Is eBay Safe, Reliable, and Trustworthy? (All You Need to Know)

Shopping online is fun and extremely easy to do. However, if you choose the wrong store to buy from, things can go bad very quickly. So, which stores are safe to use while purchasing items online? For instance, is eBay safe? 

Well, many people have wondered about the answer to this question, so if you’re also curious to know this answer and more, keep reading the article below!

Is eBay Safe, Reliable, and Trustworthy in [currentyear]? 

For the most part, eBay is a safe online retailer for buyers and sellers in [currentyear]. However, as a seller, you need to be more on guard and take your own steps of precautions while using this site, as there are fewer security protocols for you. On the other hand, as a buyer, you’re protected by the buyer’s protection program.

Continue reading to learn what precautions as a seller you should take to protect yourself, what the buyer protection program entails, and more!

Is eBay Safe?

eBay is the second-oldest online retailer, being more than 25 years old.

Therefore, it has had lots of time to grow and come up with good security programs to protect its users.

For example, it offers a money-back guarantee for those buying items to ensure they will never feel like they were scammed.

Furthermore, this money-back guarantee covers most transactions except those in the following categories:

• Business for sale
• Business equipment
• Websites for sale
• Real Estate
• Vehicles
• Services
• Items Sold by Sotheby’s
• Classified ads

Anything outside these categories will be covered by the money-back guarantee.

Additionally, any defective products, scams, and items that arrive not as described are covered by eBay’s buyer protection program.

Also, if a seller refuses to accept a return request, eBay will step in and help the buyer by compensating for any loss while account termination and fines will be imposed on the seller.

Furthermore, eBay has implemented many security protocols so that buyers feel that it’s a safe retail space.

However, many have said that while there is lots of protection for buyers, there is little for sellers. 

What Are Some Safety Tips for Sellers?

So, what can you do to protect yourself as a seller?

First, you’ll want to write a detailed and accurate description of the product you would like to sell.

Additionally, ensure that you include clear photos you have taken yourself, showing the item’s current condition. 

Next, make sure that you use PayPal to issue your transaction, as it’s tightly integrated with Ebay. 

Furthermore, when using PayPal, it is easy to see the transaction history, trace fraudulent buyers, and more, so it can be major protection for you.

Also, keep all the paperwork and receipts from each buyer. This way, no one can try and say you did something wrong to them.

Below are some more examples of things you can do to protect yourself:

• Keep your conversations strictly on eBay – eBay can only protect you if you stay on it’s site, so the minute you take the conversation elsewhere to complete your deal, you are no longer protected by them.
• Abusive reviews can be removed- Individuals who make false claims, refuse items they agreed to buy, misuse returns, and more can all be removed by Ebay from your page.
• Listing fees can be returned – If, after bidding the buyer no longer wants the item listed, the seller will be refunded the listing costs.

Is eBay Trustworthy and Reliable?

Is there a way to tell if a seller is trustworthy or not?

Well, one good thing to check is if the seller has a high feedback score or any positive reviews on their page. 

Additionally, while checking their reviews, you can also see how many orders they’ve completed.

This is a good thing to do because even if they do have positive reviews or if they’ve only completed one or two orders, those reviews could be from someone biased.

Furthermore, below are some more good questions to ask yourself before buying from someone: 

• How old is this listing? 
• Did they mention what condition the item is in? 
• Are the reviews on it generally happy? 
• Are there picture reviews, and if there are, do they look like the original posted item?
• Where is the item being shipped from?
• If it has to travel far, how much will they charge me for shipping?

If the answer to these questions are all generally good, then feel free to order the desired item.

However, if you see any red flags, maybe refrain from ordering that item and buy it elsewhere.

Should You Use eBay to Sell or Buy Items?

eBay is a great place to buy second-hand goods with low posting fees and more, but is it the best online retailer to use? 

Well, eBay has lots of good qualities, but one that many don’t like is even though fees are low, there are many, which can add up quickly.

Additionally, eBay’s auction model creates a lot of uncertainty for sellers, as you’re not in control of your profit margin.

However, you can choose a fixed price or the ‘make an offer’ option, which allows the buyer to negotiate with you.

And you, being the seller, can choose what price you like best.

Another aspect you’ll have to consider while using Ebay is that you will have to store, package, and ship all your own products, unlike other online retailers that will do it for you.

To know more, you can also read our posts on whether eBay takes Cash App, why eBay is so expensive, and what is eBay UPC.

Conclusion

eBay has proved to be a reliable and trustworthy online retailer in many ways. With its money-back guarantee and heavy protection for potential and returning buyers, this second hand store is loved by many.

However, for sellers on this platform, you’re less protected, and there are few things the company will do for you if you are getting scammed. Therefore, to be a seller on eBay, you need to be well-informed about potential scams to protect yourself and your products.