posted on October 12, 2001 12:32:03 PM new
Hi all -
I recently sold an item for a friend of mine. I've done this many times before, where I list the item and then forward my friend's address and e-mail for payment.
Evidently, this one buyer did not like this arrangement. I don't see why it was any different than sending payment to me. However, she sent vulgar e-mails to both me and my friend, and threatened to report me for "not having the item."
She then harassed me so much for positive feedback, promising she would do the same for me. (saying she "wouldn't take it out on me" I finally did, and then she slammed me with a neg.
Right now I am planning to send her e-mails (which included the f-word, mind you) to eBay, but I need to know if I violated eBay policy before I do so. So is it against eBay policy to sell for someone else and have the other person handle the payment and shipping?
posted on October 12, 2001 12:39:56 PM new
No, you can have the payment sent anywhere and anyone can ship the item. HOWEVER few buyers are happy with sending the money to a third party. It is not a good practice, but not against the rules. On the other part of the situation, the buyer should simply have insisted on sending the payment to the registered ebayer. If that was not possible, she probably has a case for just asking you to void the sale. In any case, the big f word is grounds for telling ebay. The reason she used it is beside the point. I would in the future try to have the payment sent to you. Then it can be shipped by anyone.
posted on October 12, 2001 03:45:16 PM new
Since your selling ID is at risk, you'd be foolish to do this again without handling the entire transaction yourself.
Even if the buyer wasn't a flake, your friend could mess up the shipping and it would ultimately be your fault as far as Ebay was concerned.
posted on October 12, 2001 03:56:27 PM new
Huckfinn,
If you are selling something that you don't have in your possession, the responsible thing to do is to mention that VERY clearly in your auction description. Make it perfectly clear that you are only acting as an agent. This is perfectly in line with eBay regulations (in fact their subsiderary Kruse Car auctions does it themselves!) The following is what we put in our auctions when we sell items for others. You may wish to consider including something like this in your future auctions. Hope this helps!:
We are acting as an agent for the owner of this item. We are providing a service to a person or company wishing to sell an item on E-bay. The description has come directly from the owner. We have done our best to make sure the description is as complete and accurate as possible, however XXXX XXXXX Inc. assumes no liability for misrepresentation by a seller. We will attempt to obtain all answers to any questions you may have.
We are not in possession of the items offered. The sellers have given us a verbal commitment to leave the item available for sale only to the successful eBay bidder. The final actions of the seller are, however, out of our control.
I finally did, and then she slammed me with a neg.