How can an honest seller avoid being scammed on eBay?

Question

Let's face it! There are a lot of dishonest people out there. You can send out a perfectly good item, and have it returned to you all broken up, with the buyer complaining that it didn't work.
You can also have someone claim they never even got the item, or that it wasn't as described, then try to get their money back. You know you're honest, but what about them? How can you guarantee you won't get cheated? No web links, please--just good answers.

Answer 1

well as I just said on another ebay topic EBAY should be Closed and BANNED! You get clowns selling SNOW! Not to mention the $10 Million for a Wii Gaming Console.

What I do is insure everything ship by a reptuable company (Fed Ex UPS TAKE IT DIRECTLY TO THEIR CENTERS DO NOT USE Kinkos, Mail Boxes etc and so on.) They have the resources to check shipping claims so you don't have to. List everything in detail heck take pics of it as well BEFORE you ship it.

You will not prevent all scams but you can limit their attempts.

Answer 2

Well, I can tell ya this: it's much harder to be scammed as a seller than it is as a buyer. And as careful as you are, there is always going to be an element of risk involved in being in business. But no risk, no reward, right?

Here are the things I did as a seller on Ebay that made me more comfortable.

1. Never accept any payment other than a paypal payment, cash or a USPS (post office) money order. No checks ever - not even a cashier's check. They're way too easy to fake and although they will clear the bank initially, you'll end up on the hook for the bounced check charges once your bank realizes its a fake.

2. Never send out the item until the payment is in hand. No matter how bad they really gotta have it right now and will send the money tomorrow, they swear, please, please, please! Remember you're in business and those rules are simple. You pay me, you take the item, we're cool. See ya next time.

3. Always use priority mail delivery with a receipt confirmation of arrival. The post office is still the best, fastest, least expensive way to ship most things. Using their flat rate priority mailing box lets you mail anything that will fit into it, whether it's as light as a feather or weighs 50 pounds, for less than $8. And receipt confirmation is an additional 40 cents. Be sure to be very up front about your shipping charges and methods in your ad. And don't waiver from what you set forth. It only leads to problems.

4. Some people are just more trouble than they're worth. Don't do business with people who have negative buying histories. In fact, you can set your selling preferences to only accept bids from people who have been consistent in their bidding and buying.

5. Be honest and forthcoming about your item. Most people won't care that there are tiny scratches or a little peeling paint - if they know what to expect before it arrives. But if you aren't completely honest and they see something they don't like, you're gonna hear about it. Post accurate, detailed pictures of your item, including any damage.

6. Be clear about your terms. Do you accept returns? Will you offer refunds? When will you ship the item? Will you ship overseas? Are you willing to ship COD? All of these questions should be answered in a concise, simple paragraph in your terms, which also includes your shipping process. It doesn't matter if someone wants to be difficult later. Once they agree to your terms by purchasing your item, that's it. EBay won't get involved as long as you are sure to state your terms.

Now, I followed all these rules, and there were still sometimes people who just like to be difficult. Eh, whatareyagonnado? May this be the worst of your worries. :)

Good luck.

Answer 3

Well checkpoints here are 4. One a registered voter,
two a mailbox address with an address property. Three a
trade that is market adjustment. Four a prompt payment in
advance to you the seller. Making sure the payment clears
is standard today.

Answer 4

Always make sure you get proof of delivery, I can't tell you how many times people have tried to say that they never received the item and try to get a refund.

Answer 5

there's always that 1% that will try it.
Be honest in your description and offer registered or insurance on postage. If you detail your description, then they don't have a leg to stand on.

Answer 6

You can't guarantee that you won't get cheated. Get delivery receipts for all of your shipments.

Everyone gets cheated on eBay sooner or later. Plan for it.