Ebay etiquette question

[TheLionKing]

Do the collectors on this board try to point out to the unknowing buyers about the lack of veracity of aan item description?

For example ebay #2138480301

For a fact, I know that you could purchase this cel at WDW and paint it yourself. The cost to buy it, and it included a second cel of Simba and Mufasa was for 25 dollars.

This really ticked me off. I emailed the seller and told him that his description was wrong. By the way the Lion King was released in 1994 not 1996. He told me that cels were created for the original release. He is sadly mistaken if not being outright fraudulent.

So I emailed all his top bidders and warned them about this. Fortunately the doofus made it a reserve auction and the reserve was not reached so the top bidder is not obligated to buy it.

Anyone else get so upset about a fraudulent auction to send emails warning the bidders?

 

[taysalyn]

My DH was just commenting on the very same issue regarding the Liberty Bell that TDS was giving away. This pin is already on ebay being sold for $20-25. I havn't done anything as far as emailing anyone but we were just discussing this earlier. It's wrong, very wrong.

 

[atlnewf]

In the case of fraudulent stuff, you can email Ebay directly and let them know. They'll then review it and possibly remove the auction from the boards.

Ashley

 

[pumba]

way to go dave.....I am proud....

 

[Luv2Roam]

uummm... one time I did something... Wasn't sure I should have, but JUST HAD to. Although it wasn't anything major.
A seller had sold a pin for approx $10 that was the same pin selling on cheappins for roughly $3.50. (The seller was not fraudulent.)
I e-mailed the two who were outbid and let them know where they could buy it --- cheap.
I'm sure the seller would have been THRILLED with me.

 

[Dar20]

I don't see a problem with people bidding on something and elevating the price higher than it could be purchased elsewhere. That's the point of bidding and selling.. some people can't get the item as easily as others. However, when someone lies in the description, that is wrong and I believe it can be reported to eBay.

Dar

 

[~Kathie]

While your intentions may have been honorable in emailing the bidders, by doing that you violated ebay rules. If the people you emailed informed ebay, you would be suspended.

Ebay has a format for investigating illegal, misrepresented etc. items up for auction. If a seller contiually violates ebay rules by posting these types of items, they can be suspended.

Rules & Safety Support:

You've come to the right place if you:
-have a problem with an eBay user or transaction.
-want to report an item that is questionable or not permitted.
Please select the topic and issue that most closely fits what you'd like to say to Customer Support. When we know what kind of issue you have, we can give you help more quickly.

To find the page to report an item or anything you think is an offense click on HELP at the top of every ebay page. The contact Rules and Safety.

I have done this a few times and I have always gotten an email back from them in 24-48 hours. Sometimes the sellers have been suspended, but most times they are given a warning and the infringing auction is closed. That has been my experience.

Just giving people another option. Ebay is a great resource for those people that aren't lucky enough to have a DS near them or live near the parks. I wouldn't have a ¼ of my Vintage Tinker Bell collection if it weren't for ebay. I wouldn't want to see anyone get suspended because they were trying to help other people.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I agree with ~Kathie.

Sometimes when we see an item misdescribed we will send an e-mail to the seller explaining our reasoning for stating is is not correctly described.

Often we have had very positive reponses from honest people. I have seen them change the description, or, if too late to do that, close the auction early with an apology and then relist the item correctly.

If I see a pattern or get a nasty response I will report the auction to eBay, including a copy of my original message as well as any response received.

However, I am unwilling to get suspended by eBay for "interfering with an auction", which could happen if I contacted bidders.

 

[TheLionKing]

Interesting. I was not aware of that rule.

I did email the seller first and got a response that told me this person was not at all interested in the truth. That is why I informed some of the bidders.

I will take everyone's advice and just contact ebay directly.

But I am still furious about that auction. How can you become a collector if people are ripping you off?

 

[Buzz2001]

Here is another rip off. Item # 713656203