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After the Auction: Avoiding the Buy and Switch continued ...

Packing Material
Always pack items in the most secure manner possible to prevent damage during shipping. The better it's wrapped, the less chance there is of inviting a dishonest buyer to claim the item was damaged during shipping and to send back a flawed one to "prove" it. In addition, if you can shrink-wrap the item so it can be clearly viewed within the wrapping, then specify that the item must be in the original shrink-wrap in order to be accepted for return. You can personalize the shrink-wrap by stamping your name or business name on it to prevent someone from rewrapping it once it has been opened.

In some cases, you shouldn't tell the buyer that you've marked your item. If you used markings that easily can be redone, such as a thread sewn into a plush toy, you'll have to check for it if the item is returned before agreeing to send a refund.

If the identification is more obvious, as in the case of a sticker or swing tag, the shipping note you tuck into the package should explain your return policy, including how your fraud prevention method works. Explain that the sticker or tag must be in place in order for you to accept the item. If you're up front about your safeguarding process, an honest buyer will regard you as a seller who takes pride in sending quality goods. Good packing and proper item marking tells buyers that you take your online auction selling very seriously.

The Buyer Wants to Return It
The buyer might notify you within three days of receiving the item that he or she wishes to return it. Reiterate your return policy and explain that whatever "seal" you included must be in place in order for you to accept the item and send a refund. The most important thing is to not issue a refund until you have verified that the item returned is actually the one you sent. If you'd rather not tell the buyer about having marked the item, specify that you'll issue a refund only after you have inspected the item. Never have both the money and the item out of hand.

Remember: If you signal to unsavory buyers potentially considering the buy and switch that you're a few steps ahead of them, you will encourage such buyers to take their dishonest practices elsewhere.

Nancy L. Hix is the author of Collector's Guide to Online Auctions and Collector's Guide to Buying, Selling, and Trading on the Internet. Her work also has appeared in several trade journals and collectibles magazines. She lives with her husband and two sons in Warrenville, Illinois.

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