POLL: Should eBid change the verification process

[Gothicina]

If eBid were to go this route, there would be no need to strike through a seller while verification was in progress. If a high value item triggers the need for additional verification then, clearly, eBid are happy for them to sell lower value items without that verification. So, simply preventing the listing of higher value items with a cap on the value of item that can be listed without additional verification would solve most, but not all, problems.

• Low value item sellers would not be required to submit details before they can sell.
• Seller's lower value items could continue to run without the verification.
• There would be no need to strike through a seller while verification was in progress.
• If a seller did have issues about providing the information, or are unable to provide it for any reason, they could still sell lower value items.

So, as suggested, simply enforce the cap at time of listing. If the sale+shipping price of an item exceeds the trigger amount then prevent the listing going live and issue the additional verification request.

What it doesn't address are those situations where eBid has issues with the basic personal details supplied (e.g. contact details). But, really, these should be detected and resolved at time of registration and definitely before account upgrade to any form of Seller status is approved.

I agree in principle
but, it's not just the monetary value of the item at the time of listing,
but the type of item that needs to be taken into consideration as well. (Designer, high end electrical, high end mobile phones for instance.)

Stricter verification was introduced because of requests from the membership, due to the problems caused by bad sellers one Christmas in particular,
they were listing Wii's they didn't have, (some as multi Buy Nows, at high prices) mostly as auctions at ridiculously low starting prices. As the Wii's were in short supply that year, some of the final prices were extremely high, the sellers then vanished with the money.
The other types of goods they listed were the designer gear, mainly handbags & watches, & high end TV's. We were reporting obvious fakes & scams & eBid were pulling them, but many of the listings looked fine, until it was too late.

Wii's may be old hat now, but there is always something new & desirable & in short supply especially around Christmas time, & buyers need to be protected.

[astral276]

I agree in principle
but, it's not just the monetary value of the item at the time of listing,
but the type of item that needs to be taken into consideration as well. (Designer, high end electrical, high end mobile phones for instance.)

As I went on to say at #14 Though the items you cite are those that attract high monetary value. People tend not to scam for pennies. They want to make as much as possible as quickly as possible.

The initial point I was trying to make was... Whatever the trigger is for eBid to seek additional verification, it should occur the first time a seller attempts to list an item that activates it - and not after the item is listed and active.

Doing it the latter way means the whole seller account is locked down, the seller cannot service any existing listings until such time as they comply with eBid's request for the verification - but all existing listings (even the one that activated the trigger) remain available to buyers. From whatever direction you look at that - it is not good.

GoodiesLoft's suggestion, and what logically follows on from it, removes just about every problem experienced by users (both buyers and sellers) due to the current implementation of the verification procedure.

[Gothicina]

Last edited by astral276; Today at 04:49 PM. Reason: Extraneous 'when'

Sounds painful.

I know Gazza posted some time back that they were going to change, how joining (& I assume verification) is handled. Maybe now they've sorted the affiliate scheme, they can class this as a priority.

[Armstrongs]

I don't know (or recall) what the wording is on any of the signing up communication......but I would suggest that as a means to deter any would be scammers (and to prevent any ill feeling from legitimate sellers)......
It may be prudent to include something similar to the following at initial sign-up:

At eBid, we are committed to keep our web site free from any fraudulent activity.
As such, all sellers, at any time, may be asked to supply additional information in order verify their identity.
This is normal procedure and is designed to alienate any unwanted, unscrupulous persons.
Only genuine sellers are welcomed at eBid, and we appreciate your co-operation

Just my thoughts
Yvonne x

[Pink_Panther]

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
I think the seller should be in 'RANGE' to be slapped when he gets norty!
Dunno how yer gonna do it though!

[adruml]

I don't know (or recall) what the wording is on any of the signing up communication......but I would suggest that as a means to deter any would be scammers (and to prevent any ill feeling from legitimate sellers)......
It may be prudent to include something similar to the following at initial sign-up:

At eBid, we are committed to keep our web site free from any fraudulent activity.
As such, all sellers, at any time, may be asked to supply additional information in order verify their identity.
This is normal procedure and is designed to alienate any unwanted, unscrupulous persons.
Only genuine sellers are welcomed at eBid, and we appreciate your co-operation

Just my thoughts
Yvonne x

And a wonderful thought it is. I would just like to see the elimination of strike throughs after folks bid on an item it leaves a bad taste.

[adruml]

Another strike through reference this morning in the forums.

[suesjools]

I don't know (or recall) what the wording is on any of the signing up communication......but I would suggest that as a means to deter any would be scammers (and to prevent any ill feeling from legitimate sellers)......
It may be prudent to include something similar to the following at initial sign-up:

At eBid, we are committed to keep our web site free from any fraudulent activity.
As such, all sellers, at any time, may be asked to supply additional information in order verify their identity.
This is normal procedure and is designed to alienate any unwanted, unscrupulous persons.
Only genuine sellers are welcomed at eBid, and we appreciate your co-operation

Just my thoughts
Yvonne x

Excellent suggestion; that way most folks wouldn't get disgruntled at having to provide verification.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[astral276]

It may be prudent to include something similar to the following at initial sign-up:

It is included in the site Terms and Conditions; which every user agrees to when they join.

Afraid I have no time for those who either don't read the T&Cs they affirm they agree to and then complain afterwards, or do read and agree to them and dispute them later.

[adruml]

Another negative strikethrough reference in the forums this morning, dang.