When should I walk away and pass on buying something on Ebay?
Here is a guide to help you avoid problems when buying on Ebay:
Returns Not Accepted - This is a potential red flag if you are a buyer on Ebay. If a seller indicates "returns not accepted" in can mean two things: They are just a strict merchant and don't want to fool around with fickle buyers who change their mind - which is a respectful store policy position as a business person to state. However, there are some less respectful sellers who indicate "returns not accepted" because there may be some defects or problems with the piece that are not indicated in their photos or descriptions. It will be harder for you as the buyer to make your case in a dispute if the seller had indicated "returns not accepted." Only purchase an item from a seller that indicates "returns not accepted" only if you are near 100% certain that you want this item and that you are nearly convinced is the real deal. Ebay still offers a Money Back Guarantee and can still force the seller to take back a return based on an item not matching the description or due to damage in shipping. So, if there is a major description issue or worse yet something is a fake or inauthentic, you still generally have good recourse in forcing the return and recouping your money back. However, some of these condition details can often be subjective and what you see and what the seller sees can be two differences of opinion. Ebay will only go so far to help you as the buyer. If you are being unreasonable and overly persnickety about an item, don't always expect there to be a cut and dry decision in your favor. Ebay tries to look out for both its seller and buyers, so you'd better have a pretty good case when you try to over ride the "Returns Not Accepted" policy of a merchant. If you as a buyer are in the category of being a more demanding, fussier and fickle buyer (one who frequents returns departments often at department stores) and have doubts on purchasing an Ebay item that indicates "returns not accepted," it is perhaps a wise choice for you to just pass on this item.
Seller Feedback below 98% - If the seller feedback is below 98%, then that usually indicates they have had some problems in the past and that if a dispute arises, they are less likely to be amenable to a potential return or to make something right that was a problem on their end.
Seller with sales fewer than 25 Items - If you see that the seller is relatively new with fewer than 25 items sold, you might want to be extra cautious in purchasing items from them. Make 100% sure the item is exactly what you want with no doubts. Without a track record, you don't know for sure how this seller will deal with you on a potential problem.
Fuzzy Photos - There is an unfortunate practice by scammers on Ebay to intentinally use fuzzy or partially blurred photos to mislead buyers by masking flaws, fakes or condition issues. If you see photos of poor quality, especially on a more expensive item, you might want to be avoid this listing or use extra due diligence in making your decision to purchase.
Poor Communication - If you ask a seller questions on a listing and they don't answer or just give you a cursory blow off answer, then avoid buying from them. If they are this bad now, later on after you buy the item it will be even worse.
Seller attempts to go off Ebay with you - If you ask questions and a seller tries to go off the Ebay platform with communication or with offers outside of Ebay, then avoid this seller. It will typically be a scammer who is trying to take your money.
Short to poor descriptions - If the description is super short or poorly stated and you are unsure of an item, then might be best to just pass on this piece. Only buy if you are 100% certain when there are bad descriptions.
Conclusion: All buyers on Ebay want a deal, however................. just make sure that you don't overlook tell-tale signs of a potential problem in your quest to get a bargain. If you see red flags and you are not 100% certain of the item that you are considering, then it might be your best choice to pass on the item no matter how good of a bargain you feel like you are passing up. Ebay disputes are no fun, and sometimes you end up having the judgement go against you. Always be cautious and careful when buying on Ebay and avoid being too free wheeling with your purchasing.
Great advice!