What To Look For In Trusting Your Seller
by Dave Steer
eBay's Senior Manager of Trust & Safety Marketing

Let me start by reminding our Chatter's faithful readers of a quote that was part of an issue of the Chatter several months ago. In this quote, eBay member ocean-gypsy paints a descriptive picture of how trust in the eBay marketplace works:

"eBay is like having a big city like New York City in your home or office…most problems in the 'big city' of eBay can be avoided if you remember to use good common sense."

When it comes to safety, the metaphor of eBay as a big city couldn't be more fitting. The analogy is this: A city is responsible for ensuring that its roads have crosswalks, stoplights, and streetlamps. But drivers and pedestrians still need to look out for one another. In the physical world, this is called "common sense." On eBay, we call this "Trading Sense" - an awareness of what and who to trust online that will empower you to buy and sell safely and enjoyably.

There are two key elements to eBay trading sense. The first is self-reliance. That is, people who buy or sell online should do so with a full understanding of the risks and rewards so that they can make good judgments.

The second is dependence on others. Interdependence, after all, creates community -- it validates people's participation in the magic of eBay and is a very important expression of the values of the eBay marketplace.

So what should members do to ensure that they are using Trading Sense in their transactions on eBay? How can buyers in the marketplace trust that they are safe and that their transactions will go smoothly? Here are four steps that should be a part of every buyer's routine:

1. Check the Feedback. Feedback is your guide to a buyer or seller's reputation on eBay. It helps you learn more about an eBay member's past activity. Does this seller deliver their merchandise on time? Does he or she send items in good condition? Have other customers had a positive experience? Before bidding on an item, check the seller's feedback score by clicking on the number next to their User ID.
2. Read the Item Description-and then read it AGAIN! The Item Description should include everything you want to know about what you want to purchase. Make sure to read all the fine print details. If you have any questions when you are through, go to step 3.
3. Ask Your Seller a Question. The 'Ask Seller A Question' feature enables buyers to contact a seller prior to bidding and/or sending payment. This is a great tool to help buyers get all their questions answered about the product before placing a bid. When you place a bid, you've entered a binding agreement to pay should you win. Once you've committed this far, it is too late to back out should you read something in the description you didn't notice before or that you didn't clarify with your seller first.
4. Pay with PayPal. PayPal is the safe way to pay online. It makes transactions secure and convenient through its industry-leading fraud prevention system. And, when you use PayPal on an item that features the PayPal Buyer Protection symbol, your purchase is covered up to $500. Be sure to look at the payment details section before placing a bid to make sure which payment methods the seller accepts.

So there you have it. Four simple things you can do to illustrate good Trading Sense. They are your keys to a safe, enjoyable and trustworthy experience among buyers and sellers on eBay.