OT-Question about ebay purchase

[frannn]

I have been a buyer on ebay for years, and I usually check feedback on a seller before I bid. Yesterday I won an auction from a seller who had only 2 feedback comments, but they were both recent and positive. The auction was for a bunch of playstation games, which I won at about 22. The seller states in the auction that this must be paid within 2 days. I have no problem with this, but then I looked further into the seller's history. I looked up all the past auctions offered by the seller, and there were several, from 12/31 till now. None of the other buyers left any kind of feedback. I contacted a few, and only one emailed me back saying their transaction was never complete, and that I should not pay until receiving the merchandise. Who would send me merchandise without my payment? I think I will not take this buyers advice, as they do not even state whether they sent payment or not. I contacted the seller through the link in the auction this AM, asking for a shipping total. I have not heard back yet, which is not surprising. If the seller contacts me back, I have no choice but to send the $, because it is my responsibility. Would you go further in investigating the seller? Like requesting their contact info from ebay or emailing any more of the other high bidders? They have no more current auctions running. The seller's id is mediaisme123. Thanks!

 

[DMRick]

I would for sure pay using Paypal and my credit card.

 

[frannn]

I received an ebay invoice showing shipping is 12.91 from NC to NY (11581)

Here is the seller's response to me when I asked how much shipping is:

priority mail the box is kind heavy and big and it have 200 dollars
insuraNCE please pay quickly

Did I translate it correctly, that it includes insurance? I paid the total of the auction plus 12.91 shipping through Paypal with a credit card.
Now I am thinking he meant an additional 2., which I didn't pay.

Also, I received this email from one of the two buyers that actually left positive feedback:

HelloFran,
Justin is new at the eBay and we were also concerned. The item was mailed after 10 days or so, but was exactly as described.
He is young and just getting started.. we sent him some tips.. one was to MAIL IMMEDIATELY after payment is recieved, so folks would not be nervous. We won on 3 Jan, paid immediately with PayPal and it was that time period prior to his getting to the PostOffice that was too long.
I am still biding on his stuff..
Later, WILL

Should I sent another 2.? I called his phone number listed on ebay, and emailed with this question.

 

[kashkdz]

frannn --

I buy/sell very frequently on ebay. Although I'm somewhat confused by his use of the English language, I would only pay the winning bid amont ($22), and the stated shipping charge ($12.91). Although the shipping charge does seem high, it is not unreasonable (possibly extra for the $200 insurance) . I wouldn't pay any extra. Also I would pay using paypal, as you are protected up to $500 for paypal purchases at no additional cost.

Ebay Tip - always get a quote on shipping charges BEFORE you bid on an auction. As both a seller and buyer I understand that shipping and handling fees may not equal the actual shipping charge (time and effort), but some will grossly inflate shipping charges to make extra money on the sale. As most ebayers value their feedback, and/or desire the product that they bid on, they simply pay the charges.

Hope this helps.

 

[dsnycrzy]

kashkdz's tip is right about knowing the shipping before bidding. I just bought 2 things from the same seller for $0.99 each total $1.98. I get an invoice with the shipping being $19.00. I e-mailed her and asked if those 2 jeans and 1 pair of shorts were being shipped lined in gold. She gave me a $3.00 discount. But god knows I would not have bid on those items had I known shipping was almost $10 each.