posted on October 27, 2000 03:28:42 PM new
Hi, Sammy!
When I rented a PO Box, I had to furnish photo ID and proof of home address (I gave them my utility bill). There were several forms to fill out. So the postal service requires proof of where your home address is.
However, when I rented an apartment once by a private owner, I was never asked for any ID, only the first months rent and security deposit. I could have said I was anyone and received mail there!
I recently bid on an item from a O feedback seller. I did receive the item, but it was an agonizing transaction. I ordered a present for my son's birthday around 2 and a half weeks before I needed it. I immediately paid with billpoint via my Visa card. The seller waited nearly 14 days until he said the money actually appeared in his bank account. I was shocked that it took so long, as when I pay with paypal, the sellers usually ship within a couple of days.
This seller only offered Billpoint as a payment option. Needless to say, I didn't receive the present in time for his birthday and I had to wrap the billpoint payment confirmation to give him on his birthday and tell him that it would be coming soon.
It's hard to say what to do in a situation like this, I would say it would depend on how much money this transaction involved. In the future, if you are uncomfortable with the low feedback sellers, I would suggest you only deal with sellers with a large feedback file.
Thanks,
Jenny
[ edited by goodbuys2 on Oct 27, 2000 03:30 PM ]
posted on October 27, 2000 04:31:07 PM new
I missed this thread last night...must have been in a better place (bed) at the time.
But in reading the actual question involved, it does bring a blush to my face.
I began selling on eBay knowing absolutely nothing about it - not as buyer, seller or observer. (Didn't know anything at all about the 'net either, but that is beside the point.)
Not only did I have (0) feedback, but in the process of registering, I managed to get a pair of shades!
Naturally, instead of starting off small, I began by listing some 'better' things. Boy, was I SCARED! I lay awake at night imagining how I was going to be scammed, etc., even though I had taken the precaution of high starting bids, plus reserves, and inflexible TOS (cashier's check/money order ONLY...within seven (7) days! etc., etc.).
The ONLY reason I am still on eBay is the fact that experienced, GRACIOUS bidders bore with me in my stupidity, holding my hand (even if I wasn't aware of it at the time), and guiding me through those first few transactions. They complied, uncomplainingly, with my terms....fearlessly? By my next batch of auctions, I had come to realize what a GREAT group of people I was working with, and was able to relax my terms, etc. And I think every single one of those first few buyers left me great feedback.
Was I just lucky? Don't know. But there were people who wanted what I was selling, and were willing to take a chance on me. And yes, some of those first auctions were in excess of $100.00.
To reiterate, I still blush when I think of how FOOLISH I was!!! And how much SMARTER than I those first buyers were!
A couple of other notes: My little town does not have door-to-door delivery at all, and only those who live more than 1 mile from the post office are eligible for rural route service; the rest of us MUST have a post office box (or general delivery). Also, a cashier's check, on which the bank types a payee's name, might offer a buyer a little more comfort than a money order, which is usually completed after the fact. (Someone can separate the money order, then put one name on it and a different name on the copy.
Note to Joice: Certainly you have the right to take a break....as long as you do the right thing when you get back. You go girl!
