Its bound to happen sooner or later......you make a purchase online and it does not meet up to your expectations.
Here are a few tips to help you get the problem resolved. These pointers apply to auction purchases but can be used for other online purchases as well.
The most obvious is to contact the seller and voice your complaint. Use a little common sense here, don't start out by accusing the seller of being a con or ripoff artist all that will get you is a negative response. Be very calm and explain why you are displeased.
i.e. The item is not as described, it arrived broken, whatever.
Give the seller a chance to make amends. Many times what appears to be a minor blemish to the seller is regarded as a major defect to a serious expert collector. This has happened to me several times, how was I to know that a tiny scratch on the side of a fountain pen was a big deal. Well it is and I heard about it too. Me and the buyer discussed how it affected the value and agreed on a price we both felt was fair.
No name calling, no firing out negative feedback no calls to the FTC.
If you treat someone the way you wish to be treated most times problems can be worked out to both parties satisfaction.
There will be times when all your efforts fail to resolve the issue in a nice orderly fashion because unfortunately there are professional con artists out there and they must be delt with more firmly.
The first thing you should do is:
Contact the people in the "support" division of the auction site involved.
Most all auction sites have a section for helping resolve these issues.
Have all your documentation available, item number, photos if possible, how and when paid etc. File your complaint and they will notify the the seller or buyer and make them aware that there is a problem and recommend the parties try to resolve the issue.
Wrongdoers can be suspended from using the services of the auction site and that threat alone helps sometimes.
If that does not resolve the issue,
Here are some organizations that may be able to help.
Federal Trade Commission
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, the FTC does compile complaint data and investigates criminal activity, and your complaint will help the FTC to investigate fraud and can lead to law enforcement action.
Or you can call them at 1-800-876-7060.
The FTC also has a helpful article for buyers and sellers titled "Internet Auctions: Secrets of Success". Get your copy HERE
The National Consumers League Auction Tips: Internet Fraud Watch
NFIC is a project of the National Consumers League.
The Internet Fraud Watch section of the NFIC Web site provides tips, articles, bulletins and other information that you can use to avoid fraud, protect your privacy, and navigate the Net safely and enjoyably. If you wish to report possible fraud, use the Online Incident Report Form National Fraud Information Center
The Better Business Bureau system and BBBOnLine have made it fast and easy for people to file complaints. We take complaints involving all types of businesses - online, offline, BBB member, non-member. We also accept complaints against charities and non-profit organizations. We primarily handle complaints relating to marketplace transactions, including advertising claims. File your complaint.
If the transaction involved the use of the United States Postal Service (you mailed your payment to the seller), file a complaint with the Postal Inspector's Office.
It does help to file a Mail Fraud Complaint, because not many sellers will refuse to deliver the item or give you a refund on your payment for the item, when the Postal Service notifies them that a Mail Fraud Complaint is being investigated.
There is also the International Web Police, which is an organization to protect the Global Internet Community.
Another private organization, which reports consumer complaints to agencies that are interested in investigating and taking action, is The National Consumer Complaint Center for Internet Fraud, False Advertising, and Breached Warranties.
Final Thoughts:
For the most part you will find that most users at on-line auctions are pretty decent folks and I hope you never need any of the services I have outlined. In the event that you do have a bad experience follow the steps, try to get it resolved to your satisfaction but if things do not work out....forget about it and move on. Allowing one bad deal to fester away at you is not healthy and will only ruin what can be a very enjoyable and satisfying pastime.
The color of the page headings will help determine what section of the site you are in.
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