Getting Tricked by other Sellers

I have been all over eBay and have found many ads that are misleading. People are getting good at hiding the truth about items you purchase. I have bought a couple of these items and though that I should write a quick guide to keep other users from being abused.

• If you are buying computer related products, make sure that you ask the seller about operating system compatibality. I bought a TV card that wasn't compatible with windows XP. It also said "NEW". It was new, but since it came from Hong Kong, the Seller burnt the drivers onto a CDR with an english conversion. Even then the installation was difficult, and I couldn't find any manufactuer information because it was made in Hong Kong.
• Pay close attention to "Shipping & Handling". This is the largest BS that I've seen on eBay. Sure the item you will win is only $0.99, but the shipping is $70.00. How do you save? Especially when we both know it only costs like $10.00 to ship.
• FAKE emails. I have had (x2) FAKE emails in 2 days. Never use links in personal emails from eBay. I have found that it much more secure to logon to eBay and go to "My Messages" as Authentic emails from eBay are mailed to both "My Messages" and your email.
• Never send Cash to a Seller. There is no receipt of transaction. Easy money lost. I haven't done this but I have had people ask me.
• PayPal is secure, fast, and easy. Even if you don't have a Credit Card. You can have it set-up to your debit account.
• Some Sellers will accept Email Money Transfers.
• If you are selling items yourself, make sure to visit Auctiva's Website
• Be sure to check the feedback from seller's you want to purchase from. While looking at their feedback, check out the feedback they left for others. This can be very useful to see how the seller's communication is.
• Don't be scared to contact members in the feedback section of the seller. After all, it is your money. Do the research, it pays off. I found this very useful when members left negative feedback for a seller. I've contacted the buyers to enquire on their experience.
• Members selling with 100% feedback does not mean that the seller is trust worthy. Read the feedback. Although it says positive, the comment maybe negative or informative. Some buyers may have left positive feedback for fast shipping, but not the product as it may have been damaged or not useable, and/or the communication was poor.
• *** PAYPAL *** If you have not recieved your item, and the seller is not responding, or the time for shipment is excessive, sign-in to your paypal account. Open a dispute. Make sure to do this within 45 days of making the payment or paypal won't help you. If the seller does not respond to Paypal's inquiry within 7 days, you win your dispute and PayPal will refund you minus the PayPal fee ($25 ???) . If the seller does respond, PayPal will work for both parties to reach an agreement.
• *** As a continuation from the last one, If your item is a Fake, or not as Described, File a Dispute in your Paypal. But before doing so, go to a place that sells an authentic piece, and get them to confirm that it is Fake, and to write a quick note on letterhead confirming it is a Fake. Paypal will ask you for this letter. The more letters you can get, the more support you will have for your case. If the item is not as described, make sure to take photos and document what is stated in the Auction. Read the fine print. If it is still not as stated, document how you know, get a professional opinion, and if possible get it documented on letterhead.

Well I hope my short guide will help you on eBay.

Your friend,
Daedalas1981

Please rate me, as I try to update this guide when I find new helpful facts. Thanks!