I finally figured out how to avoid risky buyers.

[portlander]

I often resell iphones.  So my items are higher priced.  The problem comes when buyers with zero feedback buy an iphone.  I have most issues with new buyers, some sign up the same day or are 'Guest' buyers.

So now to avoid the issue I list my iphones somewhat higher than market value and add 'Best Offer'.  That way I can pick an choose my buyer.  I choose the buyer with 500 feedback over the zero feedback buyer.

This may sound mean, but if a person wants to buy an iphone on ebay, they should buy a few other items first.  That's how ebay works.  Reputation should provide value and security.

[lewisburggold]

We think you did great.  You have to try to protect yourself .  Best regards

[emerald40]

a

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@portlander wrote:

I am not afraid of cancelling a purchase.  No one can force me to walk into a trap.  If it looks like a skunk and smells like a skunk, it is probably a skunk. 

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Cancelling orders without due cause will significamtly shrink your selling days here.

One way to minimize risky buyers, do not sell risky items.

I have been here19 years and would never sell an Iphone  or a computer here.

[abjoh52]

So what happens if a 0 feedback buyer pays full price for the phone?

[yuncreations]

unfortunately, the seller protection doesn't always really protect us . 😞

[emerald40]

Seller protection = protecting yourself.

No rookie mistakes.  Always checking paypal and an OK to ship before doing so.  Always use tracking.

Not selling risky merchandise that are scam magnets.

There are others, but the point is, the best selling protection, is the one a seller does for themselves.

[castlemagicmemories]

With all due respect, I think you miscontrued the post you are responding to, and in any case, anyone may comment on any post, you know.  

Miss Jen is a long time, knowledgable, and valued poster.  We are fortunate she is here!

[missjen831]

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@castlemagicmemories wrote:

With all due respect, I think you miscontrued the post you are responding to, and in any case, anyone may comment on any post, you know.  

Miss Jen is a long time, knowledgable, and valued poster.  We are fortunate she is here!

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Thanks Castle. Control issues run deep eh? I don’t know why some here think they can come in and tell others what they can and can’t do? I can give an opinion, make assumptions and reply to whatever posts I want. I’m not sure why some people, who do same thing, think they can come here and tell others not to do that?

[portlander]

Without people selling iphones and computers, ebays revenues would drasticaly shrink.  They consider the iphone 7 to be one of their 'Hot' items.  I rarely have to cancel.  Maybe 2 this year.   I am especially concerned about ebay allowing "Guest" buyers .  I also have decided not to sell internationally.  It takes so long to get the item delivered.  I spend too much time watching the tracking.  Plus some other issues.

[emerald40]

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@portlander wrote:

Without people selling iphones and computers, ebays revenues would drasticaly shrink.  They consider the iphone 7 to be one of their 'Hot' items.  I rarely have to cancel.  Maybe 2 this year.   I am especially concerned about ebay allowing "Guest" buyers .  I also have decided not to sell internationally.  It takes so long to get the item delivered.  I spend too much time watching the tracking.  Plus some other issues.

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I guess ebay allows guest buyers for the same reason they allow Iphones.  Revenue.

I guess it depends on what you are comfortable selling.  I know people tell me I am crazy to sell expensive diamond jewelry.  So you are the same way with Iphones.  It works for each of us.

But imo certain items attract a certain element to be avoided.  And from what I read here electronics,computers Iphones is the honey that 

But imo newbies are a different story.

And I agree with you about not selling Internationally.  Enough problems right here in the US.

[portlander]

I remember the 'good old days' when people would send fake Paypal receipts and then would send their address quickly and say they need the item right away.  I wonder how many people fell for that.  Fortunately ebay won't even let you print a label without the item being sold.  I think that all happened before ebay got connected to USPS and all the shippers so we could actually print a shipping label.  It was really the Wild West.

[emerald40]

I am referring to way back before there was a paypal.

Back then all you had was the hope that a buyer connected to an honest seller.

Sellers back then had absolutely no risk and held all the cards.

Buyers had nothing but blind faith.

[portlander]

I was selling more on Craigslist.  But with the increase of crime, I found that people are leary of meeting, almost anywhere. 

[missjen831]

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@portlander wrote:

I remember the 'good old days' when people would send fake Paypal receipts and then would send their address quickly and say they need the item right away.  I wonder how many people fell for that.  Fortunately ebay won't even let you print a label without the item being sold.  I think that all happened before ebay got connected to USPS and all the shippers so we could actually print a shipping label.  It was really the Wild West.

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That scam is actually still alive and well here and ebay does let you print a label before the buyer has paid. Seems a lot of people who fell for the scam, missed the warning from ebay when they went to print the label. Or maybe....the warning just wasn't there.

[emerald40]

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@portlander wrote:

I was selling more on Craigslist.  But with the increase of crime, I found that people are leary of meeting, almost anywhere. 

________________________________________

We have had murders in our state and nearby state involving CL.

I would never use it for what I sell.

I would never recommend it for a female who is alone.

In my home state, you can do it at the police station parking lot.

But what happens when the transaction is over and they follow you home?

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[kille787]

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@portlander wrote:

I am not afraid of cancelling a purchase.  No one can force me to walk into a trap.  If it looks like a skunk and smells like a skunk, it is probably a skunk. 

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Well as a buyer I can tell you that I know for a fact sellers can get a defect for using the excuse about buyers address. 

I called eBay and complain a few days later the seller message me ranting and raving because they had had a defect added to their account for that transaction.