posted on February 1, 2005 08:37:39 PM
I've had so many bad buying experiences that I've just about stopped buying on ebay.
I was going to give some examples, but then I thought, no, I'll just cut to the chase.
I believe that sales are going down because many of the real buyers feel like I do, and are just giving up and going back to B&M stores or to "reliable" websites.
Any one else who used to shop and buy regularly on ebay, about to give up? Or is it just me?
posted on February 1, 2005 09:04:40 PM
I still buy. I have had some wierd experiences with buying but I can't help myself. I saw an ad for a watch that I simply must have. Rather than go to the store I checked ebay and found the same watch for nearly $30 less than the sale price listed in the ad. As long as that is possible, I will continue shopping on ebay. Besides, I believe in supporting fellow sellers.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on February 1, 2005 09:11:01 PM
More than ever. Prices are dirt cheap
____________________________________________
Dick Cheney: "I have not suggested there's a connection between Iraq and 9/11..."
posted on February 1, 2005 09:12:03 PM
Well over 10,000 sales,,,,,going on 5 years now,,,Bought ONCE! the guy was a Crook! his feed back continues to state such. Bought off websites,,,,poor quality merch. printer cartridge,,he made good. but,,,,,never again...feely touchy right from the seller,,in the future for me. For SOME things e bay has it's place,,buying a CAR on e bay? they have to be idiots! NO WAY!......E mail after e mail after e mail,,,warnings from pay pal, warnings from e bay,,,,,this crap is going rampant....who do you trust? when e bays gets abck into the 1000's of sellers,,,,and millions drop out, sanity will again become the Norm.....rip offs. con artists, liars, decievers,,,that lastest thread is a perfect example. has no product and has the goodwill stamped on it,,,,,,the heydays are over! things i sold for big bucks,, NEEDED badly, no sale,,,,Now....e bay is getting to be Ho hum,,,,,,,all the collectables have been bought and sold,,,,,,,,,,
and just when I finally get a computer that WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted on February 1, 2005 09:16:13 PM
Buy as much as I can.
As long as it's the Same or Less as a local store.
If I'm in real need and can't wait for shipping I purchase local.
posted on February 2, 2005 03:18:36 AM
There are some great deals in clothing! However, I just discovered a store by me called Fashion Cents. Great prices!! Less than on eBay.
If I come across a great deal, sure I buy. I'm going through a bad experience right now with a seller. Thankfully, I know that most sellers are good honest people. I'm one of 'em.
Cheryl
"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~ P.J. O'Rourke
posted on February 2, 2005 04:27:30 AM
twig125silver
It's going around. My daughter, my granddaughter and now I am down with it. I've got a special blend of herb tea especially for the flu. I'm downing it. I've missed two days of work already and cannot miss any more. Of course, I didn't get the flu shot.
The doctor said both the flu and gastro something or other are going around now. Great.
Cheryl
"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~ P.J. O'Rourke
posted on February 2, 2005 05:45:50 AM
I still buy. The deals are irresistible. Some categories are safer than others, though. And sometimes eBay is still the only place you can find things. Obsolete mechanical/electronic stuff, for example.
posted on February 2, 2005 07:09:00 AM
I still shop for collectibles on eBay because I live in a rural area, and the stuff is not available around here. Occasionally I shop for clothing, usually by brand name like Alfred Dunner or Nike, since I don't like to spend a lot of time browsing. With some online retailers offering free shipping, like Amazon offering free shipping on orders over $50, I often use them. If you don't watch it, your shipping will offset the savings on the item itself.
When I shop on eBay, I have formed my own set of ground rules. I check the item price (of course), the Seller's feedback percentage (99% or higher), the shipping cost (if it says e-mail me for shipping, I pass), and whether I can use Paypal. I have to really want it bad to mess with getting a money order. I've also been stung on shipping when it wasn't clearly stated in the auction. Who has time to e-mail for a shipping estimate?
I am slowing down with selling on eBay because of the higher fees coming. I hate to do yard sales, so you can say I use eBay as my virtual yard sale. However, I've had several buyers who've been hard to deal with lately, so I'm trying to decide if it's worth it.
Good to get someone else's opinion. I'm glad this board is available. Thanks, Vendio.
posted on February 2, 2005 07:12:51 AM
Cheryl- Yeah, that's what I heard. I have a dr's appt this afternoon. I can't afford to miss any work, but if you can't breathe. I gave Jazz the last of my yarrow, so I can't make my brew....
pelorus- I just paid (with shipping) $41.00 for a little golden book for my best friend's birthday. I don't collect them, so I had no idea how much some of them are worth! And I LOST three auctions before getting this one.
posted on February 2, 2005 07:28:40 AM
I think we have Little Golden books up in our attic! Now I'll have to go see. They were Ken's from the 1960's I think. Oh, I dread a trip to the attic!
twig125silver
Get some Tylenol Flu capsules from the drug store. They help ease the pain. I normally don't like taking this stuff because it hinders your body's natural ability to heal itself. There are reasons we have fevers, aches and pains and coughing! As miserable as they make us feel, it's your body's immune system kicking in. However, I can't afford to be down any longer. Also, drink loads of Vitamin C and take Echinacea. 5 HTP will help as well. Plus you'll get a good night's sleep!
Cheryl
"No drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." ~ P.J. O'Rourke
posted on February 2, 2005 07:28:43 AM
i buy on eBay, mostly hard-to-find/out-of-print CDs, occasional resale items. the two biggest problems i see, from a buyer's perspective, are:
1. _lousy packing_ from sellers! i always take pride in my packing and it shows in my feedback. but i sure am surprised by some of the careless packing i've received.
2. hard-to-deal with payment terms. i seek out those who take PayPal, for its ease of use.
posted on February 2, 2005 04:13:21 PM
I buy on ebay ALOT! I have had some bad experiences, but considering the amount I buy compared to the small number of bad experiences, it makes buying on ebay worth it anyway. Sometimes you either can't find what your looking for where you live, or you find it on ebay for a great price. I also buy ALOT on half.com. I just can't afford new books but love to read. Buying on half.com enables me to purchase the books I want without paying too much.
posted on February 3, 2005 03:11:02 AM
I buy on eBay whenever prices are cheaper than other stores, which is almost always.
I can't remember the last time I had a bad experience, if ever. I always look at feedback, and usually only buy if its better than 99.8% with few exceptions. I also read negs and neutrals to know what the most common problem with the seller is.
It just makes sense to buy where I sell. It's like a person who works for GM driving a GM product. Not that it makes or breaks the company, but take a little pride in your market place.
