Ebay - bad sellers

Pink-Angel

I'm wondering if I am alone is experiencing problems with so many sellers on ebay being dishonest about the condition of items? Being on a tight budget I do occasionally buy clothes on ebay, yet I'm starting to think it's not worth it. I always check feedback, only buy items with full descriptions stating item as at least vgc, ask questions, etc. But so often an item described as 'like new' or 'excellent condition' turns out to be well past its best or damaged. I have used the dispute process to return items, but the downside is paying out postage as they don't refund return costs.

I have been lucky with some real bargains, but sadly my experience is more negative than postive. Perhaps I set up for disappointment because I am totally honest about items I sell and expect other people to do the same. I'm thinking of using charity shops in future where I can physically see before I buy.

I wondered what experience others have had with ebay purchases, and whether I am just very unlucky?!

niceguyed

I've been on ebay for 8 years buying and selling and touch wood haven't had the problems you've experienced. Sounds like you've been a tad unlucky if you've had more bad buys than good.

Don't expect ebay/paypal to be concerned, nothing stops the forward momentum of corporate wealth. Maybe supporting the local charity shops is a more worthwhile venture as you suggest.

Mr_Tiggywinkle

No, you are most certainly not alone. I have had more ebay disasters over the years than I care to mention, particularly with clothes. Rather like yourself I have fairly meticulous standards when selling occasionaly and foolishly expect others to adhere to the same.

I think when it reaches the point where you cannot even be bothered to open a dispute and just put the items straight in the charity bin it is really time to stop!

mandragora_2

Car boots are a good way of picking up what you need - plenty of clothes (and great for kids' stuff) that you can see, pick up, check out, even try on if you want and haggle over before parting with a penny. The sellers can see their competition, too - and if you're not happy it's easy to walk away and go on to the next stall. No hanging around for a week, either, waiting for an auction to end. The season will be getting into swing again very soon!!

Starrystarrynight

I've bought quite a few used Monsoon clothing items on ebay. I've been quite lucky, I guess, and all have been ok. I'm very aware, though, it might not always be the case so I limit myself and won't pay too high a price just in case the item isn't in such good nick or looks very worn.

Pink-Angel

Thanks everyone for your respnses, it does seem that experiences are mixed.

I think it really it is time for me to quit buying on ebay, having just dealt with a very unpleasant seller who sold me an 'as new' top which was stained and had more bobbling than bubble wrap.

Interesting what you say though Mrs Mama about buyers - I've had a few not pay, which is annoying, but no other problems with buyers, mainly sellers.

Miss_Havisham

so far, fingers crossed, I've not had any disasters but some sellers really annoy me with their don't care attitude.

I've received small delicate items in just an envelope, bundles of things just "bundled" into a plastic carrier rather than being folded neatly and items described as "used" which should be described as "knackered". Items that should not be bent are sent without any cardboard stiffeners or Do No Bend in the envelope.

I don't understand why they do this. I take pride with the items I sell and always worry in case the buyer isn't satisfied.


Miss H

pickledtink

My experiences as a buyer have probably turned out to be 50/50 in reality. Sometimes you just let it go as the hassle isn't worth it. Some sellers will refund politely and immediately but others draw it out to ridiculous time consuming lengths in the clear hope that you'll just give up.
Some can be very defensive, rude and unpleasant. I have had rubbish repro goods which they claim are genuine antique, clothes torn and stained, a fur 'stole' which was actually 2 separate scraps unlined and clearly cut off an old coat. It varies but I definitely don't always hope for the same honesty and care I apply when selling. To be honest I probably nowadays am more delighted than it warrants when something arrives as described and decently packed!

grayme-m

Pink-Angel wrote: »

Interesting what you say though Mrs Mama about buyers - I've had a few not pay, which is annoying, but no other problems with buyers, mainly sellers.

Ignore MrsMama, just a troll that argues black is white.

My wife shows me clothes that are not great, greys where they should be white, smokey smelling 'smoke free home' clothes, 'as new' with bobbles etc.

I had to laugh when a few years ago we bought a Sat Nav 'brand new', so used that the buttons were worn. The seller had the cheek to tell after my request for refund was escalated to a paypal dispute that this was her first and last experience into selling. I responded by selling it would have gone a lot better if she'd been honest.