Pi's Principles of Pain Prevention
Recommendations That Really Work For Comfortable eBay Transactions

Visitors to the eBay Help and Discussion boards can readily recognize a rash of redundant posts. Many, many of the posters complain about essentially the same problems. Threads can grow as posters attempt to support one side or the other.

This list of observations and recommendations attempts to reduce the potential pain of an eBay transaction gone sour by sharing "lessons learned" by other eBayers.

These recommendations work. Give 'em a try!

Buyers Sellers
  • The best method of paying is PayPal funded with a credit card

  • The worst method is cash (or Western Union Instant Money)

  • Don't accept a seller's offer to sell an eBay item "off-eBay"

  • Always read the entire text of an auction. Then, read it again. Some sellers sneak surprises in the boilerplate.

  • Do your research -- both on the delivered price of the widget elsewhere, as well as the performance of the seller. Ask questions before bidding, not after.

  • If something goes bad, don't let your complaint time windows close.

  • Bid once, bid your TRUE maximum, bid as late as possible.

  • Check the manufacturer's warranty before you buy ... some manufacturers' warranties are valid ONLY if the purchase was from an authorized seller.
  • The method of receiving payment that gives the buyer fewest opportunities for reversal is postal money order.

  • Credit cards give the buyer a lot of protection, and payments can be charged back.

  • PayPal is very convenient, and safe for the seller if you do things right. If you accept PayPal, make sure you follow their policies for full seller protection!
    Make a copy of the Seller Protection Policy. Read it several times. Put a copy under your pillow. If you miss following even one of those items, you are doomed.

  • If the buyer paid with PayPal or a credit card, and if loss of the widget is more than you can afford, ALWAYS insure the shipment, even if the buyer did not ask for insurance!

  • Don't accept a buyer's offer to buy an eBay item "off-eBay"

  • Even money orders and certified checks can be forged.

  • Don't ship until you have money in-hand.

  • Take pictures, record serial numbers, and affix secret marks to widgets that may need them.


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