Some advice on dealing with an eBay seller directly.

runswithascript

I have found an item I am interested in but aware it may have or lack a feature I want I contacted the seller to enquire.

They have explained they have two of these items, one with the feature, and one without, although she has told me she will send me whichever one I want if I win.

Would you insist they lists the item with the feature separately to protect yourself, or take them at their word as to not alert other potential buyers this item has a sought after feature unlisted in the description?

pleasant Co.

dusf wrote: »

I have found an item I am interested in but aware it may have or lack a feature I want I contacted the seller to enquire.

They have explained they have two of these items, one with the feature, and one without, although she has told me she will send me whichever one I want if I win.

Would you insist they lists the item with the feature separately to protect yourself, or take them at their word as to not alert other potential buyers this item has a sought after feature unlisted in the description?

If you've a message from the seller saying they will send you the one with the feature you're protected, you've confirmed it with them. If the seller still sends you the wrong one you can dispute it though paypal, you'll have that message from the seller to back up your dispute.

n.d.os

I disagree. Tell the seller to change their listing an mention the item is available, with or without the item. If they dont do this you can still get a refund if they send the wrong item or lie to you. There is no such thing as a no refund policy on eBay. No matter how much a seller states no refund you are fully protected by ebay and paypal and will always recieve a refund as long as you return the item with a tracking number and provide this in the resolution centre. You will however be responsible for return shipping fees.

pleasant Co.

n.d.os wrote: »

I disagree.

Saying "I disagree" doesn't make for constructive discussion, could you outline why you disagree? or what it is you disagree with?

n.d.os

I should have been more clear. Messages dont mean anything to eBay or PayPal. If its not stated in the ad it doesnt mean squat. In the resolution centre all eBay cares about is getting the item back to the seller for a refund and this means paying return shipping costs. Don't buy anything on eBay through promises the seller might make through a private message unless you are confident you will recieve what you asked for and if not you are willing to pay the return shipping fee.

pleasant Co.

n.d.os wrote: »

I should have been more clear. Messages dont mean anything to eBay or PayPal. If its not stated in the ad it doesnt mean squat.

That's interesting to say, but not true. If there's a listing and you ask a question about that listing (through the "ask seller question" option on the listing) it will of course be acknowledged by ebay/paypal. Perhaps initially it will be ignored as Paypal are more about quick turnover than thorough investigation but an appeal should sort that out.

Nolimits

I wouldn't buy off the seller if they didn't have excellent feedback, if they did have excellent feedback they are unlikely to risk it by lying to you.

I would buy the item, put a note with the paypal payment reminding the seller of the item you want, and then send a follow up email just to make sure.