Is this normal for Ebay? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/27/2004 05:05:26 PM · #1

I bid on my first camera last night and have since been getting dozens of private emails from people and places around the world seemingly wanting [out of the goodness of their hearts] to give me a 1/2 price deal on a new Rebel. Of course I delete them all but has anyone ever responded to these inquiries? Just out of curiosity. I've even gotten offers to sell me things similar to things they say I've already bid on [like laptops] when I haven't even been looking at them. Strange. Also, I had placed a bid on a camera, but cancelled it instead of hitting 'submit' and it still comes up as an active auction for me. Should I be concerned? [wait - I've been outbid, phew]

Message edited by author 2004-01-27 17:07:48.

Paclo

Nikon D70

01/27/2004 05:12:52 PM · #2

Fairly normal. If you are prepared to forego the warranty, you can certainly get lower prices. (Are you really going to ship your camera back to Hong Kong if something goes wrong?) You would also have to use an escrow facility to ensure that you can inspect the camera before the seller gets paid. Factor in shipping and possibly customs. Add it all up and see if you still think it is worthwhile, it might be. Good luck!

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

01/27/2004 05:25:45 PM · #3

Yep, it's completely normal. Ebay is overrun with people trying to scam you out of your money.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/27/2004 06:01:03 PM · #4

You may want to contact Ebay, as I think they have a policy against people contacting you like this. Not sure if they will do anything about it, but you might give it a shot anyway.

legalsteven

Canon EOS-10D

01/27/2004 06:14:46 PM · #5

Hi Lori,
I buy bits of Canon stuff on E-Bay UK and I love it. Like you, I often get emails (often in very bad English) from all over the world - offering me Canon stuff. I ignore every one, I don't even read past the first sentence. I stick with the formality, comfort and (relative!) safety of dealing with registered E-Bay sellers with loadsa positive feedback. We all love bargains, but I totally urge you to ignore every single one of those unsolicited emails.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

01/27/2004 06:20:35 PM · #6

Originally posted by legalsteven:

I have been and will continue to :-)
thanks for all the posts,
Lori

Claya

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/27/2004 06:38:53 PM · #7

GoldBerry,

I've been buying things on Ebay for about 18 months and have only had someone contact me once. Might have something to do with what is being purchased. As someone already mentioned, I believe it against Ebay's rule for people to contact you about an auction or after an auction.

Clay

LindaLee

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/27/2004 08:32:11 PM · #8

Very strange. I have bought lots of stuff on ebay, especially camera related, and have never received an email like that. If I ever do, the first thing I would do is to report it to ebay.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

01/27/2004 08:58:20 PM · #9

AH CRAP. I lost my first Ebay auction, here's how it went down [stressful!!!!]:
I waited till there was 40 secs left after being outbid earlier,and went
to 960, when I hit 'submit' it automatically came back
saying I had been outbid with '965' so I hit '970' right
away..one second left...too slow processing and I LOST!
Bahumbug!

so it's off to futureshop, they've been holding mine for 3 weeks anyway...and I FINALLY got my futureshop card today. Ebay wasn't meant to be....

Message edited by author 2004-01-27 21:03:59.

hsteg

Fujifilm X-T20

01/27/2004 09:07:06 PM · #10

When I was looking for my f717, I had TONS of those emails.

leaf

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/27/2004 09:54:22 PM · #11

hey there...

i have done tons of deals with ebay.. .. over a 1000 rating in feedbacks..and if i were you i wouldn't make any bargains with those 'guys' givin you 'deal'. i read a article once where a scammer was talkin about what he did and he said that is what he did. offer an item to people who didn't win on an auction. There ARE lots of scammers out there.. and also lots of great deals... be wary and don't take too big of risks....... buying from someone who 'looks' like they have a great rating but is selling 'behind' ebay IS a big risk.

jdw91479

Olympus E-300 EVOLT

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

01/27/2004 10:09:39 PM · #12

Change your ebay id. Don't just use your email address. If your address is displayed as your username on there, people will send you tons of junk email.

If you change your user ID it should really cut down on the spam.
(I don't mean get a new account, just change your displayed user ID)

Message edited by author 2004-01-27 22:10:28.

sleekr

Minolta DiMAGE A1

01/28/2004 01:47:41 AM · #13

I received a lot of those "I noticed you bid $xxx on this item, I can offer this to you for this price" emails when I was bidding on popular (and expensive) cameras. Like others, I ignored them - it's easy enough to be defrauded sticking within the ebay world; deal direct with any of these people, and you're increasing your chances of fraud, with no opportunity of recompense by ebay.

Goldberry, just another word of warning, may be unnecessary for you - if you are bidding on high value cameras, I suggest you confirm BEFORE the end of the auction the identity of the seller and the payment and pickup methods. This may not be necessary when dealing with the export users with thousands of auctions under their belt, but if it's an individual, or a local, with a low (<200) feedback number, confirm their name, address, ph number, and use pickup, COD, or escrow. Most legitimate sellers will be happy to do this for you. If they make excuses, or cant give you a proper address (ie not post office box etc), then stay away. If you must use another payment method, use credit-card.

Message edited by author 2004-01-28 01:48:12.