When the wind blows the right way

I really wanted the Louis Vuitton. The sensible part of my brain told me it was too good to be true. The other sensible part of my brain told me I would regret buying it. The little corner of my brain that I killed with alcohol in college told me to go for it.

Picture it. March 2000. I was a newcomer to eBay. I was having a ball. I found a matching mug for my Hello Kitty saucer, and had, in a stroke of good luck, stumbled upon a misspelling in an auction! I found an 'Authentik LOUY Vittan!'

"Good bag! Smells real good! my promises its real and good, or I send ur money back ok!"

For $25, and a guarantee like that, how could I go wrong?

I went wrong.

The bag arrived in a large manila envelope. It smelled indeed, although if I were to describe the odor, the word ' Good' would be FAR from my first choice of words. As for its authenticity? Let's just say that had I walked within a 100 mile radius of a Louis Vuitton retail establishment, I would have been arrested.

I emailed the seller, he didn't reply. I learned a lesson. I am grateful it was only a $25 one!

Since then, I have become more used to eBay, though I am far from an expert. I buy the occasional concert ticket and my J.C.'s, but only directly from my favorite seller. I sell the random trinket from around my house too.

BUT

I have learned some tricks of the trade. My friend, Kara told me she has never even BEEN on eBay! I told her that when she finally crawled out from under her rock, she should check it out! I also gave her fair warning.

Here are some tips to protect YOU.

As a buyer:

If it sounds to good too be true, It is. Period.

Pay with Paypal- and use your credit card to fund the transaction. If you need to file a claim, you will have the added layer of protection from your credit card company.

If you get an email offering to sell you items at deep discounts- DELETE them. I get 3 emails a week offering me J.C.'s for less than $10 a pair. What a bargain!!

NEVER EVER click on links in emails from eBay. EVER. Don't ask questions, just listen. I have never had eBay send me an email with clickable links.

As a seller:

Ok...um..how do I say this? Well... ya see.. you ARE responsible for the package once it 'leaves your hands.' It is your duty to make sure that the item I paid for gets to me in a timely manner and in 'as described' condition.

Use delivery confirmation. If your buyer opens a dispute, and you can't prove delivery- you will lose. Period.

BUY INSURANCE. Insurance protects YOU the seller, NOT the buyer. I don't care if you have video evidence of yourself delivering the package wrapped in bubble wrap. If your buyer opens a dispute, and you lose, you will be out that money. BUY INSURANCE- and don't expect the buyer to pay for it either.

Do NOT ship to unconfirmed addresses. You will not be protected if your buyer files a claim.

Lastly, VISIT the AuctionTalk board located at MyCoupons.com. It is full of awesome users with years of eBay experience. They are far more versed in the eBay world than me. I just like to buy shoes, and get front row tickets to The Wiggles.

P.S. I have a Louis Vuitton for sale, if you're interested. Real Cheap! Smells better than cow manure (but not by much!).... email me!

Until we meet again,

Cici

Cici@MyCoupons.com