We really need to do something to protect the gullible

[HannaHolly]

I've just reported a zero feedback seller who is selling IPODs and
Iphones ect and exactly the same listing (photo - description, the lot) is on ebay.
All 4 of his listings have different style descriptions and all the photos are clearly copied from elsewhere ( the ebay logo visible on two).
The seller has been a member for three days- but all his listings have multiple bids- all from zero feedback new ebidders.

The other day I reported a new seller selling a 42 inch Sony TV which was also on ebay. again there were lots of bids.

WHY do so many gullibble bidders bid on these auctions when there are so many good reasons not to bid?

The trouble is until buyers stop being so gullible ( dare i say greedy!) then ebids busy auctions list will always include scammers, and the forums will always include 'i've been ripped off'' type messages ( Maybe they should say 'I've let myself be ripped off ).

Gazza and Mark, as buyers do very little to help themselves, Can't you put something in place to stop new low feedback sellers listing high value items unless they have:

• Either placed a security deposit on file, or listed the auction as pppay escrow only (although pppay needs to become MUCH more user friendly for that to be effective).
• Their Account has been verified
• They have ben a member of ebid for a minimum period
• They have a positive feedback rating ( I know this can be achieved by scammers too - but it may put off a few. At the moment it's just too easy to list a high value item here.

I've only reported items which catch my eye when i'm looking at the front page, there are probably dozens more which should be reported so that ebid can ask the seller a few questions.

[madelaine]

This really needs to be addressed. I report too, but there are only so many hours in the day.

How can people be so stupid? There are endless reports on Watchdog and the like and I meet people every day who say that buying online is not safe.

[gazza]

We're adding listing limits to certain categories and we will be adding a blatant warning to bidders when they place bids on items from zero feedback sellers. The wording for this is very important as we do not wish to taint the image of genuine new sellers.

Gazza

[plumbclick]

im a new seller on ebid, but i am part of a proper business, we are an extension of a merchants. i also sell on ebay and on my own website but its not "me" as in im not a one man show, we're a company and we don't have one boiler for example that we are advertising on both bidding sites, we have unlimited amounts we can get hold of.

im a newbie to ebid and i already have over 100 listings, all genuine. its just how can someone get feedback if everyone is seen as "not trustworthy"?



Arron

[kengillam]

I think there is a bit of a difference selling plumbing supplies as opposed to the usual scam items like Nintendos Wii's and Xbox 360's, that said however whilst I might buy £20 worth of taps from a zero feedback seller, I doubt I would spend £650 on an item until I had seen some evidence of reliability. That feedback can also be acquired of course through making purchases.

[Gothicina]

We're adding listing limits to certain categories and we will be adding a blatant warning to bidders when they place bids on items from zero feedback sellers. The wording for this is very important as we do not wish to taint the image of genuine new sellers.

Gazza

The sooner the better as far as I'm concerned Gazza.

I heartily agree HannaHolly, unfortunately the gullible buyers who happily shell out money without even trying to check the seller out, ALWAYS end up Blaming the Site, NOT the conman or fake seller.
As in recent negative reviews on ciao (not only on eBid).

What always puzzles me is in reviews like that the universal claim seems to be that Feebay is safer

[HannaHolly]

im a new seller on ebid, but i am part of a proper business, we are an extension of a merchants. i also sell on ebay and on my own website but its not "me" as in im not a one man show, we're a company and we don't have one boiler for example that we are advertising on both bidding sites, we have unlimited amounts we can get hold of.

im a newbie to ebid and i already have over 100 listings, all genuine. its just how can someone get feedback if everyone is seen as "not trustworthy"?



Arron

Hi Aaaron. I haven't checked- but:

Have you completed your 'about me' page with details of your company?
Have you included your ebay username on the about me page- so people can check your feedback record?
If you are a business, have you completed the business section of your ebid 'all about' page? ( B blue symbol)
Have you verified your credit card details against your address? ( AV symbol)
Do you respond to questions asked on your listings?
Do you offer safe payment methods?

Scammers rarely do any of the above. If you have, i don't think anyone would confuse you with the fly by night scammers

[plumbclick]

thanks for the advice hannaholly, i think i've done the majority of those things but will check to make sure.

i wasnt sure i was allowed to link to my ebay feedback on ebid.net? am i allowed? if so that would help as i have over 3000 feedback, all positive.


Arron

[HannaHolly]

thanks for the advice hannaholly, i think i've done the majority of those things but will check to make sure.

i wasnt sure i was allowed to link to my ebay feedback on ebid.net? am i allowed? if so that would help as i have over 3000 feedback, all positive.


Arron

You could say on your 'all about me' page.. "My ebay name is xxx and I have over 3000 positive feedbacks there" , or you could use one of those feedback display company banners ( sorry- don't have a link handy- maybe someone esle does?) which display your ebay feedback without giving a direct link

[lofty100e]

One thing I am curios about is will these requirement be retrospective? Bearing in mind that once listed things can be put on auto re-list; will sellers who have already listed, but fit the profile of the targets be included?