eBay® PowerSeller Business Practices FOR DUMMIES®

Chapter 32. Steering Clear of Fraud

Transactions can go wrong. Horribly wrong. Sometimes the buyer doesn't read the description, or they don't see the chip out of thecorner of the antique vase in your picture. Those are the simpleones. Perhaps the item functioned properly before you shipped it(because, as a careful seller, you tested it before you shipped), and itarrives at the buyer's door in a non-functioning state. Worse yet? Thebuyer didn't buy insurance and the item was destroyed en route. I discussaccepting returns in Practice 31, but this practice addresses what todo when the unthinkable happens and you're accused of fraud.

Fraud is a horrible word. But buyers throw it around all the time. It could be a case of an innocent mistake on the seller's part, but some buyers(especially those new to eBay) don't give the seller a chance to makegood and scream "Fraud!"

In the real world, buyers are protected from real fraud. As a PowerSeller, you may come face to face with circumstances that, according to theFederal Trade Commission, do constitute fraud. I encourage you to establishconsistent business practices that steer you away from any situationresembling the following:

• Untimely shipping: Did you know that the Federal Trade Commission, in its Prompt Delivery rules, says that you must ship your newly solditem within 30 days of the close of the auction or sale? If you don't, thebuyer must give you permission to delay shipment further — or youmust refund the buyer's money.

• Failure ...