Ebay Zero Feedback Success Rate

Matt_24

Matt_24

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
There is cue I'm interested in on ebay, but the seller has zero feedback. I've never bid on anything from a seller with zero feedbacks, but I would really like to buy this cue. What is your success rate with winning auctions from a seller with zero feedback?
 
Link?

I'd avoid, to be honest with you. I know someone has to start somewhere, but they usually don't start selling right off the bat.

See if the guy will take a secured transaction so you are both protected.
 
1pRoscoe said:
Link?

I'd avoid, to be honest with you. I know someone has to start somewhere, but they usually don't start selling right off the bat.

See if the guy will take a secured transaction so you are both protected.
Click to expand...

"Secured transaction"?
 
Something that offers protection to the buyer/seller is what I meant - not enough coffee yet.
 
1pRoscoe said:
Something that offers protection to the buyer/seller is what I meant - not enough coffee yet.
Click to expand...

Any suggestions on how I might go about doing that?
 
kokopuffs said:
Go visit PayPal at ebay; they offer additional "insurance" for purchases.
Click to expand...

That was one of my suggestions based upon what the description of the auction said.
 
1pRoscoe said:
I'd avoid, to be honest with you. I know someone has to start somewhere, but they usually don't start selling right off the bat.
Click to expand...
It may be someone who only wants to sell one cue, for whatever reason.
Not everyone selling on eBay wants to be a dealer.

I have done the same, with non-pool related items. I posted three items and sold them with no hitch. I haven't been back since, although I do have a few other items to sell.

Just because a guy has no feedback, doesn't mean he is crooked. However, it doesn't mean he is legitimate either. :confused:
 
Even easier.....

I recommend using Scot Sherbine at Proficient Billiards escrow service.

If the cue is very expensive at all I recommend it, and Scot highly.

Regards
Ken
 
Matt_24 said:
There is cue I'm interested in on ebay, but the seller has zero feedback. I've never bid on anything from a seller with zero feedbacks, but I would really like to buy this cue. What is your success rate with winning auctions from a seller with zero feedback?
Click to expand...
Absolutely proceed with caution. If they ask for cashiers check or money order, forget it. I'd walk away if you cannot use Visa or Paypal which would give you some recourse if you need it.
It is very very easy to get a few ebay positive feedbacks simply by buying a few things.
Also, email the seller, and ask for more information about him. Even his phone number, and call and have a conversation. You'll get a better idea of the person you're dealing with if you start some conversations. You could ask where he works, or for references. I once contacted a zero feedback buyer after an auction closed. His mom answered the phone, and I became convinced all was good.
 
Last edited:
Matt_24 said:
There is cue I'm interested in on ebay, but the seller has zero feedback. I've never bid on anything from a seller with zero feedbacks, but I would really like to buy this cue. What is your success rate with winning auctions from a seller with zero feedback?
Click to expand...
Ask the seller if he will agree to ship the cue to you COD. You can have a check or money order made out for the agreed amount to pay for the cue and the shipping and give it to the Fedex, UPS, or USPS delivery person when they deliver the cue. If he won't agree to ship the cue COD, be sure to mention he doesn't have any feedback and you want to protect yourself, then I would pass on the cue auction.

SCCues
 
DougT said:
Also, email the seller, and ask for more information about him. Even his phone number, and call and have a conversation. You'll get a better idea of the person you're dealing with if you start some conversations. You could ask where he works, or for references. I once contacted a zero feedback buyer after an auction closed. His mom answered the phone, and I became convinced all was good.
Click to expand...

Very good advice. A phone call conversation can sometimes tell you a lot. Also maybe ask him to e-mail you some new shots of the cue.
 
1pRoscoe said:
Link?

I'd avoid, to be honest with you. I know someone has to start somewhere, but they usually don't start selling right off the bat.

See if the guy will take a secured transaction so you are both protected.
Click to expand...

Amen.....................;)
 
Beware

Matt_24 said:
There is cue I'm interested in on ebay, but the seller has zero feedback. I've never bid on anything from a seller with zero feedbacks, but I would really like to buy this cue. What is your success rate with winning auctions from a seller with zero feedback?
Click to expand...


I purchased a case from a 0 feedback seller about three weeks ago. I am currently in the funds recovery process with paypal. The seller emailed me numerous times promising and assuring me that the case was on its way and I never saw a tracking#. Take the risk if you must but if it turns out you get burned don't be surprised.
 
well, i just bought an art cantando cue off an ebay seller with zero feedback, but i had a few conversations with the seller and everything worked out great. there can be a lot of problems with zero feedback sellers (and buyers) so you have to be careful and check them out. my son just tried to buy an ipod of a seller with a 35 feedback at 100%, but when he checked the feedback is was all recent purchases and most of the transactions and been voided by ebay. the seller would not accept paypal and refused an escrow service. the next day the item had been removed by ebay. so even if the feedback looks good, it is best to check it out.

guy
 
guycrunch said:
well, i just bought an art cantando cue off an ebay seller with zero feedback, but i had a few conversations with the seller and everything worked out great. there can be a lot of problems with zero feedback sellers (and buyers) so you have to be careful and check them out. my son just tried to buy an ipod of a seller with a 35 feedback at 100%, but when he checked the feedback is was all recent purchases and most of the transactions and been voided by ebay. the seller would not accept paypal and refused an escrow service. the next day the item had been removed by ebay. so even if the feedback looks good, it is best to check it out.

guy
Click to expand...

Funny you should say that. I love zero feedback sellers. Three of my best purchases ever were from zero feedback sellers. I bought an Eddie Laube cue from a zero feedback seller for the way-too-low opening bid price. I guess everyone else was afraid of them so I was the sole bidder.

On the other hand, my friend got screwed by a guy with 200 positives and no negatives once they went outside the e-bay system.

I would say just this: use good judgement. Make sure they are a real person, for example, verify their name and address though another source. Call them, Get their work number and call them there. Google their phone number and address, e-mail address, that sort of thing.

Whatever you do, don't pay until you're pretty sure it's legit. It won't take you long to figure out if they are. Trust is an interesting thing. We seem to have a sixth sense for figuring out who is trustworthy, even though we don't always act on it.


Chris
 
Last edited:
Jeff said:
Very good advice. A phone call conversation can sometimes tell you a lot. Also maybe ask him to e-mail you some new shots of the cue.
Click to expand...

I have absolutely no idea what you wrote as I was entranced with your avatar. Sorry...
 
Thanks everyone for the great advice. They *will* accept paypal, so I guess that is a plus. I may have to end up giving them a shot. I've emailed them a few questions, so we shall see how it goes.

Thanks again and have a Merry X-Mas!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top