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Most of the guides posted in eBay "Reviews and Guides" contain valuable
information. However, because anyone can write and post a guide there
are a few that contain false and misleading statements. A good rule of
thumb might be to look at the feedback rating of the person doing the
posting. I have noticed that a couple of the guides with false
information were written by eBay users with feedback under 100. In one
case, the writer was blasting eBay and certain sellers by saying that
bad sellers can "pay eBay to remove negative feedback." This is not
true! Either the buyer or the seller can request MUTUAL removal of
negative feedback. Go to this eBay web location to read all about
feedback removal http://pages.ebay.com/help/feedback/feedback-disputes.html
where it specifically states "If both you and your trading partner are
able to resolve a problem after feedback has been left, you can
mutually agree to withdraw the feedback rating. The feedback comment
will still appear in your member profile, but it will no longer count
in your feedback score. Both members must agree, and feedback left by
both parties will be withdrawn at the same time."
Another piece of false information in one guide stated that you should take your packages to the post office and have the clerk scan the delivery confirmation number to prove that you have mailed the package and what date it was mailed. Wrong! The clerk might scan the label just to make you feel good and because he or she does not want to take the time to explain why this is a useless exercise. This information will not be entered or retained in any way. If you don't believe me, take a package in and ask them to scan it. On the following day, check the number on the USPS site and you will see that there is no entry for that activity. You can read all about delivery confirmation by going to the USPS website and checking Publication 91. This URL will take you directly to it http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub91/welcome.htm (Note that Post Office is making some changes to this procedure by offering a scan form so that you can have proof of mailing but this was not available when the person wrote the previous guide).
If you are writing a guide, you owe it to fellow eBay members to make sure your statements are correct. When reading the guides, consider the source. How long has the author been on eBay? What is their feedback rating?
If this guide has been helpful, please click on the "Yes" button below. I would certainly appreciate it.
Another piece of false information in one guide stated that you should take your packages to the post office and have the clerk scan the delivery confirmation number to prove that you have mailed the package and what date it was mailed. Wrong! The clerk might scan the label just to make you feel good and because he or she does not want to take the time to explain why this is a useless exercise. This information will not be entered or retained in any way. If you don't believe me, take a package in and ask them to scan it. On the following day, check the number on the USPS site and you will see that there is no entry for that activity. You can read all about delivery confirmation by going to the USPS website and checking Publication 91. This URL will take you directly to it http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub91/welcome.htm (Note that Post Office is making some changes to this procedure by offering a scan form so that you can have proof of mailing but this was not available when the person wrote the previous guide).
If you are writing a guide, you owe it to fellow eBay members to make sure your statements are correct. When reading the guides, consider the source. How long has the author been on eBay? What is their feedback rating?
If this guide has been helpful, please click on the "Yes" button below. I would certainly appreciate it.
Guide created: 08/05/06 (updated 10/22/07)
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