dodgy ebayer?

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i just won an auction for a iphone and have sent the guy 3 messages with questions and he has not replied once.. i am holding out on payment until i get a response but i want the item really soon.

he has 90 feedback and 100% positive but has only sold one item and it is good feedback..

i am just a bit weary of this because im afraid he'll get the payment then run off with it

what do you guys think

wmpdd3

I would get in touch with ebay if possible as he could open a non-payment dispute against you.

Dodge

Why didn't you ask the question before agreeing to buy it?

mysteries1984

Depends on how long you've given him to answer the questions...but yes, I'd be wary. He may have great feedback but if it's only from one transaction then it's not worth a whole lot, IMO.

Video

Dodge wrote: »

Why didn't you ask the question before agreeing to buy it?

i did i sent a message with a few q's the day before it ended but i really wanted the phone as it was an ok price (300 with the screen cracked.. but i know how to fix).... he still has not responded and i dont want to put through payment until he does

Dodge

OK, but you still chose to buy it.

If it comes down to it ebay will side with him, as he's under no obligation to answer queries from you. You'll get a non-payment strike against you. not the worst thing in the world.

coyotefitzy

If you are using PayPal, you can be assured that the price you pay can be refunded through PayPal if the item does not turn up.
Make sure your item is sent by registered post (and get a tracking number).
But make sure you read the terms of purchase the seller wrote on the item.
You may have to pay before a certain date, and check the seller's location and method of postage.
Personally I do not buy from, or sell to, an ebay member with less than 10 feedback scores.

The Lovely Muffin

coyotefitzy wrote: »

If you are using PayPal, you can be assured that the price you pay can be refunded through PayPal if the item does not turn up.
Make sure your item is sent by registered post (and get a tracking number).

The seller could claim that the item is/was sent via registered post and provide a tracking number, which will show the item as delivered, however the OP may not actually receive anything/wrong item accidentally', if that happened then PayPal won't side with the buyer, they will side with the seller as they can prove delivery.

If I were you OP, I would wait until you hear from the seller (if you hear from them that is) before paying, even then I would be wary considering they haven't responded to you yet.

An iPhone for €300, even with a cracked screen, seems very cheap to me, but then I don't know how much iPhones sell for on eBay etc.

OP, would it be possible to meet the seller in person and pay in cash?

The seller will be able to open an unpaid item dispute against you if you don't pay, but eBay may not actually take any action, unless you have a record of bidding on and winning auctions and not paying, then they may do something. There will be a record of the unpaid item dispute on your account though, but it shouldn't affect you, you should still be able to bid, sell, etc, but again it depends on what action, if any, that eBay take against you.

Personally, I never, ever buy electronics (phones, cameras etc) off eBay because you can be scammed so easily, but also for warranties etc.

You could also message the seller and ask them to open an 'cancel transaction' case and then eBay will ask you to agree to cancelling the transaction. This wouldn't have any negative effect on your eBay account as far as I am aware.