How do you tell if the seller will dropship from Amazon?

Question

I try to avoid using Amazon, and have been purchasing more types of items from ebay. At least 6 items I purchased from ebay has arrived in Amazon packaging with an Amazon receipt. Is there a way to tell if that is the sellers buisness model? If I wanted to buy from Amazon, I would. I have paid more to buy an item off ebay, trying to support a smaller buisness, only to have it arrive as a 'gift' from Amazon. Is that even legal?

jacbarcollectibles · Answer

When you see the gift receipt in the Amazon package you know that the seller just took your money and then purchased the item from an Amazon seller which is a violation of both eBay and Amazon policy. You can report the seller to both companies.

Sellers who are selling on both eBay and Amazon will use the fulfillment service from Amazon but there will not be a gift receipt in the package and this is allowed by eBay since the seller already owns the items.

Other than looking at the sellers feedback page for indications that they are drop shipping from Amazon you will not be able to tell in advance of the purchase.