Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

[collectingross]

Typically, my descriptions are short. Say any defects; have the buyer see all the pictures and judge for themselves. I have only had a couple of issues but always looking to improve.

Another seller advised me to put “My Story” on every description. Explain why you sell on eBay and what it’s supporting. The reason being is when someone buys from you they will know the emotion and person connected on the other end of that sale.

Maybe someone thinking of “borrowing” that retro rock t-shirt realizes the family they are taking from, or the scammer moves on cause he realizes he taking from a tiny child’s medical treatment money!

I’ve never been “turned off” by listing that do that. I do find some that are information overload with fine print and policies (that don’t matter cause eBay will always back the buyer).

It seems like so many try to fight the eBay systems and policies.  This idea would hopefully elevate the level of buyer to those not looking to abuse the policies.

Thoughts??? Does anyone already do this with success or... ????

[sam9876]

Waste of pixels.

[juststuffisell]

I've done several variations with success. I don't have a description wrapper (where this would pull up from) running at the moment. My store is focused on generating enough net profit to pay college tuition for 3 kids (was 4 but one just graduated this past summer). I used to include that in my listings. Probably should put that back in there given the net profits continue to collapse and I need to make more this year to pay the rising costs to sell ( after self employment taxes) and still net college tuition and books. Sigh... Sometimes you just get eaten coming and going.

Cheers

[slippinjimmy]

Although you don't see that sort of thing as much anymore there are still a few listings that take that approach.

Personally I find that most of them come across as begging but there is the rare exception where the story makes for an interesting read that might retain my interest for more than the usual few seconds. Whether it makes me more likely to buy or not is highly questionable.

I had a quick look at your items, not seeing anything that would helped by some story line. On the other hand I've seen sellers of specialty or custom made items where the back story is interesting.

[gracieallen01]

My personal thought on the subject? 

That is where all of the sob stories originated - from the scammers; 'My Story'.

I need it quick for my nephew's graduation.

I need it sent to another address because I am tending my sick - relative - in the hospital.

I'm got married yesterday so I really must have that ring now.

Ad Infinitum

[gracieallen01]

'Sides, if your item can't sell on it's own merits, why bother?  There are plenty of people begging on the street corners - don't need it online, too.

[18704d]

"Another seller advised me to put “My Story” on every description. Explain why you sell on eBay and what it’s supporting. The reason being is when someone buys from you they will know the emotion and person connected on the other end of that sale."

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I disagree.

I only put the item and it's pertinent info in my listings.  Period.

If I read 'stories' in another seller's listing,

I move on.

Sorry, but I'm jaded.

No wait..   Realistic.

This is business.

And I'm careful who I give my money to.

Lynn

[18704d]

I guess it's like going to a job interview in the real world.

You can tell the interviewer a big story about why you really really need the job...

Why you need money.. How desperate it's needed and describe in excruciating detail the specific conditions of all the people depending on you supporting them...

Or you could professionally present your business credentials, professional references....

and focus on telling them why they would benefit from hiring you.

imo,

Lynn

[collectingross]

The “Story” isn’t so much about selling the item. I agree an item should sell on its own or it’s not worth listing. It about giving the buyer context so they are either more willing to work with you if something does arise or less likely to scam you cause they know your not a faceless profit making center. 

Sob stories and elaborate buy now tactics are not what I mean. 

[southern*sweet*tea]

The only thing that should be in your listing is the description of the item. Nothing else.

Call me jaded, but personal touches bring scammers. If you add personal touches, it makes you look weak/non-professional/easy to manipulate. It's a big neon sign that draws scammers like gnats to the front porch light.

[18704d]

" It about giving the buyer context so they are either more willing to work with you if something does arise or less likely to scam you cause they know your not a faceless profit making center. "

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I dont' believe it'll help good buyer's "work with you".

A professionally written listing already signifies that you're a good seller that will take care of good buyers, if unexpected problems arise.

I don't believe it'll deter a single scammer.. in any way, shape, or form.

Scammers Don't Care.

In fact, using the same (verbiage?) (excuses?)  .. uhhh ... (fluff?)

in your listings, that scammers themselves use...

already signals  to them, that you may be sincere.

Which could make you an easier target.

Lynn

[18704d]

The only way, in my opinion

that sob stories can help "prevent fraud and returns"

is by stopping people from buying from you

in the first place.

Lynn

[slippinjimmy]

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@collectingross wrote:

The “Story” isn’t so much about selling the item. I agree an item should sell on its own or it’s not worth listing. It about giving the buyer context so they are either more willing to work with you if something does arise or less likely to scam you cause they know your not a faceless profit making center. 

Sob stories and elaborate buy now tactics are not what I mean. 

---

That's really hilarious! Clearly you are an honest person because if you were the type to pull a scam you would know that scammers could care less about your situation and all your "story" would tell them is that you are an easy mark.

Every seller on eBay is basically a faceless profit making center, big or small sellers are here to make money  everyone knows that.

[gracieallen01]

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@collectingross wrote:

The “Story” isn’t so much about selling the item. I agree an item should sell on its own or it’s not worth listing. It about giving the buyer context so they are either more willing to work with you if something does arise or less likely to scam you cause they know your not a faceless profit making center. 

Sob stories and elaborate buy now tactics are not what I mean. 

---

I'm afraid I couldn't have put it better than Jimmy did.  The scammers couldn't care less for who you are, what you are, or what your needs are.  And, if you need them to 'work with you', you've already lost.

[vintagecraze50]

A scammer could care less if they are stealing from you and taking money away from your child's medical treatment. If anything ,a sociopath will  chuckle, and see you are even better prey. People who do stuff like this have no CONSCIENCE.