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Buyer/seller mediation forum? |
RxistKJ
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 100
From: Bay Area, US
PM |
Hello,
As you can see by my number of posts, I am relatively new to this forum. After searching extensively, I have not been able to find any thread dedicated to mediation of buy/sell transactions. I'm sure most mediation is done via PM, and negative and positive ratings can be applied on the A to Z thread, but I'm wondering if a thread dedicated to mediation might be warranted to influence fellow members to do the right and moral thing when buying and selling phones and merchandise. EBay and PayPal claim to have a mediation forum but I honestly don't have a lot of confidence in it.
For me particularly, residing in the US and not readily having access to many of the advanced phones available in Europe, it makes it that much more difficult to buy and sell phones (I say not readily available because US carriers are very slow adopters of SE technology). Sure a buyer/seller rating predicts the likelihood of the transaction succesfully completing. But if it doesn't complete, would the influence of fellow Esato members help bring a fair resolution to a dispute?
Just a thought... |
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masseur
Joined: Jan 03, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Sydney, London
PM |
I have noticed that you seem quite concerned about this topic of being scammed but I guess its much the same anywhere you go.
However, regular Esato member/traders take pride in the respect they gain from feedback on the AtoZ list and as you become a more regular member you will see the comments there and elsewhere in favour of such member/traders and you will have much more confidence in buying.
As with ebay though, many members won't send items overseas so that may be an issue for you.
Also, its rare for a serious problem to occur with trades done on Esato when you buy from known regular member/traders who have feedback.
When a problem does occur it is dealt with in PM though sometimes a thread is created to attract attention of the seller (usually) or buyer.
So therefore your suggestion is already something practised on Esato though, as I said, its rare for there to be a serious problem.
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RxistKJ
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 100
From: Bay Area, US
PM |
Fair enough. Considering your comments, what do you consider a fair amount of time to receive a phone (from UK to US) after payment has been collected? Is it reasonable to request some form of tracking number or e-mail stating the item has shipped? I'm not looking to disrespect or imply negative connotations on anyone in this forum but unfortunately, still being new, I don't have the familiarity with many of the regulars. I do appreciate the A to Z ratings assist with credibility and I like the concept of the community monitoring itself (much like Craigslist). Ultimately, I'm just eager to get my phone. |
MWEB
Joined: Feb 13, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: somewhere nicer than you
PM |
Postage to the US is neither cheap or quick, (from the UK) i would expect costs to be between £15-30 depending on weight, speed and tracking method.
also i get a lot of hassle with extra expenditure that is customs (tax) related.
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RxistKJ
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 100
From: Bay Area, US
PM |
I paid for the phone on Sunday April 30th and payment was collected the same day by the seller. After attempting to communicate with the seller multiple times, I finally received a message on May 4th stating phone would be shipped the following day. I have not heard from the seller since then (and have sent PM's and e-mails) and have not received my phone as of yet. Should I be concerned?
I have seen the seller post here often but not reply to my PM's--a little communication is all I ask for--or is that too much? |
MWEB
Joined: Feb 13, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: somewhere nicer than you
PM |
It was i think a bank holiday weekend when you made your purchase, which would slow things down somewhat, i might expect it to take up to a fortnight to reach the US.
May i ask if the seller has a good trading record on the A-Z?.
I agree good communications are courteous and reassuring.
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RxistKJ
Joined: Apr 24, 2006
Posts: 100
From: Bay Area, US
PM |
Yes, Seller does have good rating which perplexes me even more. Although I suspect most, if not all, transactions have been done within the UK and not overseas. I hate to think of worst case scenarios. I believe in being civil and not giving anyone black marks unless absolutely necessary. Seller did finally leave a PM today after multiple requests for communications and hopefully phone should be arriving soon. |
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Posted: 2006-05-04 04:25
