>> It's
obvious that 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 seem to be
plotting daily to forward their dastardly schemes and
take advantage of eBay's power.
So, what is the user's recourse? The users of eBay must
learn to gather information and take meticulous care in
dealing on eBay. Only then can they be less gullible to
scammers.
A 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 this situation, 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 this fraud find it difficult to reclaim their
items. They may, however, appeal to the legal system
afforded by the state they live in. They must also
contact eBay regarding the matter for any assistance
they may be willing to offer.
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 that sellers can use to
potentially recover lost selling fees. If sellers
complete the process to eBay's satisfaction, they will
receive a Final Value Fee credit and a re-list credit.
Filing out an Unpaid Item dispute is the first step
toward eBay reimbursing such fees. A person 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 that eBay recommends.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of 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.
Payment Methods on eBay
Gone are the days when only cash (or cattle in some
cases) was the only accepted mode of payment for trades.
As the concept of trading evolved, so did the means of
paying for items.
Today's electronic world pushes the envelop further.
With the advent of online trading systems such as eBay,
many new forms of payment have flourished.
First of all, on eBay, the mode of payment depends on
the agreement between the buyer and the seller. Most
often, the seller will specify his or her desired
payment method. In these cases, the seller often has
primacy in the decisions regarding payment modes.
However, the buyer may still communicate with the seller
regarding a viable alternative if it suits both parties.
The following is a list of common eBay payment modes.
Cash On Delivery
Cash is, after all, still cash. This payment method can
be done through a third party courier system or by the
buyer and seller meeting each other at an agreed place.
The advantage of a cash transaction is that the exchange
of the item for payment is done in the presence of the
buyer and the seller (or the seller's representative).
However, some people will not accept the risk present
when two strangers meet.
Personal Check
One popular method of payment is personal check. Writing
checks is easy and safe. However, many sellers do not
like accepting check because they are easy to cancel.
PayPal
PayPal is the payment of choice on eBay. In fact, eBay
owns PayPal.
Using PayPal is easy, convenient, and relatively safe.
PayPal acts as like an internet 'wire transfer.'
After signing-up for PayPal, one may send cash to anyone
with an email address using the PayPal system. PayPal
also has security features that safeguard against fraud
in case there is a dispute between the seller and the
buyer. This system is best for transactions up to $1000.
Escrow.com
Escrow.com is the payment of choice for purchases over
$500. Escrow.com holds the buyer's money from the seller
until the seller delivers the item. Only then will the
funds be released to the seller. This system makes for a
very safe, although highly procedural transaction.
Wire Transfer
This is the payment of choice for countries that do not
carry the PayPal service. Wire transfers are risky
because the buyer usually has to wire over the funds
before the seller sends the items. The chance for
non-delivery of items is high.
Other Payment Systems
The number of third party payment services is steadily
on the rise. Their systems for payment vary. However, to
be successful they must be convenient to use and safe as
well.
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