Ebay Experiences?

[Mavsman]

Do you guys buy tools on eBay often?

Not too long ago I bought a Snap-on 3/8" flex head stubby and it left me wanting more snap on ratchets, but I'm too cheap to pay truck prices. I started looking on eBay and have had poor experiences.

The first one, the package arrived empty. I reached out to eBay and was able to get a refund.

The second time, I purchased what was listed as a 100 year anniversary edition flex head. I received the regular dual 80 when I paid a premium for the 100 year edition. Hopefully I can work something out with the buyer but I'm sticking out on eBay so far.

 

[Reese]

I primarily sell tools on Ebay, my buying experience has generally been pretty good. The biggest issues I have had have been the result of poor packaging. Some folks don't understand you can't just toss heavy stuff in an empty carton and ship it.

The feedback system has become pretty worthless. You can't leave bad feedback for a buyer. I prefer Ebay to either Facebook or Offerup.

 

[Fedwrench]

Ebay, like everything else, isn't as good as it once was.

I order once in awhile but, I don't really need anything so, my purchases are fewer. Do what you can to protect yourself like looking at seller feedback, maybe paying a little more in shipping for signature delivery.

I think Ebay is viable marketplace though. I got most of my tools off of Ebay back in the day.

 

[mepstein]

I used to sell a lot on eBay but now I use sites that are more specific to what im buying and selling. Same with Craigslist. It used to be decent but went downhill.

 

[Mavsman]

I have also noticed craigslist is not that great anymore. Lately I've had good luck with offerup.

 

[fang123]

I bought almost every tool I have on ebay. Only one bad experience. I consider it to be my own fault because of the sellers feedback. He was a known bad packager and I ignored it. Got an empty package in the mail. I usually don't buy from anyone with less than a 99.0 percent feedback.

 

[measuredtwice]

There are some great deals if you look for them. The Swanstrom cutters and Zephyr/Bondhus bits were great deals that I shared.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7944271&postcount=1
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8256019&postcount=29

Do you guys buy tools on eBay often?

Not too long ago I bought a Snap-on 3/8" flex head stubby and it left me wanting more snap on ratchets, but I'm too cheap to pay truck prices. I started looking on eBay and have had poor experiences.

The first one, the package arrived empty. I reached out to eBay and was able to get a refund.

The second time, I purchased what was listed as a 100 year anniversary edition flex head. I received the regular dual 80 when I paid a premium for the 100 year edition. Hopefully I can work something out with the buyer but I'm sticking out on eBay so far.

Did the sellers show photos of the ACTUAL items they were selling? Avoid stock photos.

If it is not as described, start a complaint. You'll send it back and get a refund.

 

[Jtels85]

I both buy and sell tools on eBay. 99% of my transactions are flawless. I will say that the majority of issues I’ve had in my 14 year membership were within the past 6 months.

I sold a rare set of Craftsman Professional screwdrivers. They were received by the buyer who in turn filed a claim that he didn’t recognize the $125 charge. eBay put a hold on my payment until I provided proof of delivery and the case was reviewed. It took about two weeks and was resolved in my favor.

I purchased a set of 3/8 deep impact sockets in December and the seller shipped them on a metal socket rail in a white Priority Mail envelope. The envelope took 27 to get delivered (Holiday season) and when it arrived, the rail had sliced through the envelope and only like 5 of the 9 sockets were inside. I tried contacting the seller twice within 72 hours and never received a response. I filed a claim with eBay and got my money back.

Last week I purchased a set of USA Craftsman pliers for another tool kit I’m building. One of the pliers that arrived was a “Western Forge Professional”. Same thing, same handle, just didn’t say “Craftsman”. Kind of hard to miss something like that but I let it go.

I’m very specific with the date code stampings on the Craftsman tools I purchase. I’ve specifically bought from sellers who stated “what you see in the picture is the item you will receive”... then when it shows up... it’s the same tool with a different stamping code on it.

Do your research and ask questions before spending a lot of money. For the most part, I feel like the vast majority of people in eBay are honest and mean well. There are however a few who just don’t care.... but they’re few and far in between.

 

[measuredtwice]

The only bad experience that I've had in many years was buying from a seller who is a member on GJ. He went from a good seller to ripping off a dozen buyers on Ebay. He never shipped or responded to emails. Ebay refunded the money. He's still active.

On the bright side, I've probably got around $200 coupons from Ebay in the past years. That's straight up coupons, not Ebay Bucks. The most recent was the $25 for Ebay's 25th anniversary. Another deal was when they gave $50 for selling 5 items ($10 per sold item).

 

[tool_scrounge]

Expect more of the small sellers to stop listing on ebay with ebay forcing sellers to sign up a use their new "managed accounts" instead of using PayPal. Here is a discussion on Practicalmachinist.

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/ebays-new-managed-accounts-386920/

 

[L5wolvesf]

The second time, I purchased what was listed as a 100 year anniversary edition flex head. I received the regular dual 80 when I paid a premium for the 100 year edition. Hopefully I can work something out with the buyer but I'm sticking out on eBay so far.

Did the item you received match what was pictured?

 

[slowtwitch73]

I've been on Ebay since dialup and have had 99.9% percent good experiences. Some even great.. sellers sending along extra goodies etc.

It's pretty difficult to get screwed if you're a buyer... Ebay is heavily slanted in buyer's favor.

Only buy from 100% feedback seller's.. do your homework, read the listing, look at the pics, etc.

I also have good luck selling for high prices.

Another 'filter' is to send the seller a question and see if they come across as a decent human or a derelict oxygen thief.

 

[zktk01]

I have bought hundreds of items over the last 4 years only have had a few problems some of it Chinese sellers Then ebay notified the user was canclened and refunded the money.
I have also bought alot of decent stuff from China it amazes they can ship for free across the globe.

 

[yatg]

Sold a few things on ebay over the years, haven't gotten burned yet.

Bought a lot of stuff. Maybe had problems with 1% of them. Seller or ebay always made it right.

Not buying as much now because of the shipping costs. Shipping is stupid expensive if you want something from the other side of the country. Not going to pay $45 shipping for a $20 item.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Ebay has come ALOOONG way, since the late 1990s, I sell OEM tools and NOS parts mostly and Ive been a heavy buyer for 20 years of all kinds of car/shop/tool related stuff, that said, like anything else, at some point you need to know what your doing.

I still get dorked once in a while, its almost always my fault ( lack of diligence when I review what happened ). As a kid, I seem to think we where taught Caveat Emptor, that seems to have been pretty much erased from this society, or at least that is my reality.

I know this too well as a seller, Im only fortunate that I dont get more *** hats buying my stuff with no clue what they are doing and then have expectations that NO one will ever be able to meet, that is how bad ebay has swung in favor of the buyer.,..

I actually loath ebay, but find it a necessary evil to fuel my hobbies,... it is what it is,...

 

[Badgerstate]

Sometimes. I recently bought a vintage Craftsman egg beater drill and bit brace and the tools are both mint and exactly as the seller described them.
IMO, its just a matter of looking at a seller's feedback rating and if its 99% or higher, you should be fine.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

I've bought several items off of ebay and have only had one problem. I ordered a socket and was sent the wrong size. I contacted the seller and they sent me the correct size and told me to keep the other.

 

[dede2897234]

I've been on Ebay since dialup and have had 99.9% percent good experiences. Some even great.. sellers sending along extra goodies etc.

It's pretty difficult to get screwed if you're a buyer... Ebay is heavily slanted in buyer's favor.

Only buy from 100% feedback seller's.. do your homework, read the listing, look at the pics, etc.

I also have good luck selling for high prices.

Another 'filter' is to send the seller a question and see if they come across as a decent human or a derelict oxygen thief.

^^ I agree with the above comments made by "slowtwitch73" about eBay. I have been a member since 1999.

I have bought from sellers with at least 99.5% feedback ratings. I skim the past customer feedbacks before my purchases with the seller. I have had all great experiences except one. I was screwed by a seller of a used Mac Tools Special Forces pass-thru metric socket set many years ago. I won it in an auction at a great price but below market value. The seller (a pawn shop) pretended to mail me the item with a fake tracking number. I got my money back via eBay. It took multiple communications with eBay convincing them that the tracking number was fake and the communication with the seller was dishonest.

Dave

 

[mn700vforce]

Never had an issue in 15 years untill about six months ago. Purchased a few items that never got shipped, sellers would never communicate with you. Had to go through eBay to get money back. One seller was pretty slick by shipping and redirecting before item arrived. That took a lot longer to get my refund.

 

[macgee]

I've been on eBay since 1998 and wont speak about how it was 20 or even 5 yrs ago, its different now, especially since 2020. Sellers are getting really lazy and really don't give a damn, I'm noticing very weak descriptions, almost non existent replies back to questions, limited amount of pics and out of focus but still expect to command high prices. Badly protected items in shipping is nothing new.

Having said that, When I get a bad transaction, it's usually me not taking enough care and taking risks buying from a low feedback seller with bad pics or bad description. I've had more bunk purchases/tranactions this year than I have had in the previous 20 years combined! It's burned me out and less fun.

One problem (actually several) is the higher costs of eBay and PayPal commissions and now the much higher shipping costs really reduces incentives for sellers to give a damn, plus us buyers are super cheap. A top seller with excellent feedback who has their act together is really efficient and has the best chance of making a profit, because of this they tend to answer emails, guarantee their items and take clear and informative pics.

The ones who sell for a lower and decent price tend to make more more overall. They sell items faster and get through their inventory faster to make room for more items to sell and not sitting on shelves collecting dust, it's not worth anything until its sold and the money is in your bank.

Do your homework, look carefully at pics, know what your buying, look at the sellers other items they're selling (current & completed) and see if they're a random oddball seller (who wont know a damn thing) or is it a tool guy collector, ask questions and try to buy from long standing sellers with perfect feedback but now a days its really important to ask questions about item if you're unsure as descriptions & pics have been more vague now a days and hearing back from a seller will help you tell who you're dealing with and its a good sign they're present if something happens and find out if they even know anything about what the item is that they're selling, as now a days most don't but don't be surprised if you don't hear back from them especially if you ask a silly question but I will ding them hard now a days if they sell me something that is bunk or misdescribed as its happening too much recently.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I buy lots of things on there. That and pawn shops is where most of my tools have come from. I have only had one bad experience there was a book my dad wanted for Christmas so I ordered it and they never sent it and the seller ended up refunding my money after saying the book was being sent directly from the publisher which was false they just plain never sent it. And they had a 100% rating it was a well known book seller. And I was angry because he didn’t get his book for Christmas since the bookstore didn’t have it. That’s the only problem I’ve had. And I ordered something one time and the guy put it in a cereal box and sent it. So I put it in the review I left and the dude contacted me and was like if you have a problem with how I pack things then just don’t buy from me anymore so I said ok problem solved and never have bought anything from him again.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Coach James]

Years ago, I bought a lot of tools from one seller on ebay. He bought large lots and resold them, and I got a lot of old USA made wrenches, sockets and other tools for great prices. His ebay name was "hepacat". Sasdly, I think he passed away. All purchases were good from him.

A couple others were not. In one, I won a set of sockets, Cougar" brand. They were a Wright tools line, I believe. After winning the auction, the buyer refused to send them. I reported it to ebay, but no idea what came of it.

So overall, almost every buy was a good experience.

Haven't bought much from ebay in the last 3 years or so.

Coach

 

[Mavsman]

There are some great deals if you look for them. The Swanstrom cutters and Zephyr/Bondhus bits were great deals that I shared.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7944271&postcount=1
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8256019&postcount=29




Did the sellers show photos of the ACTUAL items they were selling? Avoid stock photos.

If it is not as described, start a complaint. You'll send it back and get a refund.

Did the item you received match what was pictured?

For what it's worth, the seller is a pawn shop with great ratings. The post did have pictures of the ratchet (not stock photos). The ratchet pictured is clearly the 100 year edition. The ratchet I received is the standard "snap-on" logo. I reached out to the seller, maybe it was an honest mistake.

The ratchet I received is in great condition, and I know there's literally no functional difference. it just ***** that I feel like they pulled a bait and switch.

There's a lot of good advice on here - buyer beware.

 

[neophyte]

Ebay usually works well for me, at least compared to Amazon Marketplace, but like anything, it’s usually buyer beware.
Low resolution pics are usually a sign that there might be issues with the seller or the product.
Pics that don’t seem to match the sellers description of condition or item are also a red flag.
Stock photos for used or open package items are usually a red flag.
Too Low a shipping price can also be a red flag, since some sellers con’t pack stuff worth a damn.
Seller ratings lower than 98% are usually a red flag, although If the seller has only sold a half dozen items in the past year, a single problematic transaction can through ratings off.
Also shipping speed is currently problematic, because USPS and Fedex have both been completely smurfed as far as delivery times for the past three months or more.

Generally though, compared to Amazon Marketplace;
You usually get photos of the actual item unlike on AM, and a more complete description of condition in the listings.
Ebays tracking system for tracking numbers in the App is better than Anazon’s in my experience.
Sellers on Ebay seem quicker to fix issues with quality or wrong descriptions on Ebay than on Amazon.
Resolution of issues thru Ebay are usually quicker than with AM sellers.

I’ve gotten screwed in the past on both Amazon and Ebsy, but probably a similar number of times on both, and Ebay was usually a far quicker and easier resolution than with Amazon marketplace.
With Amazon I honestly wonder if Amazon actually cares too much about resolving issues for customers with marketplace problems.
Amazon literally wanted me to wait close to a month for a missing item, despite the Marketplace seller never sending a tracking number, and this was well before the current shipping problems with USPS.

 

[PugetDude]

Been buying from eBay since about 1996.

Only had a couple of issues with purchases arriving damaged, poor packaging in both cases.

Bought an older Craftsman offset DBE wrench to complete my vintage Craftsman wall cabinet but the seller shipped a Double Offset DBE wrench. When I contacted her, she got all pissy, said I didn't know what I was talking about, so I sent her a photo of the double offset wrench she sent alongside a offset DBE. Then she came back and accused me of just ordering it for a project and trying to return it when the project was over. Refused to accept a return. Left negative feedback, noticed that eBay deleted it...

Other than that, 99% positive experiences.

 

[Jacobs976]

It's hit or miss if it's something with alot of attention and an auction (snap on and other big brands). Check reviews before taking a chance. If it goes lower than they want some sellers will not ship or ship an empty box and claim they sent it. Mainly going off what others have said before whether on here or other mediums. Only had it happen once and it was obvious. Received an empty box that wasn't even large enough to fit the item. Seller pushed against a refund, finally giving a partial before I sent the refund to eBay's support for the full amount. Also claimed I was responsible for shipping costs since I still got the box. Not spending money on a box of air. Think there might've been another issue at some point similar but can't remember.

On the other end though some sellers will go beyond expectations. I've had a full set of 3/4 drive shallow and deep well impacts 3/4-2 inch shipped double boxed at wholesale price. They banged around but had extra puncture protection and usps wrapped it in cling wrap at some point even though it didn't have any punctures. Also got a big Lowell ratchet shipped for less than $10 total, arrived in a large box filled with packing peanuts then cling wrap then a hefty amount of bubble wrap before finally reaching the ratchet with the bonus of upgraded shipping to ups 3 day I believe. Arrived like I just bought it from a museum and they spent more than they made on the shipping upgrade. They also sold primarily museum grade coins and rocks though so they most likely had everything on hand and was more interested in getting the ratchet out of their way than anything. Plus they probably had a UPS driver pick up their shipments or something rather than go to the post office.

Basically check reviews and get more fun surprises than annoying surprises. Overall the only way to be scammed/not get the item you bought on eBay is to be ignorant with eBay's money back policy.

 

[demarpaint]

I've had good luck with Ebay.

 

[BrandoJames]

No problems after three years of buying mostly new "tool truck" items at sharp discounts: Snap-on/Mac/Matco ratchets and sockets. However, prices have crept up significantly since the lock down. So I don't use eBay as much as I used to. I recommend the following:

1) Check the seller's ratings
2) Read the "item description" carefully.

I never had to return anything. I've also been lucky that the used tools I've bought on eBay have been in excellent condition.

 

[Citation]

Expect more of the small sellers to stop listing on ebay with ebay forcing sellers to sign up a use their new "managed accounts" instead of using PayPal. Here is a discussion on Practicalmachinist.

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/ebays-new-managed-accounts-386920/

Wow! When did this happen? I've been an occasional seller on eBay for years. At my peak it was probably less than 20 items per year. I was perhaps 2 last year and have a list of about 10 I currently need to move. I will be pissed if that new rule applies to me.

 

[Citation]

I buy lots of things on there. That and pawn shops is where most of my tools have come from. I have only had one bad experience there was a book my dad wanted for Christmas so I ordered it and they never sent it and the seller ended up refunding my money after saying the book was being sent directly from the publisher which was false they just plain never sent it. And they had a 100% rating it was a well known book seller. And I was angry because he didn’t get his book for Christmas since the bookstore didn’t have it. That’s the only problem I’ve had. And I ordered something one time and the guy put it in a cereal box and sent it. So I put it in the review I left and the dude contacted me and was like if you have a problem with how I pack things then just don’t buy from me anymore so I said ok problem solved and never have bought anything from him again.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Sounds like an arbitrage seller on eBay.
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/278622

Basically they see a low price on Amazon and figure someone on eBay may be willing to pay more. They lost on eBay and when a sale is made they place an order with Amazon and set the ship to address to the buyer.

Everyone wins so long as the buyer is happy. Where it fails is when the buyer is unhappy. For example you buy a cat rug (see the link) then realize it was cheaper on Amazon so you return to the eBay seller and but from the Amazon seller. Not problem right? The Amazon seller gets 2 sales and the eBay seller has a used car rug right? Nope.

The eBay seller just has the buyer send it back to Amazon they are ultimately out no money. The Amazon seller gets dinged by Amazon for the return and now has a used rug they can't sell. They are the true loser in the whole transaction. The eBay seller is a leech since they take excess profits yet pass the cost of their sales methods on to others.

In the article one Amazon seller did get some revenge. The Amazon seller set up an eBay buyers account. Bought their own product then raised their Amazon price by sometime like $200. When the eBay seller cancelled the transaction the seller lowered their Amazon price and gave the eBay seller negative feedback. They repeated this several times and told the eBay seller what they were doing and why.

I suspect most of the sellers are decent people just trying to make some extra money but they are doing it at the detriment of the Amazon sellers.

 

[Jazz1]

Don’t use EBAY as often with border closed but now many sellers shipping to Canada. Huge score this week,,,2 front fenders shipped from USA $13 shipping, $26 import charge

 

[Rinspeed]

I've bought a lot of tools on Ebay, mostly SK but some Snap On. Last year I got a SK 1/4" ratchet with some sockets, extensions and the ball was missing off the head. Quick call to SK and I had a rebuild kit in three or four days.

 

[davethorik]

I've had a couple experiences on eBay where I've not gotten the item pictured. Always a hand tool. Always from a pawn with an eBay store.

One time I hit BIN on a nice older Mac 24" 1/2 breaker bar with knurled grip. What arrived was a nice modern Mac 24" 1/2 breaker with the trilobe grip.
I emailed the seller and they had no idea what happened. I guess someone at USPS just swapped them out. Lol, not complaining I actually got a better tool.

 

[L5wolvesf]

For what it's worth, the seller is a pawn shop with great ratings. The post did have pictures of the ratchet (not stock photos). The ratchet pictured is clearly the 100 year edition. The ratchet I received is the standard "snap-on" logo. I reached out to the seller, maybe it was an honest mistake.

The ratchet I received is in great condition, and I know there's literally no functional difference. it just ***** that I feel like they pulled a bait and switch.

There's a lot of good advice on here - buyer beware.

If there was a difference then you have grounds to request, and receive, a refund.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Wow! When did this happen? I've been an occasional seller on eBay for years. At my peak it was probably less than 20 items per year. I was perhaps 2 last year and have a list of about 10 I currently need to move. I will be pissed if that new rule applies to me.

I believe it starts Feb 1

 

[yatg]

Wow! When did this happen? I've been an occasional seller on eBay for years. At my peak it was probably less than 20 items per year. I was perhaps 2 last year and have a list of about 10 I currently need to move. I will be pissed if that new rule applies to me.

Its not that big of a deal. Took about 2 minutes to set it up. Just confirm a couple of things and give them your checking account info and SSN. If that bugs you, open another checking account for ebay only. You're not going to get reported to the Feds (unless you live in a couple of specific states) unless you have a lot of sales, what was it ... over 200 sales and over $20K?

 

[P0234]

Its not that big of a deal. Took about 2 minutes to set it up. Just confirm a couple of things and give them your checking account info and SSN. If that bugs you, open another checking account for ebay only. You're not going to get reported to the Feds (unless you live in a couple of specific states) unless you have a lot of sales, what was it ... over 200 sales and over $20K?

Not a big deal until they start taking money out of your account. I can see it now, buyer doesn't like item and you get to pay to have the damaged item sent back.

I've been selling on eBay since 1998. They just keep making it worse and worse on the seller. Never better.

Ever wonder why there are so many fairly successful alternatives?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Sounds like an arbitrage seller on eBay.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/278622



Basically they see a low price on Amazon and figure someone on eBay may be willing to pay more. They lost on eBay and when a sale is made they place an order with Amazon and set the ship to address to the buyer.



Everyone wins so long as the buyer is happy. Where it fails is when the buyer is unhappy. For example you buy a cat rug (see the link) then realize it was cheaper on Amazon so you return to the eBay seller and but from the Amazon seller. Not problem right? The Amazon seller gets 2 sales and the eBay seller has a used car rug right? Nope.



The eBay seller just has the buyer send it back to Amazon they are ultimately out no money. The Amazon seller gets dinged by Amazon for the return and now has a used rug they can't sell. They are the true loser in the whole transaction. The eBay seller is a leech since they take excess profits yet pass the cost of their sales methods on to others.



In the article one Amazon seller did get some revenge. The Amazon seller set up an eBay buyers account. Bought their own product then raised their Amazon price by sometime like $200. When the eBay seller cancelled the transaction the seller lowered their Amazon price and gave the eBay seller negative feedback. They repeated this several times and told the eBay seller what they were doing and why.



I suspect most of the sellers are decent people just trying to make some extra money but they are doing it at the detriment of the Amazon sellers.

Yeah it does sound like something like that.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[seber]

I sell a fair amount on Ebay. It is a good place to get screwed as a seller. Ebay virtually always sides with the buyer. The only way it makes sense is because of the high prices paid. As to the forced change in pay acceptance, I have not seen anything that would force me to change. As I read the agreement, my costs would increase quite a bit. So even if I thought Ebay was safe with my information, it just didn't make sense to pay a higher commission. The commission goes down with sales of $100 or more but that is where the buyers tend to scam so I keep my products below that threshold.

 

[bentrods]

Ebay isn't what it use to be. Out of 551 transactions since 1995. I've only been burned once with a fishing pole. Some of the things I have on have been on for over a year. And they are items I'm not trying to get a lot for. Feed back doesn't make too much of a decision for me. You sometimes get someone who is unhappy for some reason or another and take it out on the buyer or seller. I try to stay away from overseas sellers. It seems you never get what is advertised. I use t buy a lot of tools. But now the prices have gone so high and shipping expense. Sometimes you're better off buying from the truck.