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eBay Article 7- eBay Fraud: How to Avoid It as a Seller One of the biggest worries both buyers and sellers have about eBay is getting scammed. No one wants to be out money or product because of a dishonest trade. While the concern is valid, there are steps you take as a seller to avoid eBay fraud. It is vitally important as a seller that you disclose everything. If there is a tiny rip, tear or stain do not hope no one will notice it. If you embroider items for sale and there is a problem with the stitch out, do not let it go, fix it before sending it out. Divulge any necessary things in your listing. Buyers can be very picky; and rightfully so, they except to receive the item as described. As long as you have your i's dotted and your t's crossed it will be very difficult for buyers to prevail in any bogus claim against you. Some claim that items were never received. Eliminate this by always using Delivery Confirmation and/or insurance. If you print your shipping label right from Paypal, then Delivery Confirmation is Free. This step will help you in curbing fraudulent claims of products not received. Others will claim that the item was some how defective or not as described. If you have thoroughly inspected and tested the item before it leaves your possession then you can be certain it left in good condition. Take detailed photographs of your items and use them in the listing. Sell exactly what is shown in the listing to avoid unnecessary complaints. Ask the buyer to return the item to you or to send you a photograph so you can inspect the nature of the claim they have. If they have a legitimate complaint, refund or replace the item. If you are selling embroidered goods, make sure you confirm with your buyers the appropriate sizes, colors and personalization before you begin. Often an email back and forth between you and the buyer will be sufficient to confirm details on the personalized or custom embroidered item. Unfortunatley, there are buyers out there who just want to get something for nothing. They will threaten to leave negative feedback if you don't issue a refund or give them a portion of their payment back. If they refuse to prove damage or item not as described by not returning the item or taking a photo then under no circumstances return any money. Contact eBay for advice on how to handle the buyer if it continues. If a buyer has a legitimate complaint, they will normally want it resolved just as much as you do and will email you to explain the problem and await your response for a solution. However, some will still not bother packaging the item back up and returning it. Make sure your return policy is spelled out on your listing or About Me page. If you offer three day unconditional money back, then after you receive the item back, stand by your word. Don't allow anyone to come back weeks later to complain. Also, consider only accepting electronic payments or money orders and certified checks. Personal checks are more likely to have non sufficient funds or be fraudulent. If you do accept personal checks, do not send the item until the check has cleared the bank. If you accept money orders or bank checks, again, do not send product until they clear at your bank as these typese of payments have been known to be fraudulent as well. Paypal is typically a safe way to go if you like Paypal. Granted most buyers and sellers on eBay are upright and just. If you carefully review the feedback you'll have a better chance of a successful trade. You have the absolute right to cancel a bid and block bidders if their feedback reveals past problems. Most importantly, don't give the buyer any reason whatsoever to complain. If you run an honest eBay business it'll be harder for the turkeys to get you down. Accurately describe and photograph your goods and answer any questions that arise during the auction's listing. Stay Safe!
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