I Am Done Buying From eBay

[Legodog]

I received another damaged box from an eBay seller today. The box in the photo from the auction looks great and the seller was advertising this in excellent condition. I even contacted them as soon as the auction ended and requested that this be packaged so it doesn't get damaged in shipping. It arrived today and it is damaged. Out of about 20 things I have purchased from eBay this month 12 were damaged because of horrible packing. 2 of the packages arrived just wrapped in brown paper and were of course damaged. Buying from eBay is turning out to be way more trouble than it is worth so I am no longer going to buy on eBay. I plan to just purchase from stores that I can do a return to if the item arrives damaged. A 40% chance of the item arriving in good condition just isn't enough for me. What type of luck is everyone else having from eBay?

[stephen_rockefeller]

I have the same luck with eBay.....I hardly ever order from them much anymore.

[Fcbarcelona101]

Well, the first ever purchase I made on Ebay for investing purposes turned out to be from a drop shipper so I kind of understand your frustration. Of course what happened to tou ends up being worse since you received damaged goods that could hurt some of the future profits. I haven't bought anything else on ebay recently, as you said the ability to return items and check them out first is very important to me.

[Legodog]

Well, the first ever purchase I made on Ebay for investing purposes turned out to be from a drop shipper so I kind of understand your frustration. Of course what happened to tou ends up being worse since you received damaged goods that could hurt some of the future profits.

I haven't bought anything else on ebay recently, as you said the ability to return items and check them out first is very important to me.

I'd almost rather take the drop shipping scam over all of these damaged boxes. Which I have been a victim of several times also. It is just too risky to purchase on eBay as an investor any more.

[emes]

I'm having the same experience with Amazon at the moment. 1 item arrived in an envelope and it was crushed plus some of the image was scratched off of the box. I requested a return and the seller wants to give me a discount... I just got another shipment from them this morning and 1 of the items is perfect but the other one is crushed and a big piece of the image is gone... Both of these are 3rd party sellers, 1 fulfills through Amazon... When I sell stuff on eBay I got out of my way to package it so that it doesn't get damaged...why can't everyone figure that out?

[stephen_rockefeller]

A lot of sellers just don't care..........like legodog, I also email every seller when I win an auction and ask for it to be packed super carefully because I am an investor, they hardy ever respond.

[Ed Mack]

I have over 800 purchases on eBay and the vast majority of sales were good experiences. To fall for drop shippers now is really the fault of the buyer. We have educated people with our various articles and posts about how to pick them out. If you buy from a reputable seller, the item will arrive safely. If it doesn't, eBay has top notch customer service and always refunds damaged items or unshipped items. If you remove eBay from your buying options, you will be losing a valuable tool in the LEGO investment game.

[Legodog]

I have over 800 purchases on eBay and the vast majority of sales were good experiences. To fall for drop shippers now is really the fault of the buyer. We have educated people with our various articles and posts about how to pick them out. If you buy from a reputable seller, the item will arrive safely. If it doesn't, eBay has top notch customer service and always refunds damaged items or unshipped items. If you remove eBay from your buying options, you will be losing a valuable tool in the LEGO investment game.

I haven't been duped by a drop shipping scam since everyone helped out here and pointed out what to look for. My main concern is people who just don't package the set for shipping correctly. The seller that I received the package from today has 9000+ feedback with 99.8% positive. I never purchase from anyone with under 100 feedback or 98% positive feedback. There is no reason why a Lego set should be shipped wrapped in brown paper. Especially when you contact the seller before hand and ask them to package it good. I guess I don't know why I can have such bad luck. I can post the photos from the auction, how the item arrived packaged and the damage to the Lego box if anyone wants.

[Legodog]

All of these were listed in excellent condition. The photos from the auction didn't have have any of the damage that they had when they arrived. Feedback 9432 | 99.8% - Item arrived damaged Feedback 5140 | 99.9% - Item arrived damaged Feedback 386 | 100.0% - Item arrived damaged Feedback 101 | 100.0% - 2 items arrived very damaged. See my other post about this one. Feedback 4817 | 99.8% - Item arrived damaged Feedback 137 | 100.0% - Wrapped in brown paper. Damaged. Feedback 789 | 99.4% - Item arrived damaged. There are more but you get the point. In any case I must just have really bad luck or sellers just don't care about how they package things. I mean Amazon doesn't seem to care so I guess I shouldn't expect some random seller to package them nicely.

[Talon]

I have been buying and selling on eBay and think it is great, I don't get any more damaged items than I do from the big stores. As a seller I try and do a good job packaging, I do a much better job packaging than Amazon, Lego, Walmart, Kmart, etc! However, you cannot guarantee that something will arrive without damage. It does happen, even when it has good packaging, so sometimes as a seller I need to file a damage claim. eBay is especially convenient as a seller with discount shipping, label printing, invoicing, etc. However, I would like to pay lower fees! As a buyer, I let the seller know I want it to arrive in good condition. When it doesn't I contact them right away and so far I have always been fairly compensated.

[Ed Mack]

I haven't been duped by a drop shipping scam since everyone helped out here and pointed out what to look for. My main concern is people who just don't package the set for shipping correctly. The seller that I received the package from today has 9000+ feedback with 99.8% positive. I never purchase from anyone with under 100 feedback or 98% positive feedback. There is no reason why a Lego set should be shipped wrapped in brown paper. Especially when you contact the seller before hand and ask them to package it good. I guess I don't know why I can have such bad luck. I can post the photos from the auction, how the item arrived packaged and the damage to the Lego box if anyone wants.

I have had similar experience with brown paper, but like I said, the vast majority of sellers shipped properly. If the person fails to wrap the set properly or communicate with you in a timely manner, you have the ultimate hammer on eBay....negative feedback. Any seller on eBay looks to avoid negative feedback like the plague, so the threat alone does wonders. Plus, they can't leave negative feedback for you. I'm sorry that you have had bad experiences, but all the retailers have some issues when it comes to shipping. Many of us do not have local LEGO stores nearby, so Amazon and eBay are valuable resources for us. Point is, don't let a couple of bad experiences deter you from other purchases on eBay or Amazon.

[stackables]

My last couple of set I bought from Amazon all have come damaged. Good thing about amazon they usually give me a partial refund. I bought the Vampyre castle for $85. box had damaged. They refunded me 30% which was around $25. It seems to me that I receive more sets with box damage then I do not. I wish lego would design different ways to package there sets. You just get trust stores or sellers to take the time to package sets properly.

[Legodog]

I haven't been duped by a drop shipping scam since everyone helped out here and pointed out what to look for. My main concern is people who just don't package the set for shipping correctly. The seller that I received the package from today has 9000+ feedback with 99.8% positive. I never purchase from anyone with under 100 feedback or 98% positive feedback. There is no reason why a Lego set should be shipped wrapped in brown paper. Especially when you contact the seller before hand and ask them to package it good. I guess I don't know why I can have such bad luck. I can post the photos from the auction, how the item arrived packaged and the damage to the Lego box if anyone wants.

I have had similar experience with brown paper, but like I said, the vast majority of sellers shipped properly. If the person fails to wrap the set properly or communicate with you in a timely manner, you have the ultimate hammer on eBay....negative feedback. Any seller on eBay looks to avoid negative feedback like the plague, so the threat alone does wonders. Plus, they can't leave negative feedback for you. I'm sorry that you have had bad experiences, but all the retailers have some issues when it comes to shipping. Many of us do not have local LEGO stores nearby, so Amazon and eBay are valuable resources for us. Point is, don't let a couple of bad experiences deter you from other purchases on eBay or Amazon.

For the most part I am just venting. I just opened that latest box and couldn't believe I got another damaged set so I had to share. I am sure I will be buying on eBay again come tomorrow. Who knows maybe it is just my mail carrier. Maybe she is sick of all the boxes every day and gives them a little kick here and there. LOL.

[legopocalypse]

That seller deserves negative feedback. He cost you money as an investor and you specifically told him to ship in a separate box and pack it well. The seller refused to listen and his feedback should suffer as a result. Maybe then, next time he ships a lego set he'll pack it right for the next buyer.

[hollywdbri]

We're all going to see more shipping quality cutbacks as postage prices have gone up today.

[Ed Mack]

I haven't been duped by a drop shipping scam since everyone helped out here and pointed out what to look for. My main concern is people who just don't package the set for shipping correctly. The seller that I received the package from today has 9000+ feedback with 99.8% positive. I never purchase from anyone with under 100 feedback or 98% positive feedback. There is no reason why a Lego set should be shipped wrapped in brown paper. Especially when you contact the seller before hand and ask them to package it good. I guess I don't know why I can have such bad luck. I can post the photos from the auction, how the item arrived packaged and the damage to the Lego box if anyone wants.

I have had similar experience with brown paper, but like I said, the vast majority of sellers shipped properly. If the person fails to wrap the set properly or communicate with you in a timely manner, you have the ultimate hammer on eBay....negative feedback. Any seller on eBay looks to avoid negative feedback like the plague, so the threat alone does wonders. Plus, they can't leave negative feedback for you. I'm sorry that you have had bad experiences, but all the retailers have some issues when it comes to shipping. Many of us do not have local LEGO stores nearby, so Amazon and eBay are valuable resources for us. Point is, don't let a couple of bad experiences deter you from other purchases on eBay or Amazon.

For the most part I am just venting. I just opened that latest box and couldn't believe I got another damaged set so I had to share. I am sure I will be buying on eBay again come tomorrow. Who knows maybe it is just my mail carrier. Maybe she is sick of all the boxes every day and gives them a little kick here and there. LOL.

Venting is good for stress reduction. Like I said, I have had idiots ship in brown paper and the sets were crushed. It was a waste of my time, but most instances worked to my advantage. I think you will like our new feature Jeff is working on dealing with eBay sellers who are Brickpicker members.

[exciter1]

I received another damaged box from an eBay seller today. The box in the photo from the auction looks great and the seller was advertising this in excellent condition. I even contacted them as soon as the auction ended and requested that this be packaged so it doesn't get damaged in shipping. It arrived today and it is damaged. Out of about 20 things I have purchased from eBay this month 12 were damaged because of horrible packing. 2 of the packages arrived just wrapped in brown paper and were of course damaged. Buying from eBay is turning out to be way more trouble than it is worth so I am no longer going to buy on eBay. I plan to just purchase from stores that I can do a return to if the item arrives damaged. A 40% chance of the item arriving in good condition just isn't enough for me. What type of luck is everyone else having from eBay?

Everyone just needs to buy more stuff from me. This is a sound solution and you will receive quality items shipped very carefully. ;)

[Ed Mack]

Everyone just needs to buy more stuff from me. This is a sound solution and you will receive quality items shipped very carefully.

You will have the option of selling to Brickpicker members through eBay very soon. Do you have a store? If you do, PM Jeff and he can get you involved in our new program. More info to follow.

[Legodog]

Everyone just needs to buy more stuff from me. This is a sound solution and you will receive quality items shipped very carefully.

What do you have for sale? :)

[Bitsathis]

Everyone just needs to buy more stuff from me. This is a sound solution and you will receive quality items shipped very carefully.

You will have the option of selling to Brickpicker members through eBay very soon. Do you have a store? If you do, PM Jeff and he can get you involved in our new program. More info to follow.

I have an ebay store (UK based) and pack items very thoroughly including a postage box. I am interested in the new program.

[pickleboy]

I only get mad when you can tell they didn't put any time into packing the item. You can generally tell if it's the post office fault or the shippers fault. I would hate to leave negative feedback simply b/c I am mad, for someone who makes a living on ebay b/c the post office messed up and smashed the box. It's amazing how much cheaper huge retailers can ship things for... What is one way people charge for shipping so they don't lose $$$? This has been my biggest problem....(Besides starting a new account.)

[exciter1]

Everyone just needs to buy more stuff from me. This is a sound solution and you will receive quality items shipped very carefully.

What do you have for sale?

Everything is for sale, at the right price. I don't have a store, I'm just an individual who has bought and sold on EBay for over 10 years. Actually, this is my 15th year on EBay, since I started May 2, 1998. I only have 640 feedback, but that's pretty good for an individual. I have many more transactions, but they don't add to your score from the same buyer/seller. ...and the people who don't leave feedback, of course.

That reminds me, I sold some stuff yesterday, so I need to pull it out of my portfolio.

[Anakinisvader]

I received another damaged box from an eBay seller today. The box in the photo from the auction looks great and the seller was advertising this in excellent condition. I even contacted them as soon as the auction ended and requested that this be packaged so it doesn't get damaged in shipping. It arrived today and it is damaged. Out of about 20 things I have purchased from eBay this month 12 were damaged because of horrible packing. 2 of the packages arrived just wrapped in brown paper and were of course damaged. Buying from eBay is turning out to be way more trouble than it is worth so I am no longer going to buy on eBay. I plan to just purchase from stores that I can do a return to if the item arrives damaged. A 40% chance of the item arriving in good condition just isn't enough for me. What type of luck is everyone else having from eBay?

I'm sorry about your luck. I am very careful when packaging stuff I sell on ebay ESPECIALLY if it goes USPS. I have literally watched my mail carrier THROW the packages that I have sent out into the back of her mail truck. I insure everything over $100 and have free shipping on all my items. I take a bit of a shot with shipping charges just to make people happy. You should always check their feedback and descriptions.(my descriptions never say MINT because one persons MINT is another persons NEAR MINT or NOT MINT) Only buy from sellers with return policies that give you time to return the product with no hassles. It can be time consuming but its worth it in the end to get the product you want.

[Ed Mack]

Everyone just needs to buy more stuff from me. This is a sound solution and you will receive quality items shipped very carefully.

You will have the option of selling to Brickpicker members through eBay very soon. Do you have a store? If you do, PM Jeff and he can get you involved in our new program. More info to follow.

I have an ebay store (UK based) and pack items very thoroughly including a postage box. I am interested in the new program.

Just stay tuned. PM Jeff Mack or me with your eBay store information. A more detailed announcement will be coming shortly.

[StarCityBrickCompany]

(my descriptions never say MINT because one persons MINT is another persons NEAR MINT or NOT MINT)

Yes, I also try to avoid the "mint" term (even if it is mint), just in case. I buy/sell thousands of Lego items a year & there are always going to be issues - scams, damaged items, filthy items, smokers, cat spray (that was a particularly bad one), etc - it is just a part of doing business. As far as slamming a seller, I very rarely leave a negative (usually save those for the scams). Many people are trying to make a living & remember, to many sellers a lego set is just a toy that they are selling.