Hmmm, TPS,
Good points here, however, I believe that E bay does offer the opportunity to buy real merchandise at discounted prices. While this does entail risk, it is a place that allows for real bargains for those who may not be able to afford (and this is many people) pricey bags they desire, or find within stores. With that being said, Ebay is just a huge forum of Game Theory in practice- it is not a one sided interaction, rather, it necessitates the buyer to be "smart" and take the time to do thorough research to minimize potential losses. Yes, taking personal responsibility helps you grip part of whatevers coming to you! The Purse Forum and threads like Seller watch are examples of resources for those who choose to use it...
Here are a few points to consider from me-
1. The reputation and trust system on ebay does work to a certain extent, and that's why you will have sellers like Leshent, Rag Nation and PersonalShoppers who may not be authorized sellers, but do attain authentic products. They are noted and cited in places like PF and TFS easily.
This helps to drive good business towards honest people and away from those who aren't.
2. Other sources of merchandise from such sellers may be attained through other proper channels (i.e. Rag Nation, owned by Alessandro, picks up merchandise from fashion photo shoots, show, etc)
3. Assurances from long term established ebay sellers who take return merchandise as stated in their page....and have a good track record (as stated in their history) of honest dealings.
4. Aside from sellers who only take back products which are proven to be "not authentic", some sellers take back products (as shown in history) when customers are unsatisfied.
Much more can be said, but the bottom line is that not only is ebay about the seller, it is also very much about the buyer as well.
Some advice, do your homework ladies, research, see what the return policy is....ask to have it clarified, and see what has been done in the past in such instances. Oh yeah, read and use PF to help!!!
Sorry about my rant, I had too much sugar today
TPS said:
Ladies,
It pains me to read posts about people buying high end bags from an unknown source on E-Bay. Before you drop a large chunk of change on a product sight unseen - ask yourself a few questions.
1. How does a random source that doesn't have a store that is authorized to sell the brand you desire have multiple quantities of such items?
2. What stores are authorized to sell these brands? (Most of the high end boutiqies I know - including mine - don't have them)
3. What do you do if the item you get is not what was expected?
4. What do you do if there is a problem with the bag? (We had a $1200 Michael Kors Collection bag fall apart at the strap three days after purchase). Our customer had recourse - she returned the bag to us and we had it fixed by MK. This happens with all designers. An authorized seller will accept repairs and forward them to the designer.
I have provided "expert testimony" for E-bay disputes about the condition of bags which were sold as "new" which were received in condition far from new. The disputes were never resolved and the buyer was stuck with "used" merchandise.
Sorry for the long winded ranting - but as a "real" store and internet seller we are pained to see our enthusiastic clients get taken advantage of.
If your ultimate goal is to land an awesome bag at a "bargain" - shop during sale season and get the real thing without question.