I'm writing this guide to prevent ANYONE purchasing a TV on eBay (especially a high-end LCD or Plasma TV) from getting scammed out of their money or receiving a broken product and losing all of their money.

This is a true story:

About one year ago, I was searching for a Plasma TV on eBay. Fair enough. I wanted a decent brand and a big screen (42"). I went ahead and found a seller (I'll refrain from using the eBay ID), and the TV seemed great & included a free TV stand! What more could I ask for? It was a Samsung 42" Plasma TV w/stand for $1295! GREAT DEAL RIGHT? WRONG!

I sent a total payment of $1,295 with S&H to the seller via PayPal (as soon as possible) and waited for my order to be processed with the company.

I received confirmation that my TV was being delivered via FedEx w/insurance, like I purchased (smartly). A week later, a huge package came! I was so excited to experience movies and TV in a whole new way. I opened the box and got ready to set my television up.......................AND THE ENTIRE SCREEN WAS CRACKED! (See Below)

FedEx damaged this during shipment. I called FedEx, PayPal, eBay & the Seller numerous times. Filed a claim w/PayPal and it closed immediately, for some reasons unknown. I was very upset. I was out a full $1,295. FedEx did not help and the seller said it is not their responsibility. I tried to file a chargeback, but it was too late (45 days for my bank). See PayPal receipt Below...I've blurred the appropriate items for protection. (Sorry, eBay does not upload any bigger)

So, there I was, with a broken, formerly beautiful Samsung Plasma TV, out $1,295, with just a stand. As I contacted the seller, they said they would refund me via PayPal & had FedEx pickup the TV & return it to them. Guess what! Instead of a broken Plasma TV, I was out $1295 with just a wall mount. The seller lied to me. I do NOT want this to happen to anyone else and hope that people THINK before purchasing a television on eBay. (Picture of PayPal transactions below..sorry that you can't really see it)

Here's some guidelines you should follow:

1) Make sure your seller is reputable & established - preferably a PowerSeller
2) Email the seller beforehand and inquire about the shipping company and insurance (make sure you know the exact dollar amount it will cover)
3) Research, Research, Research - I can't say this enough! Read the feedback profile and make sure the seller is for good
4) Do NOT fall for any scams in Plasma TV auctions stating - Email me at my email address (would contain link in auction) and buy it for $895! This is risky & you'll lose it all
5) Make sure the seller has several TVs up for sale and/or has sold some in recent transactions - DONT BUY FROM A SELLER UNDER 50 FEEDBACK
6) If you receive a broken TV or do not receive your order - DO NOT HESITATE - FILE THE PAYPAL CLAIM ASAP!
7) If you receive a broken TV or do not receive your order - DO NOT HESITATE - FILE A CHARGEBACK ASAP!
8) It's BEST to pay with a credit card or with your bank account (via PayPal) so that in the event you don't receive the TV or it arrives broken, you can initiate a chargeback
9) Have daily contact with the seller - preferably via telephone - to check on the process of your order
10) Just because you think your getting a good deal, doesn't mean you are - (ex. You may be purchasing a 63" Plasma TV for $2,000 advertised as NEW, but when you receive it, its a refurbished unit)

I hope this helps all of you and saves you TIME and MONEY and I hope you do not make the same mistake that I did. Remember, if it's too good to be true, then it probably is! Revert to your retail outlets (Circuit City/Walmart/BestBuy) and ensure that your TV will be delivered brand new with optional warranties!

I took some time to post and research all of this for your aid so PLEASE take one moment to click on YES (right below here) before closing this window...thank you!! :)

-greenhappykat