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... ????

[jame234]

I don't need or want to read about why a seller sells on eBay.  Everyone has a reason for selling so no story is unique.  If I see a explanation such as putting my son through college, or my husband is ill etc, it turns me off.

The only information a buyer needs is a accurate complete description of the item.  Dimensions, measurements, colors, marks, defects. I would rather see a complete description rather than the seller's story.  And of course, good pictures.

[juststuffisell]

lol, I am definitely burning a lot time.... 🙂

The money works itself out.

I should be working, but keep showing up here....lol

have a great weekend.

Cheers

[juststuffisell]

I hear ya. I am a natural cynic at heart. Everything is not meant for everyone. If the price is right, the quality is right and the seller reputation is right, most buyers will forgive the things they didn't like 🙂

Cheers

[jame234]

You are so correct.  I have found that if an item is not overpriced and was described well, most buyers are forgiving.

[midnight_mystic]

"The 'Story' ... [is] 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"

Scammers by definition have no empathy. Putting a sob story in a listing is MORE likely to attract scammers, IMHO. It's a neon sign that says "I'M DESPERATE!!!!"

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

Yet in your original message, you wrote, "when someone buys from you they will know the emotion ... he taking from a tiny child’s medical treatment money!"

That is the DEFINITION of sob story.

E-begging is a scammer's tactic. High-quality sellers don't need to stoop to this level. I would never buy from someone who puts a sob story in their listing. The appropriate place for sellers to put a little biographical info is a couple sentences on their About Me page.