Phoney feedback? | Buying | eBay Australia

markofemu · 2026-06-26T05:56:05.227226Z

Earlier in the month I ordered some expensive (>$2k) electronic test equipment, which was advertised as new and from the US. It turned out to be used (manufactured in 2012), was dented, scratched, missing 18 screws, amongst the defects, and came from China. I successfully applied for a return request. This seller advertises many more of the same piece of equipment, all supposedly new and from the US. I chose him because he had 100% positive feedback. I put in what was supposed to be the first negative feedback, so I decided to investigate this seller’s feedback. Of the most recent 83 feedbacks, 54 were for various items, all costing US$2.06, with another 3 for US$2.05. I then looked at the feedback for another seller selling the same item of equipment I returned. He clearly states that the equipment is used. He only lists computing or electronics hardware (mostly National Instruments test and measurement equipment costing hundreds or thousands of dollars). Yet for the 100 most recent feedbacks,93 were for a bicycle light costing US$0.01, of which40 said “Thank you for the AWESOME DEAL & FREE SHIPPING!! Smooth transaction A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++! Item was as described. Easy to do business with!!”24 said “Received in 10 days, very well packaged, exactly as per photo, i have good value for my money. Bike Cycling LED Front/Rear Light Waterproof Lamp, 3 modes(Normal- Fast flash- Slow flash) . Contains 2 LEDs BLUE colour and 2 AG10 batteries”7 said “Fantastic seller! 🌟 Super fast shipping 🚀, item exactly as described 🛍️, and great communication 💬. Highly recommended! 👍😊”4 said “As described item of value packaged perfect and shipped fast.”I can’t find this bicycle light (or anything like it) amongst the listings, and nothing for US$0.01. In fact the cheapest item from this seller costs AU$47, although as I said above, most of his items cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. It seems to me that some sellers are generating a lot of their own positive feedback to hoodwink the potential buyers.

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