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SafeHarbor; eBay's Own
Scotland
Yard |
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SafeHarbor; eBay's Own Scotland
Yard.
SafeHarbor are the eBay police department. If
you break the rules, commit fraud or try to buy something
you're not supposed to, they'll be after
you.
When You Don't Pay.
This is the most common rule buyers break - it's
all too easy to just change your mind and try to get out of
the auction. eBay regards every auction as a contract, and
will punish you if you don't go through with your end of the
deal. If you decide not to pay then expect to get a few nasty
warning emails from eBay threatening you with banning if you
do it again. Not to mention, of course, that you'll get a big
negative 'DID NOT PAY' feedback comment from the
seller.
So There Are Things You Can't Buy on
eBay?
Yes, there are: more things than you'd expect.
It makes sense that you can't buy firearms, for example, but
you also can't buy fireworks - eBay are worried about the
risks of sending them in the post. Laws in many countries mean
that you can't buy alcohol or tobacco. You can't buy illegal
or prescription drugs, stocks and shares, or lottery tickets.
No underwear, either. You can't buy any little pet puppies or
kittens, as animals are banned. If items infringe on
copyright, like pirate CDs or software, then they're not
allowed either.
eBay's policy is controversial, not least
because it is somewhat random in its enforcement - and there
have been accusations that they're more responsive to the
copyright concerns of big businesses than to auctions for
items that might actually be dangerous. If they do decide to
go after you or the seller, though, they will cancel the
auction and may also suspend your accounts.
Fraud.
eBay runs remarkably well considering how
unregulated it is, but there are still fraudsters. If you are
a victim of fraud - for example, you pay for an item that
never turns up - then SafeHarbor will investigate for you.
eBay's standard purchase protection will give you up to $200
back if your claim is successful. Be aware, though, that this
can take a few months.
In addition, if you paid by PayPal, then they
can usually reverse the transaction relatively easily and get
you more (if not all) of your money back. This is another
reason why many buyers prefer to use PayPal. Some sellers are
a little scared of the effectiveness of the refund system, as
they can send out items in good faith only to find that their
buyer was fraudulent and the transaction has been reversed. If
you're worried about fraud, as a buyer, you should always use
PayPal.
What's that? You don't know how to use PayPal?
Well, luckily for you, the next article is all about using
PayPal to improve your eBay
life.
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