supply
further information about the seller. |
