Comments on: eBay and the web's crisis of trust

Trust is the web's biggest stumbling block.

[jhracing]

Umm yeah, but why would I share information on (i.e. sell out) everyone on my "email AT&T wireless account, etc."?

Who I talk to is my business, and I shouldn't have to divulge that info to get rid of an old baby stroller.

[trevorbramble]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Good_Privacy#Web_of_trust

The solution has been around for quite a long time. Unfortunately it involves the tiniest bit of effort, so it seems no one can be bothered to use it.

[Archus]

I agree, the idea that I would have to give out my contacts in order to gain trust is ludicrous. People on the street don't trust me based on who I know or what's in my Rolodex. People trust people based on their dealings with them. I have no problem using eBay, simply because I know I have a few powerful companies standing behind me to help me with a problem I may get into. Besides, using eBay and any site like it is just the same as getting something form some one physical. You have to have common sense and use it, or you're going to get taken.

[bmccaig]

If trust is such a problem, why is eBay so popular? I've used eBay loads and have never had a problem ... but I'm careful (read: smart) about who I buy from! As with everything in life, you've gotta use your head because there are people out there that will take advantage of you! Trust is not the underlying problem for most people and I would hope that in our society trust would continue to not be a problem.

[jtg1]

I agree with bmccaig - EBay is a for those who are 'educated risk takers'. I purchase and sell things on EBay ALL the time - more than I probably ought to - but I understand the model. Just like walking down the street there is undoubtly going to be a crook eventually - but b/c of this I don't stay locked in my house! EBay veterans also, I feel, understand basic common sense - there is no such thing as a free lunch, etc - if I bid on and win a 50" Plasma TV for $250, from some 8th world country, and the description is compeltly miss-spelled - I know I run the risk of getting a cardboard TV - but if i win the same auction and get it for say $350 less then what the local electronics store is selling it for - then I will sleep well at night and wait for the UPS man with my TV. My comment to Mr. Asay is that you have every right to shop where you would like to, but don't bash EBay just b/c you don't have time to do your homework.

[tektaktyks]

ebay +paypal and you are safe,i wonder who is paying this guy to mislead the public....

[EP69]

This post is sort of right. I buy and sell on Ebay and Craigslist, and the reality with selling on CL is that you have a stranger come to your home to purchase your unwanted lawnmower and he now sees where you live, maybe some of the home's contents, and if you have a secure property or not... still taking a big risk!

[krustykanuck]

It used to be that using PayPal was not always safe as half the buyers were not confirmed and there was limited liability that PayPal was willing to cover ($200 or $2000 depending on feedback). Buyers would occasionally withdraw their payments after receiving an item. That isn't the case anymore thankfully. The other problem used to be that you could not leave negative feedback from sellers who would ship items that did not match the description (or lack of description) as posted (or the shipment would arrive late). That has sort of been taken care of....

now the only real problem I forsee is the lack of feedback that a seller can give to an irrate buyer. Most buyers I have had are very good and I have had no problems with them. However I have had a few threaten negative feedback if they could not return an item because they changed their mind (not because of problems with the product), sometimes demanding shipping fees too. Or occasionally they would have an unrealistic expectation for shipping (less than three days?). Or if they are unfamiliar with the item would constantly ask you for advice. If sellers have too much difficutly in developing honest feedback with these types of buyers then there is the risk that seller will no longer want to offer goods on Ebay.

Also, in regards to CraigsList you have to go through the trouble of arranging for pickup of items and half the time potential buyers just don't show up! Also, there is the hassle of buyers who agree to a price for an item only to try to lowball the figure after you spend the time to meet up with them. Not always worth the effort. I only use Craigslist for large items like furnishings that are not practical to ship to someone.

[grmertz]

I agree with Archus, also Trust is how a person deals with you and your friends. You might trust an auto dealer because a friend recommended them, but your trust in them can wane as you deal with them. Buying from "trusted merchants" is no assurance of a good deal, I have gone to Walmart many times and found open or used items on the shelf for sale. Needless to say I do not trust Walmart. Ebay's feedback system has worked well for me and I have gotten great deals, but common sense needs to prevail.

[canuck2245]

Mr. Asay is so far off base I think he regrets writing this little story. After 7 yrs of using eBay and garnering a sizable 100% perfect feedback rating the last thing i want to do is risk my credibility as a seller or buyer. The one time I was sold inferior items paypal and eBay came to the rescue and a valuable lesson was learned...if its too good to be true....

[ludwig1000]

eBay and Paypal constantly keep improving, and most of the transactions are now fully insured. But like every other market place, you need to know how to look for what you want and how to buy it. Although complex, eBay is a wonderful market place. I feel this article does not really do it justice.

[soupnazzi]

It is easier to fool or lie to someone online than face to face for obvious reasons however I don't think there is a crisis of trust concerning eBay. eBay has a lot of information to educate people about buying and selling online. If you don't want to trust this information, that has been handed down from years of online experience, than you don't have any common sense, Which by the way is the least common of the senses.

[XXMontyXX]

How can you claim that eBay has this big problem, and then not offer any evidence of it or even explain what you really mean? EBay is in Crisis? Hardly.

[Csipa1]

Well, if you really look around EBAY is NOT the best deal around anymore if you are looking for new stuff. And of course, all you need is 1-2 bad experiences with a mega-dealer and you'll likely turn to local shops again, or surf the web for other deals. It is important to deal with people on EBA that have spotless performance and the best price (incl.shipping)

[kreative35]

A highly recommended site is elfingo.com for online auctions. They are the new ebay. Many smaller sites like this offer buyers far better deals than ebay ever could. Buyser also save a ton because this site charges little or nothing depending on the day. One more reaso I like elfingo.com is because they don't take a part of the sale at all. No commissions or fi