Why does everybody talk trash about Ebay?

SoFlo · November 5, 2014 2:41AM

Over the years I've bought several quality coins off of Ebay and had virtually no issues. I realize that there are a few sleazy sellers that try to peddle counterfeit junk but that's why you always check their feedback, especially on an expensive purchase. If you avoid these sellers and use the golden rule "If it sounds to good to be true..." then Ebay is a great international marketplace.

Steve27 · November 5, 2014 2:46AM

IMO the trash talk has to do with ebay collecting substantial fees, but not properly policing their offerings (even when notified).

lasvegasteddy · November 5, 2014 2:49AM

whose everyone
as i'm not in this club

i have alot of fun and cherish it's compliment to our hobby

made some sweet buys
got more then i figured on my offerings in return too

whose everyone?

silverpop · November 5, 2014 2:56AM

there is a list a mile long about issues with E-bay of course people will gripe when the issues are not fixed

Bochiman · November 5, 2014 3:04AM

Depends on what you mean.

Ebay has some hiccups and it has some good things. They do make some bonehead decisions that can impact people negatively and unfairly. In those cases, I can see people being upset.

Then, you have the childish ones who seem to NEED to call ebay names, constantly. The "feebay", "fleabay", etc names. It gets really old and just makes me think very negative of the person(s) that feel the need to do so so constantly. That is the "trash talk" that I don't understand (I understand the trying to be funny about the fees and the play on words, etc, but to do it so much and in every post one makes about ebay? Nah...don't understand that if it is supposed to be coming from a mature adult who I would want to do business with)

MGLICKER · November 5, 2014 3:06AM

""" there are a few sleazy sellers that try to peddle counterfeit junk but that's why you always check their feedback, especially on an expensive purchase"""

Bought a cleaned Saint in an NGC fake slab form a University professor with fine Ebay feedback. He took it back. Not sure that he knew it was bogus plastic, but I believe that he did.

Ebay is ok in many cases for buying, but you better know your coins....and your slabs.

TopographicOceans · November 5, 2014 3:13AM

eBay has gotten a lot better for buyers. It was pretty much like the wild west some years ago.
But they have shifted towards an Amazon model. I remember there would be about 800,000 coin auction listings.
Today there are 137,000 auctions and 635,000 BIN.

The scammers have shifted to the buying side and eBay treats sellers like crap.
The new fad is to buy something and then return something else worthless. There is a class action suit brewing.

Actually members of this board were instrumental in bringing needed improvements to eBay, like the elimination of AGC.
People here would create accounts and bid $10,000 on scammers auctions just to win so they couldn't rip off people with fake images.

But don't worry. there are still sellers that will rip you off pretty good

BillJones · November 5, 2014 3:13AM

EBay has long had a problem with counterfeit coins being offered on their site, and their attitude has been "so what?" most of the time. The former editor of Coin World Beth Diesher had long term project get eBay to clean up its act. She was only partially successful. EBay seems to be more interested in the money it collects from sellers than protecting their customers from getting ripped-offed, sometimes for big dollars.

Yes, there are honest sellers on eBay, but the honesty comes from them, not from the general attitudes that the site projects.

MGLICKER · November 5, 2014 3:21AM

"""The new fad is to buy something and then return something else worthless."""

Just had something similar to that happen as well. Got out cheap, considering the potential hit.

Use extreme care on both sides of the transaction.

DIMEMAN · November 5, 2014 3:36AM

I like ebay and buy lots of coins there. Just avoid the bad sellers.

LindeDad · November 5, 2014 4:09AM

Safer than Craig's List.....

BryceM · November 5, 2014 4:23AM

As eBay has evolved, many changes have occurred. Many of these have made it harder to be a seller.

For buyers, it's almost as good as ever........ but their policies have resulted in fewer true auctions and more of a digital storefront.

derryb · November 5, 2014 4:44AM

buyers have absolutely nothing to lose. This means any loses will be eaten by the sellers.

19Lyds · November 5, 2014 4:45AM

<< Over the years I've bought several quality coins off of Ebay and had virtually no issues. I realize that there are a few sleazy sellers that try to peddle counterfeit junk but that's why you always check their feedback, especially on an expensive purchase. If you avoid these sellers and use the golden rule "If it sounds to good to be true..." then Ebay is a great international marketplace. >>

Well, when you start "selling" on eBay or perhaps inadvertently purchase a counterfeit coin off of eBay, you'll understand why folks feel the need to "vent".

MGLICKER · November 5, 2014 4:54AM

<< Well, when you start "selling" on eBay or perhaps inadvertently purchase a counterfeit coin off of eBay, you'll understand why folks feel the need to "vent". >>

The lucky ones discover the fakes in a timely manner. Washington Quarter expert, Manofcoins nearly got stung for near 5 figures on a sandwiched 32-D in a bogus PCGS holder. Seems that is took him a few months to become suspicious of the piece. The luster as I recall, was the tipoff.

TwoSides2aCoin · November 5, 2014 5:07AM

I don't talk trash , I sell it.

… seriously though… it's because there is a lot of trash there.
Have been happily selling and buying there for 13 years.

Elcontador · November 5, 2014 5:44AM

I don't trash-talk it. I ignore it. I spent thirty minutes on the site fifteen years ago and never bothered to return.
1) I did not find anything that interested me
2) You can't grade a coin from an image, especially one which is Unc. and toned, or a PF
3) Do not want to be bothered with returning coins when I really don't know what I am buying in the first place (see 2).

291fifth · November 5, 2014 6:22AM

1. Policies introduced over the past several years which negatively impact small sellers.

2. Failure to eliminate counterfeit merchandise from their site.

3. Increased fees and requirement to use PayPal.

lordmarcovan · November 5, 2014 6:52AM

<< Why does everybody talk trash about eBay? >>

Because it's there, and they can.

EBay democratized the market for so many different things, coins included, that it is only inevitable that they reap the lion's share of scorn as well as praise.

They are, after all, the World's Flea Market, with all the sleazy and seedy things that implies, and yet all the delightful and innovative things, too.

That old Joe Walsh tune with the great guitar in it came on the car radio yesterday, and I cranked it up.

Two lines from it pretty much sum up my attitude about eBay, and perhaps life in general.

<< I can't complain, but sometimes I still do
...
Life's been good to me so far >>

EBay's been good to me so far. I can't complain... but sometimes I still do.

'Tis but human nature, I suppose.

lordmarcovan · November 5, 2014 6:58AM

<< As eBay has evolved, many changes have occurred. Many of these have made it harder to be a seller.

For buyers, it's almost as good as ever........ but their policies have resulted in fewer true auctions and more of a digital storefront. >>

True enough.

I'm glad I mostly sell extremely cheap material. If I were selling really high-dollar stuff, I'd probably get an ulcer.

And as a buyer, these days I hunt for my bigger purchases on other sites more often than I do eBay.

The "Global Flea Market" metaphor stands up for eBay in so many ways, both bad and good.

CaptHenway · November 5, 2014 7:29AM

Some of the biggest thieves on eBay are buyers. When they eliminated the option of rating buyers they made it much more difficult for sellers.

LindeDad · November 5, 2014 7:33AM

Talk trash there's a Stella in there right Fred.

vibr0nic · November 5, 2014 10:12AM

I don't trash talk eBay, but I notice almost every move they make lately has not been in the interest of buyers or sellers. Higher fees and messing with search functionality come to mind as specific recent changes that benefit no one except the eBay short term bottom line. As a buyer, inventory is usually stale and largely overpriced. As a seller, it's easier to consign elsewhere - with similar bidders and net results - than deal with the nonsense and hassle of doing it yourself. I used to check eBay daily. Bought and sold a lot of coins and currency there once upon a time. Those days are long gone, though.

Cougar1978 · November 5, 2014 10:23AM

Frustration, resistance to change.

As a seller I occasionally have to deal with flake buyers. As a buyer I have got some good deals there.

It has its pluses and minuses but as a sales venue has been great for my business.

metalmeister · November 5, 2014 10:37AM

Ebay great for buyers. Not so much for sellers.

MGLICKER · November 5, 2014 10:38AM

<< I don't trash talk eBay, but I notice almost every move they make lately has not been in the interest of buyers or sellers. >>

They do provide monthly tips on how to sell my cellphone for more!

LotsoLuck · November 5, 2014 10:50AM

"Yes, there are honest sellers on eBay, but the honesty comes from them, not from the general attitudes that the site projects"

This.

BillJones is (almost

) always right.

ctf_error_coins · November 5, 2014 11:08AM

Ebay is awesome, the best coin marketplace on earth.

Paypal is aslo awesome. Super convenient.

Baley · November 5, 2014 11:08AM

Then, you have the childish ones who seem to NEED to call ebay names, constantly. The "feebay", "fleabay", etc names. It gets really old and just makes me think very negative of the person(s) that feel the need to do so so constantly. That is the "trash talk" that I don't understand (I understand the trying to be funny about the fees and the play on words, etc, but to do it so much and in every post one makes about ebay? Nah...don't understand that if it is supposed to be coming from a mature adult who I would want to do business with)

Thanks for saying that. They think they're being really clever but it comes across pretty lame.

lordmarcovan · November 5, 2014 11:30AM

<< 

<< I don't trash talk eBay, but I notice almost every move they make lately has not been in the interest of buyers or sellers. >>

They do provide monthly tips on how to sell my cellphone for more!

>>

Yeah, I keep getting that "sell your phone" crap, too.

ebaybuyer · November 5, 2014 2:12PM

Ive blocked almost everyone so I sell very little, LOL but I LOVE to shop ebay, if you are willing to learn about what you collect it is a buyers paradise. the only sales venue I am aware of where you can buy a coin for 1/10th of its value every day of the week

thisnamztaken · November 5, 2014 7:55PM

<< 1. Policies introduced over the past several years which negatively impact small sellers.

2. Failure to eliminate counterfeit merchandise from their site.

3. Increased fees and requirement to use PayPal. >>

Nap · November 5, 2014 10:16PM

It's a terrific way to acquire foreign material. I can buy coins directly from metal detectorists. There are plenty of deals and steals. I don't know if that applies to US coins. I've not bought much in the way of US on eBay in the last few years.

As many have mentioned, it's a fairly safe venue to buy.

I know nothing about selling on eBay, so I presume there's a whole 'nuther side to it. Presumably, despite the fees, hassles, and regulations, it's still worth it as lots of people are still selling stuff.

TwoSides2aCoin · November 5, 2014 10:42PM

this is my 13th Year.

Have dealt with some of the best collectors and dealers on the planet there. Silent, stealth, smart.
Always thought it was a shame that Laura blew them off, but she's likely saved millions of dollars and was spared one big headache.

AMRC · November 5, 2014 11:59PM

Absolutely the best place for buyers!

Keeps getting harder for sellers. The rants are usually on this end of the transactions.

jayPem · November 5, 2014 11:59PM

I like Lord Marcovan's reply best so far....one element of the on going ebay bashing here seems to be from those who used to, in the "good ole days", rake it in on ebay sales and
now do not for what ever various reasons, they love to come here and b**** about it

One thing this forum has really taught me about the coin industry...it really helps to learn how to completely tune out what comes out of some dealers/collectors mouths/keyboards !

DeepCoin · November 6, 2014 12:26AM

keets · November 6, 2014 1:16AM

much of the "trash talk" is nothing more than Dog-pile on the rabbit syndrome.

LochNESS · November 6, 2014 1:35AM

<< I like Lord Marcovan's reply best so far....one element of the on going ebay bashing here seems to be from those who used to, in the "good ole days", rake it in on ebay sales and now do not for what ever various reasons, they love to come here and b**** about it

>>

One element, OK but there's more than one element ... namely the severe lack of enforcement of their own policies. I have reported countless listings to no avail which were OBVIOUS violations - even to a non-collector (like misleading title description, advertising an MS70 grade when the slab in the photo says "Genuine"). None removed. Most recently - and LordM knows about this because he posted it on the darskide - some unsuspecting buyer got hosed for over $100 on a fake "ancient Judaea" coin.

SoFlo · November 6, 2014 2:19AM

<< When they eliminated the option of rating buyers they made it much more difficult for sellers. >>

I remember when this happened, Ebay had no choice because the sellers were holding the buyer's feedback hostage until they received positive feedback. If the buyer had a legitimate reason for leaving negative or neutral feedback for the seller, it didn't matter, the seller would retaliate with the same.

MGLICKER · November 6, 2014 2:28AM

<< 

<< When they eliminated the option of rating buyers they made it much more difficult for sellers. >>

I remember when this happened, Ebay had no choice because the sellers were holding the buyer's feedback hostage until they received positive feedback. If the buyer had a legitimate reason for leaving negative or neutral feedback for the seller, it didn't matter, the seller would retaliate with the same. >>

Yeah, well I just got screwed by a new buyer. Little doubt that the next seller will as well, that will continue until Ebays trust and safety finally puts together that a string of 10 year sellers may not all be in the wrong.

But can I leave him a negative to warn the next guys.........no.

thisnamztaken · November 6, 2014 9:53AM

<< 
Yeah, well I just got screwed by a new buyer. Little doubt that the next seller will as well, that will continue until Ebays trust and safety finally puts together that a string of 10 year sellers may not all be in the wrong.

But can I leave him a negative to warn the next guys.........no. >>

No, but even though eBay forces you to click "positive" for every buyer's feedback, you can still type "BEWARE OF THIS BUYER" or other honest comments about the schmuck in the "tell us more" area, to warn future sellers about him.

GRANDAM · November 6, 2014 3:14PM

"Why does everybody talk trash about Ebay?"

Because they have EARNED it

I quit selling on ebay 2 years ago. Too easy to get cheated out of your stuff. After I was one time too many I left eBay.

I still buy there but I personally am not comfortable with the risk of of loss when selling that ebay has placed squarely on he backs of sellers.

It wasn't the amount of money that I lost,,,,,,,, just the way I got "TAKEN" and not a darn thing that I can do about it.

I would NEVER sell High Dollar Coins there again. Sell a guy some gold,,,,,,, he hollers "FAKE" eBay gives his money back-------from your account of course.

In the mean time buyer says it's fake so he doesn't have to ship it back beacuse it violates Postal Regulations

GrandAm

Cougar1978 · December 14, 2014 11:44AM

I believe many liked the ebay venue better when it was between the buyer, seller, USPS, and their respective attorneys (if it got to that). Many people are ignorant that it takes USPS like 8 weeks to conclude their investigation of a claim. This is simply a non controllable for the ebay seller. I never negged a buyer unless they really in truly deserved it - non pay, fake money order, etc. In this way, the bad buyers could be revealed to sellers who would then be alerted and block them.

Dave99B · December 14, 2014 1:34PM

As a buyer, I absolutely love eBay. I don't buy as much as I used to, but I love sitting down every Sunday night and start looking through the new listings. It's a weekly ritual for me. I've never been stung by a shady seller, but I'm careful who I buy from.

As a seller, I've cooled on eBay. It's too expensive IMO. I sell occasionally...but way less than in 'the old days'.

Dave

morgansforever · December 14, 2014 7:02PM

It may be the largest selling platform on Earth, go through a couple charge backs, didn't receive it despite signing for it or returned a different coin and suddenly it isn't that great. I only buy and sell small dollar items occasionally. Now Ebay has instituted extended returns, what is it a month or two?

7over8 · December 14, 2014 9:11PM

Six months
and I don't sell anything on eBay either
And that's after 15 years of selling --- too many buyer scams

mrearlygold · December 14, 2014 9:22PM

One of the greatest inventions ever.

OPA · December 14, 2014 10:01PM

<< 

<< When they eliminated the option of rating buyers they made it much more difficult for sellers. >>

I remember when this happened, Ebay had no choice because the sellers were holding the buyer's feedback hostage until they received positive feedback. If the buyer had a legitimate reason for leaving negative or neutral feedback for the seller, it didn't matter, the seller would retaliate with the same. >>

The feedback policy needs to be modified. Sellers should be able to leave negative fb, if the buyer does not pay and the seller has gone through the "Unpaid Item Assistant" policy established by eBay ( Let eBay open and close unpaid item cases for you automatically). In addition, on your Site Preferences, the "Buyer requirements" need to be updated and more choices given to the Sellers to block certain eBay buyers from bidding on or purchasing your items. I've been selling on eBay for 14 years, and as a whole, it's been an non issue experience. Chances are that if you comply with eBay and PayPal guidelines, ship promptly in secured mailers, offer free or acceptable s&h fees, take decent pictures and accurate descriptions, including possible flaws, your sale will be a positive experience.

ricko · December 14, 2014 10:01PM

Just too much risk anymore.... tired of dealing with it.... Cheers, RickO

JJM · December 14, 2014 10:53PM

I have no problem with it as a seller, paypal
Is fine as well, but, like anything else you
must do your homework before pulling the
trigger

Why does everybody talk trash about Ebay?

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