Collarspace Discussion Forums


Home  Login  Search 

RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here


View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
 
All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here Page: <<   < prev  1 [2]
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/28/2006 10:16:21 PM   
marieToo


Posts: 3595
Joined: 5/21/2006
From: Jersey
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lordandmaster

One basic rule of thumb I have about buying on the internet is that I always look for the merchant with the lowest shipping fees, even if that means paying a little more than the absolute lowest price.  Two reasons.  First, a merchant with low shipping fees has confidence in his merchandise.  It means he doesn't expect many returns.  Second--and this is related to the first--a low shipping fee means that I can return the product, if I don't like it, with a relatively low unrecoverable cost.  People who sell shit on Ebay for $0.02 with $11.95 shipping fees are out to rip you off.  Unless I'm buying something quite large/bulky/heavy, I consider any S & H fee over $5 excessive--especially when it's going by media mail.  I know how much that costs.


It all depends on whats being shipped.  Yes, media mail is cheaper than dirt, but only certain items (books, sheet music, dvd's) can be shipping using media mail.  And it can take quite a while to arrive.  To ship a pair of shoes (approx 2 lbs priority mail, it costs about 5-7 bucks depending on how far its going, plus it costs for the packaging materials. so to pay 10 bucks to ship shoes, is not exhorbanant, but to pay 10 bucks for a paper back novel is definately padded shipping.
And yes, you are correct there is a certain tactic called "ebay fee circumvention" where a buyer will make their profit on the shipping rather than on the price of the item.  Understand that when you list an item on ebay, ebay charges the seller a 'listing fee'.  The higher your beginning bid, the higher your listing fee.  The more you sell the item for, the higher your ebay 'final value fee" is as well.  You see, ebay charges you for the listing (whether it sells or not) and ebay charges you a percentage of the final sale price.  So lets say a person wants to sell an item for10 bucks.... And lets assume the item is really worth 10 bucks, but it only costs a dollar to ship.  Instead of starting the bidding at 10 bucks and making the sale for 10 bucks and paying ebay 3 dollars of that 10 bucks, they will sell the item for a dollar, so ebay only gets 20 cents, and they will then make their profit on the inflated shipping, which ebay cant touch.   so in the end, the customer pays the same 10 bucks whether it was a $1.00 for the item and $9.00 for the shipping, or whether you paid $9.00 for the item and a $1.00 for the shipping.  You're really not getting as ripped off as you think, because either way the item is costing you 10 dollars, no matter how its sliced up, but the seller is saving on ebay fees.  Im not saying its right, but that is why alot of people do it.  Understand that when you purchase an item from a seller, they share about 30% of their profit with ebay and paypal (who also takes a commision of the sale).

(in reply to Lordandmaster)
Profile   Post #: 21
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/28/2006 11:06:48 PM   
allyC


Posts: 778
Joined: 6/2/2004
From: Las Vegas
Status: offline 		I've noticed a lot of sellers do business that way.  I have also seen them get a lot of negative feedback for shipping costs because either a: people don't read the auctions & shipping cost before they bid or b: they think they can talk the person down after the sale and lower shipping costs. I earn my keep via eBay.  They keep raising fees though and then they hit you up again on the other side when you receive payment (paypal.) I do charge a small handling fee but it really does cover handling (i.e. padded envelope, packaging, etc.)  My auctions are usually $2.00 S&H for the first item and $.50 for each additional.  That doesn't even begin to allow me a profit but it does allow me to cover my handling and a tiny percentage of my fees. eBay is making a bloody fortune.  heh.   But they've lost a lot of sellers recently due to yet another fee hike on store items. Either way, I'm still making decent $$ and that makes my owner very happy  :) My best advice to people who don't want to get scammed:   1.  Read the auction very, very carefully.  (I have had buyers purchase rhinestones from me that were described as being 8mm by 4mm and then complain that they weren't 15mm by 7mm.  If they would have actually read the item description, they would have seen what size they were.)2.  Read the seller's feedback carefully.  If they have negative feedback in there, find it and see why it was left.  Was it because the shipping was slow or was it because the product sucked? 3.  Ask any questions you have about the item before you buy it.  Once you commit to buy, you've entered a contract.4.  Make sure that the photo in the auction is the actual item you're buying (or an accurate representation.)  Some people put false photos in.  If you're in doubt, send them an e-mail and ask, "Is that the actual photo of the item?"5.  Be clear on S&H costs up front.  If they don't list the cost, ask before buying. Well wishes, Cav's ally

(in reply to marieToo)
Profile   Post #: 22
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/28/2006 11:16:04 PM   
mnottertail


Posts: 60698
Joined: 11/3/2004
Status: offline 		one must know ebay is a company with all kinda good vibes bullshit, you can report shit that says a 100,000 dollar home for 1 dollar and  8.5million shipping cost and you want to report it and then you walk thru 95 scrrens where there policy is that they do not allow unreasonable shipping cost and then some darrell darrell darrell and his other brother, sends you a sweet not that says how sorry they are but gowddamn sorry and they don't understand what it was you were asking because ed was adjusting the buttons on the radio and the fuckin' engine blew up, killed one of our boys--gonna run you more than you figgured---

Then there is auction law, and somebody will bust them on that soon with a couple bucks--

No Reserve means they got to start it for .01 and actual shipping but it don't happen that way all the time..........Federal UCC........

Lassize  Faire.  

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30


(in reply to allyC)
Profile   Post #: 23
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 12:29:25 AM   
FelinePersuasion


Posts: 4792
Joined: 11/20/2004
Status: offline 		there were three teddy bears I wanted 16 bucks each would of been 36 by time I bought them individually, and a lady on ebay was selling all three for way way way less than the store was, I got a great deal.

(in reply to cloudboy)
Profile   Post #: 24
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 7:35:03 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: allyC

I earn my keep via eBay.  ......... That doesn't even begin to allow me a profit


OMG- that is very hard to do. i tried selling stuff there, but frankly it isnt worth my time.

i know i went thru a phaze that i did way to much shopping.
spent $ i shouldnt have for stuff. so i have stuff ozzing out of everywhere.

a bubddy of mine has a delemna too. he keeps buying $600 cookies jars there.

helllllllllllo, how happy does a cookie jar make you ?????

(in reply to allyC)
Profile   Post #: 25
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 11:18:33 AM   
Lordandmaster


Posts: 10943
Joined: 6/22/2004
Status: offline 		See, that's more than reasonable.  I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to pay that kind of S & H fee.  It's when they charge $11.95 to ship a DVD that I move on to the next seller.

quote:

ORIGINAL: allyC

My auctions are usually $2.00 S&H for the first item and $.50 for each additional. 

(in reply to allyC)
Profile   Post #: 26
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 11:50:44 AM   
Termyn8or


Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline 		I think LaM hit the nail on ythe head. You can buy a $2 item with a full money back guarantee. Then it's $16 to ship it, when you know the guy walked into UPS and slapped down about $3.50 to ship it.

Then he can give you a refund, pocket about $12 and sell the item again, probably hoping the buyer asks for a refund to start the cycle again.

What'll they think of next ?

T

(in reply to cloudboy)
Profile   Post #: 27
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 11:57:56 AM   
Zensee


Posts: 1564
Joined: 9/4/2004
Status: offline 		Feedback stats can be misleading. I am currently in a dispute with an abusive character who has inflated good feedback from five-and-dime items then rips people off on big ticket stuff. Look for the negative feedback and see how they deal with customer complaints - that is very telling.



0

_____________________________

"Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water." (proverb)

(in reply to Termyn8or)
Profile   Post #: 28
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 12:09:44 PM   
allyC


Posts: 778
Joined: 6/2/2004
From: Las Vegas
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: allyC

I earn my keep via eBay.  ......... That doesn't even begin to allow me a profit


OMG- that is very hard to do. i tried selling stuff there, but frankly it isnt worth my time.
 Wellll... as far as time goes, I work usually about 12 hours per week and my average income is $3,000/month.   Granted there are some weeks when I put in a lot more hours (especially when stocking inventory, mass listing etc.) but for the most part, I don't have to work many hours, I work from home, I make my own hours, and I found a product that I enjoy working with (and one that a person cannot buy at a mall or retail store). If you find the right niche, stay extremely organized, and play your cards correctly, it can be very worth your time.  By my calculations, I average over 60 bucks an hour.   Oh... and in the above quote, the "That doesn't even begin to allow me a profit" was referring to earning a profit from shipping.  ;) Well wishes, Cav's ally

(in reply to pahunkboy)
Profile   Post #: 29
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 12:42:29 PM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: allyC

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

quote:

ORIGINAL: allyC

I earn my keep via eBay.  ......... That doesn't even begin to allow me a profit


OMG- that is very hard to do. i tried selling stuff there, but frankly it isnt worth my time.
 Wellll... as far as time goes, I work usually about 12 hours per week and my average income is $3,000/month.   Granted there are some weeks when I put in a lot more hours (especially when stocking inventory, mass listing etc.) but for the most part, I don't have to work many hours, I work from home, I make my own hours, and I found a product that I enjoy working with (and one that a person cannot buy at a mall or retail store). If you find the right niche, stay extremely organized, and play your cards correctly, it can be very worth your time.  By my calculations, I average over 60 bucks an hour.   Oh... and in the above quote, the "That doesn't even begin to allow me a profit" was referring to earning a profit from shipping.  ;) Well wishes, Cav's ally


Im sorry for my sloppy editing.  You have to do things just right there. I see the tapes they push on tv. Get rich selling on ebay stuff.....  there is alot of work to it.

(in reply to allyC)
Profile   Post #: 30
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 2:43:31 PM   
marieToo


Posts: 3595
Joined: 5/21/2006
From: Jersey
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

I think LaM hit the nail on ythe head. You can buy a $2 item with a full money back guarantee. Then it's $16 to ship it, when you know the guy walked into UPS and slapped down about $3.50 to ship it.

Then he can give you a refund, pocket about $12 and sell the item again, probably hoping the buyer asks for a refund to start the cycle again.

What'll they think of next ?

T


lmfaoooo.....Hey thanks for the great idea!! 

(in reply to Termyn8or)
Profile   Post #: 31
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 2:54:59 PM   
ThatLilBrat


Posts: 149
Joined: 2/14/2005
Status: offline 		I have had wonderful experiences with purchases on eBay.

I have never had a negative transaction as an eBay seller. My best auction was getting $650. for a one-of-a-kind fashion doll gown I made ....  I play with fashion dolls for a living and love making leather outfits   <snickers and cracks up>

I am currently working on a BDSM doll using a very realistic Playboy 16" doll complete with miniature accessories and toys.  I cracked up at the yellow book I made "Domme for Dummies" ....... <ducks from flying objects>

<foot stomp> It is so tooooo funny.


http://www.debsboot-ique.netfirms.com/SR-Tyler/Playboy/Playboy.htm

http://www.debsboot-ique.netfirms.com/Auction/Black%20Leather/BlackLeather.htm

_____________________________

Remember the three R's:
Respect for self;
Respect for others; and
Responsibility for ALL your actions and accept the consquences of your decisions

(in reply to cloudboy)
Profile   Post #: 32
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 5:06:40 PM   
BleuSadist


Posts: 3
Joined: 4/12/2004
From: Mesa, Arizona
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: ThatLilBrat

I am currently working on a BDSM doll using a very realistic Playboy 16" doll complete with miniature accessories and toys.  I cracked up at the yellow book I made "Domme for Dummies" .......

I have seen some of her work and it's great. You will not want to miss her BDSM doll nor will you want to miss the chance to bid on it once it goes to auction.

(in reply to ThatLilBrat)
Profile   Post #: 33
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 5:32:50 PM   
allyC


Posts: 778
Joined: 6/2/2004
From: Las Vegas
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy
You have to do things just right there. I see the tapes they push on tv. Get rich selling on ebay stuff.....  there is alot of work to it.
 I don't know much about the "get rich" tapes.  Selling on eBay isn't difficult.  It is finding the right item to sell and ensuring you have a steady, reliable, wholesale source for your inventory. A lot of programs try to sell people on companies who drop-ship which can mean disaster if that company isn't reliable. I found my niche on my own and deal with individual people (not corporations) for my inventory.  I know my suppliers (and their reputations) very well and that helps too.  I originally got started by going out on the weekends and picking up collectables and antiques from garage & estate sales.  I did fairly well with those items but now that I've settled into one specialty, I'm kickin' ass and takin' names.  hehehe Well wishes, Cav's ally  

(in reply to pahunkboy)
Profile   Post #: 34
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 5:48:38 PM   
ScooterTrash


Posts: 1407
Joined: 1/24/2005
From: Indiana
Status: offline 		I have made around 180 purchases on E-bay and sold about 10 items. As LAM mentioned, pay attention to the shipping up front, it really is a good indicator. I have to admit, I've been ripped off a couple times, but I have learned that if it's a high buck item, make sure they are close enough you can show up at their doorstep to pick up the item. And filing a dispute makes you feel better, but that's about it. I've had killer deals like the cherry sportster engine case for around $200 and then there's the other side of the coin, the three dimensional Star Trek chess set for $80, that is missing one of the sterling silver pieces (not easy to find just one). It's no different than a live auction where you are buying a "lot" of what-cha-ma-callits when you see one item you really want....you take your chances.

_____________________________

Formal symbolic representation of qualitative entities is doomed to its rightful place of minor significance in a world where flowers and beautiful women abound.
-Albert Einstein

(in reply to pahunkboy)
Profile   Post #: 35
RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here - 8/29/2006 8:18:39 PM   
NeedToUseYou


Posts: 2297
Joined: 12/24/2005
From: None of your business
Status: offline 		I sell about 90 percent of my inventory through ebay among a few IDs depending on what I'm selling. Ebay and any commerce really is all about finding a good source of product and running your operation more efficiently than others. We started off buying stuff at government surplus, auctions, etc... scouted for sources found better sources, looked more found better sources, until we had better sources than most for the items we sell.Then scaled up to buying truckloads, for additional saving on product and shipping.  I really don't understand how people can't make money on ebay, my average cost per item for low end stuff is 3.50 ,(overstocks, liquidations, etc..). 3.50 cost, average bid price of all items sold is 16.00 dollars, average shipping overage, is 2.50. So, the 2.50ish overage takes care of costs of supplies(buying huge amounts at a time reduces this cost dramaticly), listing fees, and part of the FVF. So, from the 16.00 you subtract 3.50 cost of item leaves 12.50 minus a dollar for misc fees left after shipping overage. 11.50 profit minus a dollar I pay my helpers for processing the item equals 10.50 profit / item on the lowes tier products we sell. So, it ends up being you invest 3.50 in a item and get back 14.00 after all expenses. That beats selling retail, which we could do in our location but it really doesn't seem worth it.  I track all of the costs in the program it's right on accurate. We are in a rural area so warehouse costs are relatively low. It might be a different story trying to do this in a city. It couldn't be easier anyway.

It took me a while to automate the selling to the level I have, took about 9 months to get my integrated shipping/inventory management/listing/tracking program made,myself . You could pay a company to lease a similiar product but they charge obsurd prices and you need a program to sell en masse. But now, I don't really have to do anything but work on new sources of product, help check-in and ship(don't have to but it helps keep things smooth), and listing takes about 10 minutes a day now, whereas listing used to take an hour a day to do, shipping time has been cut down to. So, It's not easy to start but it gets easier the better sources you find and when you get better methods for doing the redundant tasks which tend to eat your time up. 

I was doing everything between myself and my partner, but now since we are hiring people to do the common tasks, I might get a life again. LOL. About 3 years time invested, but I  have a solid niche and my time is not scheduled and my free time is beginning to emerge again. LMAO, don't know what to do with it.

Alot of upfront time investment is what people don't understand is involved to make any business worthwhile. Ebay, retail, E-commerce site,service industry, anything.  But it's starting to pay off more and more now. 3 years isn't that much time in the scope of things, I wasted that doing jobs I absolutely hated before.

People that think they can just hop on ebay and use any old drop shipper or any wholesaler are due to lose alot of money. I know my products inside and out, I know my market inside and out, I know my program that controls it inside and out. I'm not worried about not selling and making money on ebay, just concerned with finding more good niches. But isn't that all commerce.

As far as getting ripped off as a seller on ebay, it's never happened to me. I ship with delivery confirmation or tracking, and that's the only proof I've ever had to provide. So, not sure how people get ripped as sellers so often. As a buyer one seller attempted to rip me off but since they never shipped and couldn't provide tracking/delivery confirmation, automatic charge reversal. So, I'm not sure how people get ripped off. I've fought it from both ends and won.

(in reply to pahunkboy)
Profile   Post #: 36
Page:   <<   < prev  1 [2]
All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid >> RE: ebay frauds? a great piece here Page: <<   < prev  1 [2]
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy

0.078