Cooling Off Period

Inishdon_2

Hi,

I am new to and nervous of online auctions and just wondered if I bought something what are my consumer rights as regards a 'cooling off period' that i would 'normally' have.

Is there a good website that details my e-commerce consumer rights?

Many thanks in advance


Steven

Hintza

If you want a cooling off period you should probably leave EBay alone you will only incur the wrath of sellers.


Technically though if the seller is a trader you probably do have a cooling off period (this needs tested in court) but that will not stop you being thrown off ebay for non payment. Three non paying strikes and you are out.

My best advice to you is research your market...you must know your prices inside out. Factor in what you would consider a reasonable discount for not having the same protection as you would from a recognised retail outlet. This will depend on a number of factors eg scarcity, chances of buying a duffer etc.

Bid late and set and bid the maximum you are willing to pay. Do not nibble!!!

Check feedback ratings and if in doubt ask questions. If you are worried at all about a seller buy elswhere. Read auction thoroughly and make sure you understand all the sellers terms and conditions again if you are not sure ask.

JPS

Hi Inishdon - welcome to MSE. I agree with everything Hintza has just said.

I will add in one more thing and just say remember eBay is not like a shop in the way that you can not just go there and take it back. Especially once you have open / used something, ebay sellers will find it most difficult to re-sell it at the value for when it is new. Therefore, buy carefully and you should not go wrong. Obviously if something you purchase is faulty, that is a different matter and of course the seller should sort it out, but there are never any promises with eBay!

soolin

I think the most useful advice I ever saw was to treat ebay like you would if buying something from the small ads.

You buy something on trust and exchange money and that's it, no comeback and no regrets. If you don't like the sound of the seller (or in the case of the small ads if they are rude when you phone up to make arrangements) then don't deal.

Soo

pug_in_a_bed

soolin wrote:

I think the most useful advice I ever saw was to treat ebay like you would if buying something from the small ads.

You buy something on trust and exchange money and that's it, no comeback and no regrets. If you don't like the sound of the seller (or in the case of the small ads if they are rude when you phone up to make arrangements) then don't deal.

Soo

that is such a simple explanation, and sums up ebay perfectly!
skill, soolin!

Inishdon_2

Many thanks to you all you posted a reply to this thread.

You have given me a bit to think about.

Thanks and best wishes to you all.

Steven