All about Shopping!

I used to sell on Ebay and have dabbled in it both locally in Malaysia (where listing is free) and on international Ebay. I can safely say that there is nothing more irritating or frustrating to the seller than when a buyer fails to contact them before the auction ends, about any queries they may have about the item, and then raise a ruckus when they receive the product.

Sometimes, the seller may not have many pictures of the item up in the auction for reasons of fees. So, if you want more pictures, email the seller and ask. Usually the sellers will oblige. This is especially important when buying used clothing or bags or shoes. You want to see every possible angle of the product before buying and contacting the seller is the best way to do it.

If you query the origin of the product, or its age, contact the seller. If you want to see the item in natural light, contact the seller. If you do not and raise issues after receiving the item,  you will not only make life difficult for yourself, but also for a genuine seller.

My philosophy as a buyer on ebay is always to contact the seller if I’m in doubt. My questions have ranged from the seller’s international shipping costs, to asking for additional photos and in most cases, the sellers are always polite. After all, its a business just like any other. And as a seller, I am more than happy to answer any query from an interested buyer. It helps clear up doubts and helps everyone have a happy Ebay experience.

So, the next time you have doubts about an Ebay auction, or if you just want more information, click on the contact the seller link and ask your question. You have nothing to lose and maybe a bargain to gain!

Tags: Ebay by ParisB
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Laugh all you like at the cartoon, but fakes are a very real concern when you shop on Ebay, or on any online auction site for that matter. Whilst it is not always possible to spot a fake item, there are some telling signs that should ring warning bells when you see such auctions:

• The seller does not have many photos of the item from different angles. This is true for items like handbags. It would be advisable to ask for more photos of the item and satisfying yourself of the authenticity before bidding.
• Do not assume that if the seller says its “Authentic” it is. This used to be a benchmark but not anymore.
• The Buy it Now price is too low. Usually, sellers of authentic products do not sell their items for very low prices so this is a clear warning sign.
• The seller does not offer a money back guarantee. Usually, sellers of authentic items will offer a money back guarantee because they know their items are real and cannot be challenged.
• The seller has many of the same item. If it is an item that is easily found then its hard to tell if its fake. However, if it is a limited edition item e.g. a limited edition handbag, a seller who has many similar items up for auction should send warning bells ringing.
• The item ships from China or Hong Kong or Taiwan. This is usually in the case of clothes or handbags or shoes. I have nothing against people from these countries. I come from one that has such a stigma too and I too have been discriminated against. But if the seller puts their location as the USA but ships the item from countries outside, beware.

Fake items are not limited to clothes or bags or shoes. Even makeup and skincare are not spared. So, if you plan to buy something expensive or limited edition on Ebay hoping it will be cheaper, do your research first and make sure you know what the original item looks like. You don’t want to spend all your money and then find out that what you have in your hands are a worthless copy. In the case of makeup and skincare, it might even be damaging to your health.

So, beware fakes on Ebay and shop safe!

This post is part of the Daily Blog Tips Blog Writing Project: Tips and Tricks.

Tags: Ebay, Online shopping, Warnings by ParisB
22 Comments »