Thoughts.com Blogs - GUIDE TO BUYING FROM BUSINESS AND PRIVATE SELLERS

As I mentioned in my previous blog, ebay has deliberately opened up a gaping rift amongst it's sellers. In effect creating two seperate factions that didn't need to be there. Causing dis-harmony in an effort to rid itself of the "chaff" it sees as it's private sellers (the ones that made them what they are) and grooming their powersellers and shop owners into one loyal band of business sellers.

This being the case, it's therefore advised to view them as seperate entities and treat them differently when buying from each of them. Lets look at the first group:

Private Sellers (the oppressed!)
Remember, when bidding and buying from these sellers, that most of them sell on ebay as a way of gaining a little extra income. They usually have normal 9 to 5 jobs and busy lives away from the internet. So cut them some slack when buying from them and you'll find that you shouldn't have any problems. Most of these private sellers will post you your items within 7 days, which is fair, and you should give the item a couple of weeks to arrive, even on inland delivery before you complain.

Also remember they don't get their packaging materials in bulk like business sellers do, so don't penalise them if the postage you paid is about a £1 more than on the parcel label. This is quite acceptable, providing it was packed well, and most private sellers do take the time to package items carefully. Overpriced postage for private sellers is when they charge double or more. If a private seller overcharges in this manner and uses excuses such as "running costs" then politely remind them that they're not business sellers. The majority, though, will get it just about right (sometimes they underestimate it and lose out), but it's always best to check their listings before you bid to see what the postage charges are. It's common sense really.

Private sellers are alot friendlier than business sellers and have more time for any inquiries you may have. So if you want to ask these sellers anything, they'll be happy to respond to the best of their ability. One thing these sellers like is to have buyers add them to their favourite seller lists and keep coming back to them, and they're more likely to remember you when you do. A good private seller almost becomes like the friendly family shop that's more welcoming and doesn't have any delusions of grandeur, unlike...

Business Sellers (ebay's spoilt little children!)
These are easily recognisable on ebay. All you have to do is look for a powerseller or shop door icon next to their names and you'll know they're business sellers. Because they've chosen to be registered businesses, you have to treat them as you would treat any mail order company - meaning you should expect high standards from them without any excuses!

When you buy your item, inland delivery from them should be about 3 working days. That sound unfair? Not really. When I sold on ebay as a business, I always made sure that all items were well packed, and posted the next working day after payment was recieved. Sometimes I would post it the very same day if there was time, and if that was a problem I'd pay someone else to do it for me. Whatever happened I made sure the parcel got out to the buyer quickly. That's what these business sellers should do at the very least when you bid and buy from them. If they want to be seen in a higher league than the poor private seller, then they've got to act like it.

Once your item arrives, make sure you check it carefully. Is the item in good condition, and as described? Was it packed well? Did it get to you on time? If you've had any problems then you should reflect this in their DSR rating. Don't be afraid to mark these business sellers down if you feel they haven't given you the 100% professional service they're supposed to.

Also, in May 2008, you'll be able to safely leave these business sellers negative feedback without any retaliation from them if your experience with them is less than satisfactory. If they complain to you then simply respond to their emails with something like: "As a business seller, I expected a much higher standard from you" and if they become threatening or abusive then just report them. Ebay are unlikely to do much against their favourite sellers, but report them anyway just in case they do.

But always remember, there are now two different types of seller on ebay. The zealots who are their Business Sellers, and the persecuted Private Sellers, who are gradually being electronically "ethnically cleansed" from ebay

In other words, have a heart!