Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

> I'm curious what the reason for avoiding eBay is?

Super low quality customer support, eBay is on sellers side as they bring profits, sellers purposely adversative products to sell more then refuse refunds, when I made complaint to eBay eBay got on their side. I have humidifier that not suitable for my needs and has super-low quality filter that's not HEPA as it was described. When I want to buy something cheap of questionable/unidentified quality, I go to aliexpress.

I have motorcycle cover that was supposed be XL and fit my motorbike, but got S that covers only top half... seller sent be back 20% of cost, but I still have cover I can't use.

GPS tracker that for some reason doesn't work with Orange (and others) SIM cards in the UK, but works in Poland (with Orange SIM).

Arduino WiFi that came in original(?) packaging, but was rusted. I can keep going like this...

It's been like this since I ever use eBay (~2010), I always lie to myself "this time it won't happen" and it keeps happening.




> eBay is on sellers side as they bring profits

Amazing how perspective is. I'm 99% a buyer (hundreds of items bought, and three items sold, and never again).

I sold a Mavic 2 Pro drone with 5 batteries. The whole process was a mess. Buyer complained that it didn't come with the CrystalSky tablet in one picture (that was added after they started bidding, to show Flight Logs, was explicitly disclaimed as being a part of the package, and was not in the receipts I sent the buyer). After that, three weeks later:

"The batteries don't work."

"Any of them?"

"Nope. I want a refund."

Note that two of the batteries were less than 4 months old, still in warranty.

He then stated he wanted a refund of $800. Bear in mind, 5 brand new batteries would be $670.

No evidence was shown. I stated I'd like to get the original batteries back, as I'd be able to get them replaced under warranty or possibly repaired and recoup some of my money (I was skeptical there was any issue, but still). He agreed. I asked him to send me an eBay message acknowledging that the partial refund was contingent on him sending me the batteries back and that he accepts me disputing the refund if not.

He does so.

Refund is sent (for about $700, to include his return shipping costs).

Less than an hour later I get a message, "USPS says they won't ship damaged batteries so I will not be returning them".

I then suggest we meet in person to exchange them (I live a few hours away, not convenient, but still, $700...). He umms and ahhs, "How will I be able to prove that I gave them to you in person?". I suggest we do it in a police station (his local PD suggests people do this for CL, etc.). More umm and ahh. "I need to contact eBay support to see if they recommend this." (eBay has a FAQ page describing how they recommend doing in person sales, and refunds, and documenting it). "I never heard back from them so I'm not sure what to do". I point this out, and he goes silent.

I open a dispute. No evidence provided for damage/faulty goods. Multiple instances of the buyer trying to show something/anything was problematic with the listing. Not abiding by agreement, refusing/avoiding any method of returning damage.

"We have closed your dispute. Based on our review, the buyer is entitled to a partial refund for damage. He is not required to return the batteries".

So he ended up with a Mavic 2 Pro, with less than 20 hours flight time, 5 batteries, for in the order of $950, all told.

eBay is on the side of least resistance, damage or liability, financial responsibility to eBay, no-one else.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: