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Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

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... ????

Message 1 of 35
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34 REPLIES 34

Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Yep, Doing something like that says all over it--Go ahead and steal from me. I am your best target.

Message 16 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

My thought is....   sell your item in your description, not yourself.

 

 

Message 17 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Thanks everyone for the dialogue. It was helpful to bounce the idea around. I agree that being professional and professional looking will be the best overall approach. 

 

BAD IDEA! Moving on!! Cheers friends!!

Message 18 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Scammers don't care one way or the other.

Message 19 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

You forgot "Can you lower your price because I am on DISABILITY... STORY" and after checking their purchase history they have made literally hundreds of purchases in the LAST MONTH!

Message 20 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate


@ekmadonna wrote:

You forgot "Can you lower your price because I am on DISABILITY... STORY" and after checking their purchase history they have made literally hundreds of purchases in the LAST MONTH!


Truth be known, I didn't forget it.

 

Had I started to compile a list, I would STILL be doing it!  Smiley Very Happy

 

By just giving a couple examples, so commonly used by the Nigerians (among others), I got to take a nap, have dinner, a shower, and a few other things.  Being terminally lazy does have it's advantages!  Smiley Wink

Not saying 'NO' doesn't mean 'YES'.

The foolishness of one's actions or words is determined by the number of witnesses.

Perhaps if Brains were described as an APP, many people would use them more often.

Respect, like money, is only of 'worth' when it is earned - with all due respect, it can not be ordained, legislated or coerced. Anonymous
Message 21 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

We actually need to sell both.


How I would say it to myself: "You need to sell you as trust worthy. You need to sell the item as worth the asking price. eBay policy makes it easier for buyers, but you can make the buyer pull the trigger."

Cheers
Message 22 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Well Collectingross,

I can tell you as someone that had details in every listing relative to why I was selling for about two years or so (can't remember precisely how long it was part of my description for a long time relatively), it did not attract scammers. It did not negatively impact my sales. It was clear, concise and matter of fact.

I took it out actually about May or June of last year after the first graduated college and I had funding for this year. Figured at the rate things were going, I didn't need it in the listings anymore. Sales were brisk, returns were exceptionally rare. One case of fraud - 15 bucks. Always have potential for fraud and scammers with higher cost merchandise, so I have other things I do to mitigate it. Can't stop it, but you can take steps to mitigate risk.

You have to do you and what you think will help develop trust with the prospective customer.

Cheers
Message 23 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Juststuffisell,

 

Thanks for commenting with your actual experiences with the idea. 

 

I checked out a few of your items and read through your descriptions. I noticed you require ID from the buyer after the purchase. Could you elaborate on this as I’ve actually never seen it before. I assume it helpes you keep fraud down, but have you ever got objections or poor feedback due to this? What does having the copy of the ID actually do if someone does try the “return a empty box” fraud?

 

Thanks!

Message 24 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Worked back in the day when community and manners/ethics meant something. Waste of time now im afraid.
Message 25 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

There are different types of shipping and not all are available through eBay. I will skip out on the "discounted" shipping to get the shipping I need.

 

I will ship items registered mail. A slower delivery process, but a much more secure process as well. Registered mail required every person that handles the package to sign for it as it moves in transit. There is a trail for the package. Do some research on it. Best service the USPS offers by far from a security standpoint.

 

Never had a complaint about the signature requirement. I think, and it is my opinion, that people buying higher priced items appreciate the added layer of protection. Nobody wants to come home expecting a $500.00 item showing delivered, only to find an empty mailbox or missing package. Heck, I shipped out a ring this week that someone I have known for 5 years purchased from my store. She sells retail out of her B&M jewelry store here locally. Sent insured and signature required....lol I didn't do registered mail though....lol

 

I believe, and again only my opinion, that the signature required, insured etc puts potential "scammers" on notice that I am not an easy target. Like any law enforcement official will tell you, most criminals want a clean and easy target. They want to get in and out and they don't want human interaction. The more obstacles you put into play the more likely they  are to move on to that easier target.

 

Nothing stops a rock in a box from being returned. Just as nothing stops a buyer from taking a hammer to anything you sold and sending back to you in pieces.....lol In both instances, eBay expects us to refund the buyer.

 

Other things I do include requiring a phone number at checkout (a feature in your account settings). I have called buyers to verify orders after they have been placed. I use google maps to check addresses. I go to county tax records to match names. I simply google the buyer using the details on the order. Takes about 10 minutes to do most of these things.

 

When I first started selling on ebay, one of the problems I figured out early was shipping to apartments. Inevitably, you get a item not received claim because many apartment complexes the postman/delivery driver leaves the package outside the apartment door. The packages then just "walk away". I have a general rule on anything I ship to an apartment (I don't just sell jewelry), or where there is a "unit number" of some type (condo's etc), I will spend the extra $2.35 for a basic signature required. A lot of that depends upon the dollar amount naturally. 

 

The signature requirement in general to apartments & condo's saved me a hundred bucks on one item not received claim a few months ago - first I've had since I started doing it. No telling how many it has prevented since I started doing it. However, before that, I dreaded shipping to these places because inevitably someone emails you 3 weeks or a month later and says "where is my package". When it shows delivered, not a lot you can do. You write it off and refund the order or you fight it out with ebay when the buyer files a claim and then tags you with a negative to boot. That was way before eBays policies changed to a point most season sellers will tell you the policies encourage illicit activity.

 

So...you have to figure out what works for you, what will make you sleep better at night when dealing with transactions on eBay.  My process works for me, but most sellers will tell you it is a waste of time & money. They are probably right, but I'm OK with that. It's why I say you gotta do you.

 

Cheers

Message 26 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Sounds like you are burning a lot of time and money.

Message 27 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

I think that putting a short story about yourself or your item is what makes Ebay different to the static, sad, bored sites where you just click and buy. Remember, eBay's beginning is based on a story about a Pez or something like that. 

 

Now, I got the point that one day I answered to this scammer from Nigeria that I was so rich after most of my relatives, usually uncles, (none alive) had died, coincidentally in car accidents so I didn't need more money. 

 

They never contacted me again. Smiley LOL

_________________________________________________________
If you haven't paid for your item, you're a winning bidder, not a buyer!
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Message 28 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

Ive been considering taking video of every package that I package up from the moment I pick the item up until the moment that the label goes onto the sealed package.

I sold a refurbished PSP this morning and I am going to send pictures of the serial number to the buyer along with a thank you note just to 'let him know' that im paying attention to things like that. Hopefully that helps me avoid any kind of a scam..... My profit on that item is not big enough to suffer a false return so hopefully that doesnt happen.
Message 29 of 35
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Re: Helping prevent fraud and returns debate

You are funny.

Message 30 of 35
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