eBay has a $200 insurance policy on all transactions, they require credit cards or other validations on all new sellers and they have an excellent feedback system that lets you consider a sellers track record. They even have an arbitration service for disputes. Yahoo has no protection for the buyer and most sellers are "new" with no feedback. If you get screwed, you have no recourse except through regular, legal channels.
Sure, Yahoo is free... and you get what you pay for! Personally, I'd only do Yahoo with iEscrow... As a seller, you'll get more action on eBay.
Here's a typical example of an auction I considered. First the guy says he has the IO in his possession but won't do PayPal or iEscrow (both require identification like a credit card or bank account). Since we both live in San Diego, I ask if I can pick it up directly from him. Now, his "best friend" has it, he has to pay the friend before he can send it! When I offer to pay for iEscrow, he doesn't respond. Someone else gets to win this auction for a very low $175... the lowest I've seen for an IO at auction, if it exists!
Buyer beware...
Question 6
emtnman (new): Is this unit all beige or beige with a darker bezel? Is it in your possession? Does the BIOS have goo on it? Are all the IDE pins intact? Has it been plugged in? Has it "phoned home?" Are there any other problems or defects with the unit? Will you accept iEscrow and split the fees? http://www.iescrow.com Please respond, or I won't bid on this item! Apr 25 15:23 PDT
Answer
jrotc6th (new): The I-Opener comes in one color Gray, It is brand new has no damage and has not been opened, it is in my possession, and I don't currently have a account with IESCROW or PAYPALS and do not intent to. If you want to bid my payment types stand as-is. Apr 25 17:19 PDT
Question 7
emtnman (new): Considering your attitude, I'll spend my money elsewhere. BTW, I own 2 IO's one that's all gray, one with a dark bezel... Apr 25 23:51 PDT
Answer
jrotc6th (new): What are you talking about? I did not have or mean any disrespect! This is the way (most) New York citizens talk. If I offended you in anyway I am sorry. Is there any chance that you would reconsider? Apr 26 00:07 PDT
Question 8
emtnman (new): No problem, guess I was being over sensitive... If I win, can I pick it up directly from you? I live in the San Diego area as well... Thanks! Apr 26 00:13 PDT
Answer
jrotc6th (new): I am currently acting as the middle man here, you see my best friend is the one with the I-Opener and I am the one with the internet terminal. We have a contract that states that I am to recieve the I-Opener from him with payment. As a matter of fact what kind of friend is he! Anyway I would not be able to get the unit until he is paid. Sorry! Apr 26 00:40 PDT
Question 9
emtnman (new): Also... how long have you had this? Can you give me the manufacturing date from the box, or the back of the unit? Apr 26 00:15 PDT
Answer
jrotc6th (new): I have seen the I-Opener personally he has had it for about 2 weeks. We bought two one for himself and one for his brother but his brother told him that he alreadly have one at this time I can not get the manufacturing date from the box, or back of the unit. Sorry, again. Apr 26 00:45 PDT
Question 10
emtnman (new): You need to realize that you are a new seller with no track record, selling an item not in your possession, on an auction site with no insurance. Yet you are unwilling to offer any buyer protection like iEscrow... iEscrow accounts are simple to set-up! And now, for some reason, even though we live in the same city, you are unwilling to make arrangements so I can make payment on delivery? Doesn't your best friend live in San Diego as well? Is it any wonder why you have so few bids? Don't you understand how fishy this all looks? Apr 26 01:07 PDT
Answer
jrotc6th (new): I that I think about it, it does sound fishly and I understand what you mean. But there is nothing I can do about it. If there was something I could do about I anything with thin my power. Iescrow is not free their service cost money. My main objective is to make as much as I can. I know it sounds like I am trying to get over on you but at some time in life everyone has to trust someone. P.S: there are only 2 hours left. Apr 26 16:31 PDT
Question 12
emtnman (new): If your only objection is the fees, would you accepy iEscrow if the buyer paid all the fees? Apr 26 18:21 PDT
(NO ANSWER ... NO SALE!)
