eBay, etc. General Question/Answer Thread

[OohPretty!]

What authentication services does eBay accept when a buyer claims a handbag is fake? I have used Authenticate4U in the past but I heard they were hacked and there was problems with their authentications being accepted. I sold a Burberry handbag I purchased from Saks, and I have my statement from them, but it only says 'Burberry handbag' and the price. Thanks!

 

[BeenBurned]

What authentication services does eBay accept when a buyer claims a handbag is fake? I have used Authenticate4U in the past but I heard they were hacked and there was problems with their authentications being accepted. I sold a Burberry handbag I purchased from Saks, and I have my statement from them, but it only says 'Burberry handbag' and the price. Thanks!

I have a few questions.

1. Are you asking this question prophylactically or have you sold an item that the buyer thinks is fake?
2. If the latter, has the buyer filed a dispute?
3. Does the buyer want to keep the item if it's proven to be authentic?
4. Or does the buyer want to return anyway?

If #4, I would just take the return, get an authentication and include a statement when you relist. Potential buyers can contact authentication service to confirm that they did that item. (In fact, I did that very thing when I sold a Burb item. Buyer claimed she took it to a Burb store and was told they "couldn't determine authenticity," a typical response since they don't authenticate. I got it back, had it authenticated by A4U and relisted it.)

If #2, yes, A4U provides documentation acceptable to ebay, PP and c.c. companies.

If #3, spend $7.50 for an authentication and forward it to the buyer for reassurance.

 

[OohPretty!]

I have a few questions.

1. Are you asking this question prophylactically or have you sold an item that the buyer thinks is fake?
2. If the latter, has the buyer filed a dispute?
3. Does the buyer want to keep the item if it's proven to be authentic?
4. Or does the buyer want to return anyway?

If #4, I would just take the return, get an authentication and include a statement when you relist. Potential buyers can contact authentication service to confirm that they did that item. (In fact, I did that very thing when I sold a Burb item. Buyer claimed she took it to a Burb store and was told they "couldn't determine authenticity," a typical response since they don't authenticate. I got it back, had it authenticated by A4U and relisted it.)

If #2, yes, A4U provides documentation acceptable to ebay, PP and c.c. companies.

If #3, spend $7.50 for an authentication and forward it to the buyer for reassurance.

Thank you for your quick reply! I sold an item that the buyer believes is fake, they have emailed me requesting a return but have not open a case with ebay. I believe she does not want to keep the item. I see from her feedback that she has returned a bag before for not being authentic and she only has 6 feedback.
I will contact Authenticate4U and see if that helps. Thanks again!

 

[LailaT]

Hi friends, I've done lots of searching for the answer to my question but no luck so far. So I'm starting this new post.
For sellers who request a deposit on PayPal and the balance to be paid by wire transfer, does the sale record as an eBay sale? I'm wondering because of earning eBay bucks as a buyer. If the sale is not recorded on eBay then eBay is not getting their fee (and I don't know how there would be buyer protection). But let's say trust between buyer/seller isn't an issue and wire transfer is acceptable, isn't the seller going this route to pay only the PayPal fee? And is it PayPal fee on the whole price or only on the deposit amount? I'm the buyer but wondering what this all represents to the seller who was not willing to accept full amount via PayPal (just making common sense assumptions here). Also, I wouldn't be able to use existing eBay bucks in this scenario I think...

 

[whateve]

Hi friends, I've done lots of searching for the answer to my question but no luck so far. So I'm starting this new post.
For sellers who request a deposit on PayPal and the balance to be paid by wire transfer, does the sale record as an eBay sale? I'm wondering because of earning eBay bucks as a buyer. If the sale is not recorded on eBay then eBay is not getting their fee (and I don't know how there would be buyer protection). But let's say trust between buyer/seller isn't an issue and wire transfer is acceptable, isn't the seller going this route to pay only the PayPal fee? And is it PayPal fee on the whole price or only on the deposit amount? I'm the buyer but wondering what this all represents to the seller who was not willing to accept full amount via PayPal (just making common sense assumptions here). Also, I wouldn't be able to use existing eBay bucks in this scenario I think...

If you pay by wire transfer, you can't dispute or get your money back no matter what. I would only do this for a close friend on an item I already had in hand and knew was authentic. If you pay before they send it, there is no assurance they will send it. Asking you to pay like this is a big red flag. Anyone who is willing to cheat ebay is willing to cheat you.

 

[whateve]

I'm selling a pair of Ugg Australia boots and I don't have the original box, but I have an Ugg box from my recent purchase (different style). Is there a problem in including this newer box with the older Uggs when I sell them? I've noticed the box has some kind of sticker that I think is used to prove authenticity.

 

[BeenBurned]

I'm selling a pair of Ugg Australia boots and I don't have the original box, but I have an Ugg box from my recent purchase (different style). Is there a problem in including this newer box with the older Uggs when I sell them? I've noticed the box has some kind of sticker that I think is used to prove authenticity.

For newer items, the Uggs box has a hologram and one of those weird code things that you scan with your phone (I don't know what it's called) but just as with anything else, authenticity of an item isn't judged by a box, tag, receipt, or any other item that can be separated from or added to an item. It's the boots themselves that would be proven (or disproven) authentic based on their own merits.

I have sold shoes and boots that didn't have the box that came with them or was for a different size. I've specified that in my listing along the lines of "this item will come in an Uggs box but although the box is for the correct style, it's marked with a different size" or "comes with a box but the box isn't original to the size or style shoes."

Tweak as necessary.

 

[whateve]

For newer items, the Uggs box has a hologram and one of those weird code things that you scan with your phone (I don't know what it's called) but just as with anything else, authenticity of an item isn't judged by a box, tag, receipt, or any other item that can be separated from or added to an item. It's the boots themselves that would be proven (or disproven) authentic based on their own merits.

I have sold shoes and boots that didn't have the box that came with them or was for a different size. I've specified that in my listing along the lines of "this item will come in an Uggs box but although the box is for the correct style, it's marked with a different size" or "comes with a box but the box isn't original to the size or style shoes."

Tweak as necessary.

Thanks. I thought the buyer might appreciate getting a box but then thought since it has the hologram and QR code, that it might confuse things. It is on Tradesy.

 

[Catbird9]

Hi friends, I've done lots of searching for the answer to my question but no luck so far. So I'm starting this new post.
For sellers who request a deposit on PayPal and the balance to be paid by wire transfer, does the sale record as an eBay sale? I'm wondering because of earning eBay bucks as a buyer. If the sale is not recorded on eBay then eBay is not getting their fee (and I don't know how there would be buyer protection). But let's say trust between buyer/seller isn't an issue and wire transfer is acceptable, isn't the seller going this route to pay only the PayPal fee? And is it PayPal fee on the whole price or only on the deposit amount? I'm the buyer but wondering what this all represents to the seller who was not willing to accept full amount via PayPal (just making common sense assumptions here). Also, I wouldn't be able to use existing eBay bucks in this scenario I think...

If the item was listed was on eBay and you bought it there, then regardless of how you paid, the sale would be recorded as an eBay sale.

The PayPal fee would only be applied to the amount the seller received through PayPal.

Also note:
"Marketplace Safety Tip

eBay does not recommend the use of instant cash wire transfer services, such as Western Union, for payments. While sellers may offer this option, they cannot require you to pay this way. If you suspect a seller is trying to commit fraud by insisting on payment through an instant cash wire transfer, please decline to use it and report the seller to eBay. "
http://pages.ebay.com/ebaymotors/buy/deposit-paypal/


About your eBay Bucks:
"Among other restrictions, purchases made in the following categories DO NOT qualify:

• eBay Motors (including Parts & Accessories)
• Classifieds
• Real Estate
• Gift Cards & Coupons, but only for eBay Gift Cards within that category
• Coins & Paper Money, but only for Bullion within that category
• Business & Industrial

PLEASE NOTE: While eBay Bucks can't be earned on purchases in these categories, the eBay Bucks Certificates can still be used for redemption in these categories. See complete details on redemption."
http://pages.ebay.com/rewards/faq.html#7

 

[LailaT]

Thank you Catbird9!
It was a best offer that went back & forth twice and I accepted seller's last offer. It was recorded as an accepted offer by eBay, but the invoice was only shown through PayPal (referencing the eBay item, photo, ID #, and accepted price) for the deposit amount.
So my questions remain, there was no option on the PayPal payment process to input eBay bucks certificate number.

 

[whateve]

Thank you Catbird9!
It was a best offer that went back & forth twice and I accepted seller's last offer. It was recorded as an accepted offer by eBay, but the invoice was only shown through PayPal (referencing the eBay item, photo, ID #, and accepted price) for the deposit amount.
So my questions remain, there was no option on the PayPal payment process to input eBay bucks certificate number.

Since she sent you a paypal invoice, not an ebay invoice, I assume you still have the option of going to your ebay orders and clicking on the "pay now" button. If you do it that way, you'll be able to use your ebay bucks. Keep in mind that if you use ebay bucks, the seller can't give you any partial refunds.

 

[LailaT]

Since she sent you a paypal invoice, not an ebay invoice, I assume you still have the option of going to your ebay orders and clicking on the "pay now" button. If you do it that way, you'll be able to use your ebay bucks. Keep in mind that if you use ebay bucks, the seller can't give you any partial refunds.

I recall her telling me not to Pay Now on the eBay page. OK sorry for all the trouble, I'll work it out with seller when she returns to town to complete the transaction. Thank you whateve & Catbird9 - this is a great resource spot for those of us who buy (and sell!) to know what we're in for with fees, protections, etc.

 

[BeenBurned]

I recall her telling me not to Pay Now on the eBay page.

I wonder why. Is she trying to sell outside ebay and save fees? If so, I don't recommend doing that.

 

[LailaT]

I wonder why. Is she trying to sell outside ebay and save fees? If so, I don't recommend doing that.

Precisely the reason.
But she sees that as standard mode of operation for known resellers of the high priced Hermès (again, that's how I bought a couple of bags in years past from another reseller: Créateurs de Luxe) and I see that's what several others do currently require: a $1,000 deposit on PayPal with remainder due as wire transfer.
So, while I'm not recommending this type of transaction for those reading this post here new to this, in my case I trust this seller. I just don't get how the sale is recorded as an eBay sale on the PayPal invoice while it seems to actually get around eBay and straight to PayPal

 

[whateve]

Precisely the reason.
But she sees that as standard mode of operation for known resellers of the high priced Hermès (again, that's how I bought a couple of bags in years past from another reseller: Créateurs de Luxe) and I see that's what several others do currently require: a $1,000 deposit on PayPal with remainder due as wire transfer.
So, while I'm not recommending this type of transaction for those reading this post here new to this, in my case I trust this seller. I just don't get how the sale is recorded as an eBay sale on the PayPal invoice while it seems to actually get around eBay and straight to PayPal

I don't know because I've never done it, but I suppose the seller can mark it as paid in ebay. I don't think she will do this because then she would be responsible for paying ebay fees on the entire amount. I would imagine it would show up in ebay as if you never paid, and she can file a cancellation request in order to get ebay to credit back the fees. You would not have any ebay protection.