Ralph Berg said:
I always cringe when I win an item with a minimum bid. Why ? Because I know the chances are good I will never receive the item. They always seem to be "lost" during shipment. I've never had any problems getting a refund, although I have had several try to unsuccessfully keep the money paid for shipping.
Ralph
Hey Folks, it is interesting to read about the problems you encountered. Out of the 350 e-Bay deals i made so far, i had maybe 5-7 negative experiences.
When ever a item was significant not as described, i was always refunded the difference which i asked fore. Be aware that i pay always with paypal, since it is only paypal which will take any necessary action. If you escalate the case from a dispiute to a claim, paypal will investigate the case. This investigation goes so far that you might have to send in additional proof.
if i remember right, it is a whole different ball game if someone does not use paypal. E-bay has a tool which allows to argue with the vendor (dispute), and it is assumed that buyer and vendor find this way a solution, but that is the extend of it.
Be aware that E-Bay has a lot of tools which help to resolve any trouble. for example most folks are not aware that it is possible to request the vendors home address, once you have a winning bid you can request phone# and E-mail address, home address. The vendor is informed about such request, and once you have this information it is a different ball game. Even i do not contact any vendor, it is a great psychological tool, it removes the false feeling of being protected in this so anonymous internet.
When i started to buy larger equipment, up to $4000, E-bay sent me a special phone number and a pin, this way it is possible for me to get a line to the resolution center, talking live to a ebay represent. I guess that it would be way to much effort for ebay to care about all the smaller cases, but if bigger amounts are traded, they seem to care a bit more.
How ever, for me E-bay is a absolute great place to buy inexpensive tools. here a sample of my last deal. for $150 i bought a Mitutoyo tool, which would cost new about $560/600 http://www.drillspot.com/products/350731/Mitutoyo_543-463B_Electronic_Digital_Indicator http://www.drillspot.com/products/351362/Mitutoyo_7004_Indicator_Stand
Since the measuring stand ($200 new) was included, i got a tool for a price which can’t be beaten.
think global Pius
