How safe is Ebay?

[Timbo]

I've just seen an article claiming that golf equipment is one of the most faked items on Ebay, however, there do seem to be several really good buys on there (I'm looking for a couple of utility clubs and a 2 ball putter).

Has anyone any experience of buying on there, and are there any golden rules to apply? Thats apart from the old saying "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!!"

 

[medwayjon]

There are a lot of sharks on ebay selling fake stuff. Taylor-Made publish a list of those known to sell fakes on ebay I believe.

My advice on buying from ebay.

1) Buy from a reputable seller with high feedback, a returns policy and feedback for selling similar items. Beware those with feedback for loads of 99p purchases who suddenly start selling £399 iron sets.

2) Even better, buy from an ebay powerseller (like me) as they have worked hard to get power seller status, have prooved their repuation and service levels, and have to maintain these standards to avoid losing their powerseller status and the big discounts on selling fees that go with it. Powersellers do not want to con people or screw up as being a powerseller is grand and has many benefits.

3) If something seems too good to be true (price etc) it usually is. Ask why somebody is selling a brand new £200 putter for £49.99? Because it isn't real usually.

4) Pay by paypal/credit card as you are protected, this is the best way to protect your money.

 

[RGuk]

I've just seen an article claiming that golf equipment is one of the most faked items on Ebay

You're not wrong there, I'm sure. I was eBay mad until I finally got the putter and driver of my choice and the stunts being pulled are really scary. I think you have to bide your time and WAIT for the right item from the right seller to come along. eBay is such a big thing that eventually the "2005 (late-model) ping, 33.3" H-shafted model in luminescent pink with ltd. edition telly-tubby head-cover and matching pitch repairer version 2b" will turn up! AND from a small volume seller with 100% feedback.

It's like buying a used car, if you are patient and spot weird things (and don't overlook the signs just because you want it), you'll be fine.

 

[RGuk]

Even better, buy from an ebay powerseller (like me)

What do you powersell, or is it the obvious??? (send PM if u want)

 

[medwayjon]

It is the obvious Dave but I have also been known to sell a bit of golf gear on there for people I know.

 

[johng]

Hi Timbo.

2nd what everyone else has said. it's often worth looking at previous items they've sold and any feedback from the buyers. Unhappy buyers will let their feelings be known. If the person is selling loads of simillar items be careful, unless they're a golf retailer obviously.
Try and use paypal and be aware of spam emails from ebay or paypal asking you to click a link to ammend financial details.

All legitimate emails will start with a greeting using your own login name. If they start with Dear Member/ebayer/user etc they are fraudulent. Try and forward them to spam@paypal.co.uk or spam@ebay.co.uk.

Buyer beware basically.

John.

 

[Parmo]

I once got burnt on Ebay for 3 Cleveland CG12 wedges, he was asking £140 for all but was open to offers, I made a £100 offer and it was accepted, once they arrived (4 weeks later!!) I could tell straight away, the stickers on the clubs where taking the colour off them and leaving loads and loads of nasty glue. I used them for a bit and found them not to bad but carried on telling myself that they where ok, I then thought I am going to try and get my cash back so I emailed the fella 2 months later and said my pro had checked them and said they where fakes (total lie, more calling his bluff) he apologised and refunded my cash ASAP, he did ask for the clubs back before but once the cash cleared he never bothered chasing them. They are still in the shed, not bad really for fakes.

The positive side of EBay is I always buy AD333s new and get a great price on the 2008 model (and that was in Jan when Pro shops where trying to sell them as £18 a box), and I got my MX19s custom fitted from a power seller and he added free better grips and the service was top notch.

As mentioned before:-

If a deal is to good, it usual is.

Never buy from anyone you don't feel 100% with on their feedback.

Always check latest scams on the EBay forum.

Try and stick to power sellers.

 

[GB72]

Also beware of Sellers with no connection to golf who suddenly have a dozen or more top end clubs to sell with only stock pictures of the club. You have to ask why any individual would have a larger supply of drivers to sell than your local American Golf Store.

 

[Parmo]

Totally agree GB, I once copped a fella just back from hong kong trying to sell a full set of TM & a fake bag for £350 lol he even stated TM clone not fakes which they where but clones, it didnt last long on there, I bet there are hundreds of X20 user unaware of their clubs being fake.

 

[USER1999]

Better still, buy second hand stuff as the signs of a bit of wear and tear normally mean it is genuine.
On the whole I prefer golfbidder.

My TM R7 came from ebay, before they were launched in the UK. Genuine club, from the states, good price. Also one of my scotties, but this was second hand. I don't normally buy clubs on ebay as I visit the states quite often.

Two of my pairs of Footjoy classics have come from ebay though. Not sure if anyone is faking these yet, but I doubt it.

 

[haplesshacker]

The problem with smart thinking sellers on ebay is that if they have fakes to sell, but won't sell them at 80% off, instead they sell them at 20% off. We (as the buyer) are more likely to think the kit is genuine if it's a tempting price and not a silly cheap price. Just be aware.

 

[GB72]

At this time of year I hardly use ebay to be honest. There are some many good deals on last year's kit with reputable retailers that I cannot see the point. For example, Benross V6 Trimass 3 woods on ebay are more expensive used than they are new with Onlinegolf.

 

[Ken_A]

I bought a set of TM Irons on ebay - thought the price was a bit too good. It came with the AW (genuine set does not) and they had used the pictures on their next listing. Straight away I was wondering - so when John**** sent me a email requesting that the cheque (no paypal) was written to Xing Xang I refused to pay. I told ebay that I thought they where fakes.
I then requested a copy of the serial number but they told me they would only send me them after paying.

Looking back a lot of the signs where there I just did not see them after finding a bargin.

I am currently selling 3 wood and Iron set on abay- both winners will get a good bargin.

I would buy used stuff but I now refuse to buy new kit from Ebay.

 

[markwarne]

If you are in the market for new or used gear, you could not make a mistake using Golfbidder.

At least if you don't get on with whatever clubs you buy, you can send them back no problem.

 

[Parmo]

If you are in the market for new or used gear, you could not make a mistake using Golfbidder.

At least if you don't get on with whatever clubs you buy, you can send them back no problem.

The problem with golf bidder is they add 20% to the actual value.

 

[RGuk]

The problem with golf bidder is they add 20% to the actual value.

I think this......much more pricey than my local pro and range for second hand gear. Some of it looks shocking as well. I had a look today for gap wedges......pulled up the Ping, Cleveland, Titleist pages.....and got "2005 model from £49"......how much??? there are better deals on last seasons gear at AG/DG/NB/RAC/AA/H&M/M&S etc. (blah, blah) and it's all new!!

 

[RGuk]

(I'm looking for a couple of utility clubs and a 2 ball putter).

Have you checked the for sale section....it was awash with rescues last look, including mine!

 

[Parmo]

I looked at a Rapture driver they rated 6-6-6 so pretty average, the picture showed a used quite scratched driver with head cover for £189 which I thought was quite a lot when new £249.00 inc p+p and 10-10-10, but hey I am a Yorkshire man.

 

[ColinR]

ebay is the nuts for buying Tees, £10.00 for 500 White 70MM tees.

 

[sbrandon]

I got stung with a fake putter. Lesson learned, i always buy from my club pro now, it's worth paying a bit extra for the service you recieve.