<< THIS SITE IS **bleep** . . . A MERCHANT WHO NEVER SENT MY ITEM KEPT TELLING ME TO WAIT
NOW I LOST MY $ >>
Hello 'neytirii',
It's not really the site that's bleep, but rather those messages sent to you by the seller.
What you describe is a very common scam, and I can just guess from which country you bought
your item.
I am truly sorry you lost your money, and it will not be much consolation to know that many, many people
have lost much more in just the same way.
Have a look at the following link about what to do when an item does not arrive:
http://pages.ebay.ca/help/buy/item-not-received.html
You got scammed because you have a low feedback score, and the sellers from the country where this
thievery is most prevalent are hoping you will not know how the "buyer protection" works.
Therefore, I urge you to read through that link, - and note the bit about the 45 day deadline.
In future, when you do not have an item after 40 days, - contact the seller. If you do not get satisfaction
that way, open your claim by day 43 (just to be safe). You do not need to have the whole thing concluded
by then, - just started.
Do not let a seller delay you with promises of replacements or refunds. A refund takes a few minutes.
If by day 43 you do not have your item or your money, - open the claim.
And do not close it until you have one or the other, because it can never be reopened.
Ebay is just the venue for all the world's sellers. Find out how the claims process works so that you
are never fooled again.
Best of luck 
<< I am clearing my slate and will never deal with E-Bay again >>
Hello 'hanna',
I'm tempted to say "don't go away mad", -- but there's really no reason to go away at all,
not if you enjoy online shopping for a bit of fun.
You do, however, need to choose your sellers more carefully. You're right that ebay is awash with
fakes of every kind. The first clue will be location. If you are prickly about authenticity, -- don't buy
items from Asia.
Most things to come from there are rubbish, -- and jewelry is always problematic, even the admittedly
cheap costume stuff. Don't expect to wear that more than once or twice.
Moreover, there seems to be a language 'obstacle', - whereby some sellers over there seem to think
it is okay to describe something as, say, 'sterling silver', - but then argue that it was never intended to
mean genuine sterling silver.
So if you are shopping for jewelry, stick to North America, Australia, UK and Europe.
Most important, -- look at the seller's feedback. If a seller has a disproportionate number of negs and
neutrals complaining about fakes and poor quality items, - then don't buy.
When viewing a listing, be sure to read through the whole thing, especially that bit about $hipping fees.
If the cost is higher than you are comfortable paying, move on to another seller.
Keep in mind, on 'real' jewelry the purchase price will be commensurate with the quality, and the seller
will likely want to send it Delivery Confirmed, even if the item could ride in an envelope for the price of
a stamp. Delivery Confirmed parcels from overseas will be expensive.
Use your Watch List to keep track of items that interest you, so you can view them without having to buy,
then spend some time price comparing and 'window shopping'.
If you have questions about an item, be sure to ask before purchasing. And of course, familiarize yourself with
ebay's "buyer protection" policies. Becoming a well-informed and savvy shopper will greatly enhance your
enjoyment of ebay.
No need to leave.
