Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

[Number Of The Priest]

Guys, how safe is it buying a $40-$60 item from a zero feedbacker newbie seller on Ebay? The seller is within Canada but all the way on the other side of the country (do you KNOW how frickin' WIDE this nation of mine is?), offers/accepts PayPal, ships with FedEx Ground, includes up to $100 insurance (although he says he's not responsible for items damaged/lost in transit), and offers a money-back guarantee (minus the shipping cost). I am a Confirmed Address / Verified PayPal Member with my MasterCard as my primary source of funds and my Canadian bank account as my backup funding source, both of which I have used MANY times without a single problem.

I normally never bid on sellers with less than 10 feedbacks at 100% positive, but I am willing to stretch a little bit under safe circumstances. Should I pay using PayPal with my credit card, or with my bank account? Do both options offer chargebacks or whatever? What happens if I never receive the item or it arrives broken?

Stupid newbies. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] But we've all had to start somewhere, right? [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Number Of The Paranoid [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Accept2]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

I once bought a $2000 item from a newb zero feedbacker. It all depends on how far you can trust him. You can always search on his info, talk to him on the phone, etc until youre satisfied. I dont think anyone is going to scam you for $40.................

[Fragle]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

for $40 i'd take the risk. but that's just me and my $0.2 though

what item are we talking about?

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

You should ask more references from the seller.
Such as any history of online dealing, phone #, any past deals he/she had before Ebay.

[guitarsjb]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

Ask questions, see if he answers (and how quickly) talk to him on the phone. I would find out from him just what your recourse is if it should arrive damaged. You said he mentions he's not responsible...

[RobRR]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

I bought my DKMG from a zero feedback seller, and it was one of the best transactions Ive had on eBay. Everyone has gotta start somewhere!

[lerxstcat]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

If he's shipping Fedex Ground Fedex insures the item for the first $100 just like UPS does. I'd use Paypal with my creditcard if I were you; I think a chargeback would be more problematic with your bank account, and if Paypal doesn't take care of you you can get the chargeback through your CC company. Of course if you do that you lose your Paypal account but you can just sign back up with a different card. I don't know if that's worth it over a $40
item, but there are some options for you.

[Razor]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

If the seller takes PayPal, and seems legit and answers questions in a timely manner I would bid if it were a good deal on an item I wanted. As said above, just use funds backed by a credit card just in case it would go south.

[rjohnstone]

Re: Ebay question - Safe buying from ZERO feedbackers?

Just use a credit card through PayPal. I always use my Amex card.
American Express has great fraud protection, so even if PayPal tries to hose you, Amex will still refund you.
Like everyone else said... a guys gotta start somewhere.