Beware of Selling on eBay Using PayPal, Reporter Warns

by: iheartjacksparrow

And this is exactly why no one should sell anything of value on eBay. I just hope the "liar buyer" didn't strip parts that he needed from the boat. Hopefully, this story will be picked up by other media outlets and will get nation-wide coverage.

I just wish the article would have named the buyer so other sellers could be forewarned of possible issues.

by: JQ

I have seen several major media reports of this same nature over the last two years. They all have the same bottom line. Ebay/Paypal provide no meaningful seller protection in any cases.

Ebay/Paypal abandoned their responsibility of providing any form of meaningful seller protection a few years ago. All sellers on eBay have to rely on the honesty and good will of their clients because if they run into a dishonest buyer in no case can they expect eBay or Paypal to do anything at all for them, even in the most blatant instances. I know from first-hand experience.

by: pace306

FINALLY an outsider understands what we sellers go through 24/7 on eBay!

Will it help? Doubtful. And if hte story gets too big, eBay will step in and pretend to do the seller a "favor" and help them out - all to simply garner postive press.

1) Paypal isnt a bank. They are simply a CC processor and carry little to no weight when it comes to CC chargeback issues. At the first sign of an issue, Paypal circles the wagons to protect THEMSELVES via a settlement with the buyer and his/her bank. That makes them a dishonest broker since they can NEVER be fiar and things cant ever be "even".

2) Paypals entire game is a 3 card monte shell game. Just watch the little lady and HOPE all goes well. If you are lucky - you can win ... your own money back. Paypal has a factor, an insurance company that backs all the fraudulent activity. Like a factor on a delinquent account, the company that works with Paypal bets AGAINST the seller. If the seller "wins" then the insurance company has to pay out to cover the measly "seller protection". If the seller LOOSES, then the insurance company gets to keep the funds and the %2 vig. Paypal (again) cant ever be "an honest broker" nor can it be a level playing field as they "bet" and do EVERYTHING in their power to make sure the insurance company/themselves and the buyer win. Too many losses and the factor simply says "bye bye" (or raises Paypals rates).

3) eBay ...... the guys that make La Costra Nostra look like choir boys, have simply (as said so well above) absolved themselves of ANY responsibility in any area. From picture theft from other sellers to returns to chargebacks - call eBay and ask them - they have lots of rules - for you the seller. YOU shoulder all the responsibility - for everything.

They arent your partner (DUH TOOLGUY) they are simply a website that lists goods and they ONLY look out for themselves ... NEVER for you, ever.

This women needs to get an attorney and sue all 3 idiots. Problem is ... Paypal and eBay will trot out documents signed by her (shrinkwrap license) that "lets them" do as they please since "you agreed to it" You basically agree(d) to let your self be taken advantage of.

I do hope it goes viral, but I dont expect eBay to change anytime soon.

by: Rexford

I've been hit recently as well by a liar buyer running to PayPal after eBay ruled a case in our favor.

Thankfully it was not for a large amount of money.  I hope this reporter gets a good attorney and keeps her story  out there publicly.  PayPal is going too far.

by: rhawk

1) The seller should have never, NEVER, allowed the full payment thru paypal.  Accept a small deposit via paypal, and then cash balance in person.

2) Have terms of inspection and acceptance of vehicles condition in the listing.  This is important in case of legal actions.

3) Have buyer PERSONALLY inspect vehicle, and have them sign an "as is" bill of sale.

This seller will have no problem winning this case in court....she will probably even get  a 6 months use rental fee back as well, and paid for any damages to the boat during its use.

Sellers need to do everything to protect themselves from buyers.  Do not assume ebay or paypal will do it for you.  

by: toolguy

The Golden Rule for local pickup

NEVER TAKE PAYPAL ~ CASH ONLY

by: gizmo

Theres only one way to deal with liar buyers , its made of aluminum.

by: toolguy

@ gizmo

I was thinking more in the lines of copper coated lead. . .

by: windsorbear

I have added the Channel 8 news story and video to my Facebook page and asked everyone to share it and make it go viral.  I suggest all readers of this page to do the same.  The moral widespread this becomes, the more likely eBay and/or PayPal will do one of two things... either change their TOS to appease the buying and selling public, or throw in the towel, close their sites and run off with the money before the feds come after them.

by: DingDong

I would get the General Attorney involved.
Keep all your documents and other proof.
If you blog, I would use the ebay ID of Buyer, their name and city/state and blog what has been done. There is also a BadBuyersList you can list on. As long as I know I am in the right with the evidence, this is what I would do. Let people/ sellers/ employers know.

If there is a court judgement or something has satisfied the problem, amend it with the conclusion. Be Honest when doing this.

by: Ming the Merciless

If everyone who reads this blog and wants more payment options would contact this reporter with their horror stories, the fact that many are compelled to use PayPal, and the sweetheart deal The Ho negotiated with PayPal prior to his 'departure' to PayPal, the story could get a lot bigger and attract more attention.

by: Santini

Sounds like an easy-peasy way to get yourself some nice big ticket items free of charge! Just ask if they take paypal and use it through your credit card!

by: The End

Ebay is a mess.
All of my favorite categories are very low on selection. And collectibles is weak.
There's nothing there that hasn't been listed since last year.
Very very poor....and WAY over priced.
It's a sad Christmas at Ebay.

by: comments

Was some of the story left out? Why did the buyer not go to the police? Creditcard companies just willie nilly hand back money unless the buyer made a good faith attempt to return the item. The seller should prosecute the buyer or sue them.

by: toolguy

@comments

"Why did the buyer not go to the police?"

Why would the "buyer" go to the police?

I can see why the "seller" might call but not the buyer.

PS: A common error I see on threads here and on eBay's community boards is that people seem to be confused who the SELLER and BUYERS are.

by: TomH

@ rhawk

Has it correct.

Selling a 8000+ dollar boat via PayPal? The seller was a bit dense. Perhaps the reporter left out a lot of detail. But if not, then you just do not sell a boat via a credit card without a bunch of save your ass paper work as rhawk mentions.

by: Rexford

Does anyone have the reporter's contact details? I would like to thank him/her for going public with this story.

by: windsorbear

Rexford, the reporter's name is Michelle Mortensen.  She works at the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas.  Her email contact there is mmortensen@8newsnow.com .

by: moto-science

Look at the response from Paypal....?
chirp, chirp, chirp........crickets !

This is what we pay government for.....to
make fairness in the market when private enterprise  totally fails.

by: LasVagueness

COLD HARD CASH ONLY for local pickup (cars/boats/appliances/electronics/bulky items). No credit, and NO PAYPAL. Not now, not ever. I'm surprised to hear the seller accepted PayPal...why?