@*tippy*toes* wrote:Fair enough, but it gets my back up when they decide to drop the pensioner line, thinking we're going to feel sorry for them. It's no different to those who drop the disability or "my child is autistic" line to try and gain some sort of sympathy. I see it that if you don't fall into one of those sob story categories, you don't deserve sympathy. I couldn't care less if you're a pensioner, have an autistic kid, are disabled, whatever. EBay members are faceless names. We don't see who you are or what your circumstances are. No-one should be ripped off, pensioner or millionaire. Follow the guidelines and you won't. If people don't read up on how things work and how they are afforded the best protection, not my problem. Too bad, so sad.
SpoilerI work nigh on full time and I couldn't afford to spend thousands in one week online.
I totally agree that it doesn't matter if you are a pensioner or anything else, no one deserves to be ripped off.
Of course people should always follow the guidelines, but some con artists are so plausible. All I was trying to say really is it is possible to be sucked in. I don't particularly like people pulling 'pensioner' or disabled unless it is relevant in some way.
For a purchase worth thousands of dollars, it pays to be extremely careful.
As for how much people spend online. I have never spent thousands on any ebay purchase but I have, a few times, spent thousands online. Cruises, holidays, airfares.
So I guess it depends on what you are buying, but it is certainly possible for ordinary people to make big purchases. \
Not every week of course though.
Some of the purchases I have made online within the last 5 years.
$8,500
$4,000
$17,000
$6,500
BUT, I go and check the item first and with an expert if need be.
Online buying needs to be respected and treated as though potential problems will occur unless you eliminate them.
Some people are nervous about anything online to do with money but when it comes to paypal, I am the exact opposite to your buyers. I look for paypal options on all buying sites, not just ebay. I have found it pays off. I once bought photobook vouchers from a company that went into receivership a month later, but I got my money back through paypal.
I was really relieved-probably mostly relieved to have found out about the receivership as it isn't as if they notified their customers.
Pity though, they had the best quality albums I have come across and at bargain prices plus were completely made here in Vic. What sent them under, I believe, was timing. They suggested a 3 week delivery window and most customers were still waiting after 8-12 weeks.
Paypal is definitely the way to go with online purchases, if you can.
