| Fake items abound on eBay, and it takes much | | | | should include a COA (certificate of authenticity) |
| effort not to be duped by scammers who peddle | | | | from a trusted third party. Counterfeit or |
| these wares. There have been many painful | | | | misrepresented items should be reported to eBay. |
| stories relating how a seemingly legitimate item | | | | When buying on eBay Motors, one may have an |
| turned out to be either fake or defective. | | | | inspection service double-check if the seller is |
| It is possible, however, to avoid these scams if | | | | accurately representing his automobile. |
| one is careful and vigilant. Buyers should be wary | | | | Look at the Feedback |
| of any purchase over eBay, and should take | | | | One should analyze the feedback rating of a seller. |
| steps to ensure the authenticity of the item and | | | | Analyzing feedback is another helpful exercise to |
| to make sure the item is in reasonable condition. | | | | prevent scams. Sellers who have an established |
| Be Vigilant | | | | history of credible sales are usually helpful and |
| Buyers should take the initiative by doing plenty | | | | professional to deal with. Negative feedback |
| of background research. They must learn as | | | | should be a red flag as to whether one should |
| much as possible about the products before | | | | pursue a trade with the person. The same thing |
| bidding on them. If the seller provides pictures of | | | | applies for those who do not have feedback |
| an item, they should not be taken at face value. | | | | ratings at all. |
| Comparison of these pictures with the real item | | | | Buyers must be careful however, since it is |
| helps in this regard. | | | | possible that a scammer has hijacked an account |
| Many sellers will use pictures from manufacturers | | | | that has positive feedback. |
| that do not represent the item they are actually | | | | Buyers should make sure they have read the |
| selling; buyers should ask the seller for actual | | | | entire product description on its eBay listing. |
| pictures of the item. If the seller balks, buyers | | | | Things to look out for are disclaimers, damages, |
| should refrain from bidding. Collector?s items, | | | | current item condition, years of use, and others. |
| autographed memorabilia, and historical artifacts | | | | If this information is not specified, it would do well |
| are common items that are misrepresented on | | | | for the buyer to contact the seller regarding such. |
| eBay. | | | | The Price Theory |
| Authenticate | | | | If the price for an item is too good to be true, it |
| Familiarize yourself with the various bodies that | | | | probably is. Auctions that carry outrageously low |
| certify respective items. For example, reputable | | | | prices should be taken skeptically. |
| merchants of autographed sports memorabilia | | | | |