The Official E-Bay Scalping Thread

PyroGamer

PyroGamer

Banned
This thread is for all those of us planning on doing the weasly underhanded ploy, and screwing all the poor little kids out of PS3s. It's also for those of us who want to warn others of the problems in this get-rich-quick scheme.


Now onto my personal question:

I'm very intruiged by the prospect of a paycheck in the thousands just for a day waiting in line and an investment of $600.

But it seems to me it may be a rather dangerous investment. How does a seller protect themselves from fraud? I've heard that buyers can dispute a sale, saying for example that they never recieved their PS3, even with a signature they can say that they recieved a weighted box of rocks.

But once you sign, don't you forfeit all rights? It's your responsibility to inspect the package before signing, right?

Can you have buyers conceed to a disclaimer before bidding? It seems like there must be a safe way to scalp.
 
All Paypal requires is delivery confirmation. Even if some one sends you an empty box, as long as they bought delivery confirmation, Paypal probably wont' refund you unless the seller has 0 feedback and other people are complaining. Whenever people on Ebay have filed a claim against me with Paypal, I just sent Paypal my delivery confirmation that showed the person already received the item I sent. Then the buyer usually "remembers" that yes, they already received it. Ebay is full of scammers...but delivery confirmation, only accepting U.S. bids, only accepting Paypal payments from confirmed addresses, etc. should protect you somewhat. I have sold valuable items on Ebay in the past with no problem, from large video game collections to rare comics books from the 30s and 40s.

I'm going to stop by Meijer at midnight on launch day to put my name in for their raffle they will probably do (that's what they did for the 360). Unlike everyone else that shows up 6 hours early to stand in line, I'll show up 15 minutes before the raffle and pop my name in while grocery shopping. There will be around 200 people there and they are only getting maybe 10 systems, so the odds of getting one aren't that great. If I do get one, I'll probably sell it to pay off my Wii and some games. And no, I don't feel guilty about this. Any gamer that is willing to pay $600 for a video game system has more money than brains. I'll get one 3 or 4 years from now when they drop to $200 if I don't find one cheaper before then. Most likely I'll end up trading for one a year or two from now, probably exploiting some trade-in deal at EB or Gamerush to get one for dirt cheap.
 
I think selling the PS3 for profit is a wonderful idea. Capitalism at it's finest. If some schmuck is willing to pay $1800 for a vide game system, then by all means let him. Besides, there's no games coming out for the PS3 that you absolutely must have this year; everything killer isn't coming out until 2007, so it's not that big of a deal. Same thing with Wii.

And yeah, the delivery confirmation thing is really only something to worry about if you're a buyer. If you actually deliver them the PS3, you've nothing to worry about, but if you were buying one you could feasably get a box of rocks and be in the shits. However, the astute buyer would give it a little pre-sign shake to see what's up, and then you'd really be fucked.
 
yeah, honestly unless you're really gay for crabs or Resistance, it's best to sell your PS3 to those who want it that much more desperately. And if you're taking the time to camp out for it, more power to you. Personally I think as long as you don't hoarde a whole bunch (like say 10 or more) I think it's not so bad. Of course people think getting 2 or more to sell is horrible or anything less than 30 is ok but yeah.........
 
Now I'm speaking from personal experience I had scalping tickets on eBay. I sent the the tickets with DC. Apparently, it was never received by the buyer. The buyer filed a paypal dispute...I thought I was safe and that it was the Post Office's fault for not delivering, not mine. I got an email from paypal telling me I lost the dispute and that I had to refund the buyer the entire amount. When I asked for the reason, they simply said DC isn't legitimate proof that the item was sent...something like that. Now in the stories I've heard above, the item turned out to be delivered and everything was ok. But in my experience, the tickets never made its way there and I (the seller) had to pay the price.

Bottom line is that I've made it a habit to include mandatory insurance if the item I sell is valuable enough to warrant one.
 
[quote name='varock']Now I'm speaking from personal experience I had scalping tickets on eBay. I sent the the tickets with DC. Apparently, it was never received by the buyer. The buyer filed a paypal dispute...I thought I was safe and that it was the Post Office's fault for not delivering, not mine. I got an email from paypal telling me I lost the dispute and that I had to refund the buyer the entire amount. When I asked for the reason, they simply said DC isn't legitimate proof that the item was sent...something like that. Now in the stories I've heard above, the item turned out to be delivered and everything was ok. But in my experience, the tickets never made its way there and I (the seller) had to pay the price.

Bottom line is that I've made it a habit to include mandatory insurance if the item I sell is valuable enough to warrant one.[/quote]

Mandatory insurance is a must. Here is a list of things I plan to do if I decide to sell my EBGames PS3:

1) Delivery Confirmation
2) Paypal Only
3) Buy It Now with immediate payment required (still deciding on this one)
4) Insurance Mandatory
5) Will only ship to confirmed address
6) I'm not going to ship to anyone with less than 10 feedback. If they win my auction, I'm just going to refund the money and relist (taking a big hit on relisting). I know you aren't supposed to do this, but I'd rather take a hit of -1 to my feedback score than a hit of thousands to my wallet.

If I'm missing anything please chime in...
 
[quote name='Lou-Dawg']Mandatory insurance is a must. Here is a list of things I plan to do if I decide to sell my EBGames PS3:

1) Delivery Confirmation
2) Paypal Only
3) Buy It Now with immediate payment required (still deciding on this one)
4) Insurance Mandatory
5) Will only ship to confirmed address
6) I'm not going to ship to anyone with less than 10 feedback. If they win my auction, I'm just going to refund the money and relist (taking a big hit on relisting). I know you aren't supposed to do this, but I'd rather take a hit of -1 to my feedback score than a hit of thousands to my wallet.

If I'm missing anything please chime in...[/QUOTE]


Thanks for the tidbits. I'm not a seasoned eBay seller that is why I'm having my wife handle my auction. She is probably aware of everything you mentioned, but I thought I'd comment anyways because of it's usefulness.:)
 
[quote name='varock']Bottom line is that I've made it a habit to include mandatory insurance if the item I sell is valuable enough to warrant one.[/QUOTE]
How much can you insure for?
 
[quote name='PyroGamer']How much can you insure for?[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure the max amount, but the incriments and amounts are listed at www.usps.com

edit// Here is the breakdown chart from USPS website:

Fee . . . . . . . . Insurance Coverage
$1.35 ................ $0.01 to $50
$2.30 ................ $50.01 to $100
$3.35 ................ $100.01 to $200
$4.40 ................ $200.01 to $300
$5.45 ................ $300.01 to $400
$6.50 ................ $400.01 to $500

I think you can insure at higher amounts with certain mailing options; Registered Mail can be Insured for up to $25,000.00
 
For the insurance rates that you'd need to have for covering that amount of a purchase, you'll need to take it to a post office or to UPS/FedEx. I think the limits for the insurance rates Paypal shipping offers aren't enough to cover some of the purchase prices PS3's might have on eBay. They'd know for certain.

Personally, for something like this, I'd rather deal with FedEx or UPS than the USPS.

If you did ship it via USPS, I'd recommend the following:
1) Signature Confirmation - requires a signature for delivery and you get a copy of the signature; forces someone to sign for it to be accepted, and it'll end up being shipped back to the sender if not accepted for delivery
2) Insurance - equal to purchase price + shipping + relisting fees + whatever else you think would cover an inconvienence
3) Priority Mail shipment, no Parcel Post or Media Mail
 
[quote name='shrike4242']For the insurance rates that you'd need to have for covering that amount of a purchase, you'll need to take it to a post office or to UPS/FedEx. I think the limits for the insurance rates Paypal shipping offers aren't enough to cover some of the purchase prices PS3's might have on eBay. They'd know for certain.

Personally, for something like this, I'd rather deal with FedEx or UPS than the USPS.

If you did ship it via USPS, I'd recommend the following:
1) Signature Confirmation - requires a signature for delivery and you get a copy of the signature; forces someone to sign for it to be accepted, and it'll end up being shipped back to the sender if not accepted for delivery
2) Insurance - equal to purchase price + shipping + relisting fees + whatever else you think would cover an inconvienence
3) Priority Mail shipment, no Parcel Post or Media Mail[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info Shrike. Just another step closer to having a listing that I won't get screwed on.:)
 
I sent the XBox 360 last year via express mail insured with signature confirmation and had no problems. Funny thing was that the buyer wanted me to send to her work address instead of her confirmed address. I reluctantly sent it over, but only after doing a bit of researching on the company and making sure it was legit.
 
I am planning on scalping but when do you guys think the lines will start to form. I am planning on showing up on the 15th at Best Buy I have to work and go to school so I hope that is early enough.
 
Do you guys think the requirements for selling actual PS3's will be as high as the requirements for just selling the pre-orders?
 
I don't plan on getting a PS3 (to play or to scalp), but it seems to me this sort of thing is a bit dangerous and wouldn't be worth the "nervous anxiety" of selling one.

If for some reason I was lucky to get one from Amazon (no way I'm attempting to secure one from B & M), I'd probably go through one of those "We sell your shit on eBay" type of stores. Has anyone considered this or is it not a smart thing to do?

You dump the PS3 on them, they are the "pros" and can spot a scam from a mile away. They would take the precautions, and handle the insurance, the shipping, etc. All you would do is collect the paycheck. Their cut would most likely be 20%, so if you sell a PS3 for $1500, that's about a $800 profit, and you would get $640. Or is it worth risking the scams to keep that 20 percent?
 
[quote name='Kendro']If for some reason I was lucky to get one from Amazon (no way I'm attempting to secure one from B & M), I'd probably go through one of those "We sell your shit on eBay" type of stores. Has anyone considered this or is it not a smart thing to do?
[/quote]

As a long time ebayer and seller, I can personally say, that these "Sell your shit on Ebay" stores can't stop a fake auction any better then a normal person. It's much easier for a normal person as they are only watching one auction, where as they are managing hundreds. Also, many fake bidders bid at the last second, thereby eliminating any chance even the best of ebayers can stop that bid. After going through the 360 fiasco last year, there are still MANY more honest ebayers then fake ones, and you still stand a very good chance of selling to a normal person. The "ebay" stores would be no more successful then a normal ebayer. The only reason you would ever consider an ebay store is if you have really low unreliable feedback, that could possibly negatively impact your bids. If you have at least 50+ positive, you should be fine, and anything over a 100+ you're golden.
 
I don't think it was mentioned yet but Paypal requires signature confirmation on items for $250 + .

What scares me about scalpling a PS3 is the buyer claiming the system doesn't work. As a seller, you say take it up with Sony since it's under warranty. The buyer, after just paying $1000+ gets annoyed and files a not as described Paypal chargeback. That requires the buyer to send it back to the seller. The buyer could send you an empty box with DC on it to show Paypal they sent the system back to you and then Paypal would take the money out of your account. They could also go to their credit card company and do a credit card chargeback to scam you. The $600 risk is a concern.
 
[quote name='YoshiFan1']I don't think it was mentioned yet but Paypal requires signature confirmation on items for $250 + .

What scares me about scalpling a PS3 is the buyer claiming the system doesn't work. As a seller, you say take it up with Sony since it's under warranty. The buyer, after just paying $1000+ gets annoyed and files a not as described Paypal chargeback. That requires the buyer to send it back to the seller. The buyer could send you an empty box with DC on it to show Paypal they sent the system back to you and then Paypal would take the money out of your account. They could also go to their credit card company and do a credit card chargeback to scam you. The $600 risk is a concern.[/quote]

Thats really not a problem. They file a 'not as described' claim against you, you just provide pictures of the UNSEALED, UNOPENED PS3 that you sent them. The warrantee is with Sony, not you, so you are not liable for any faults in the system itself.
 
I, too, wish to embark on what we'll call a "glorious journey for capitalism". Two major questions:

1. I can either wait in line at a BestBuy, WalMart, CompUSA, or take the BART over and ait at the Metreon. The Metreon is sure to be crowded, but it'll also most likely get a lot more units. What do you think? I don't really feel like waiting in line more than 8-12 hours, if possible.

2. I've never sold anything on eBay before. Could selling the PS3 be potentially bad/difficult, as it would be my first item as a seller?
 
[quote name='Blind the Thief']I, too, wish to embark on what we'll call a "glorious journey for capitalism". Two major questions:

1. I can either wait in line at a BestBuy, WalMart, CompUSA, or take the BART over and ait at the Metreon. The Metreon is sure to be crowded, but it'll also most likely get a lot more units. What do you think? I don't really feel like waiting in line more than 8-12 hours, if possible.

2. I've never sold anything on eBay before. Could selling the PS3 be potentially bad/difficult, as it would be my first item as a seller?[/QUOTE]

To answer #2, the PS3 will definitely sell if you put it on there, but you'll probably get less than someone with a history of good feedback. Also, be careful of scammers. They'll know that you're new to selling and probably try to take advantage of that. Luckily, they usually aren't that smart and as long as you're cognizant of the fact that someone may be trying to rip you off, in most cases you can spot and avoid them relatively easily.
 
If I end up doing Ebay (which i probably will), i'll be shipping to the US, Canada, and the UK, all of which are covered by Paypal's seller protection policy. Sellers who can provide proof of mailing, ship only to confirmed addresses, require signature confirmation for items $250+, and have verified premier/business accounts get $5000 in coverage per year. I just finished reading the policy word for word and it looks like if you stick to those qualifications, you'll be pretty darn safe, even from chargebacks.
 
PayPal in no way, shape, or form is a security blanket. I don't use my PayPal after getting screwed over by a buyer who sent a bad check, claimed the item i sent was damaged, and returned just the box back to me. i was left with no money, no product and debt to PayPal...which was only resolved once I got the law involved
 
[quote name='crushtopher']PayPal in no way, shape, or form is a security blanket. I don't use my PayPal after getting screwed over by a buyer who sent a bad check, claimed the item i sent was damaged, and returned just the box back to me. i was left with no money, no product and debt to PayPal...which was only resolved once I got the law involved[/quote]

I agree, however, paypal will side w/ the seller way more often w/ the buyer. I have been in many disputes, and as previously stated in many posts, all that is required is delivery confirmation pretty much to win any dispute.

NEVER EVER EVER buy anything using your bank account on ebay. Ebay only covers up to 200 dollars -25 dollar paypal fee for disputing a transaction, there fore, the most you can get back on a transaction EVER is 175 unless the seller qualifies for paypal buyer protection. Paypal DOES NOT PROTECT THE BUYER hardly at all. I was ripped off BAD in my early days of ebay b/c paypal will not cover your ass. Always use a credit card, as you can dispute w/ them and they are way more apt to give you your money back IN FULL on a disputed transaction. Bank account offer virtually no protection. I even went to my bank to dispute the withdrawal, they credited it to me, then PAYPAL AGAIN with drew the money out of my account. It was the most aggravating thing ever.
 
I was lucky enough to be able to pre-order a unit at GameStop but haven't put it up for auction yet. Do you think I'd make more $$$ putting it up now and ending the auction before Friday or waiting until I have it in my hands?
 
[quote name='mick16']I was lucky enough to be able to pre-order a unit at GameStop but haven't put it up for auction yet. Do you think I'd make more $$$ putting it up now and ending the auction before Friday or waiting until I have it in my hands?[/quote]

yea, i have the exact same dilemma as you
 
Your initial fee is $4.80 if you list over $500 plus whatever else (pictures, bold text, gallery, etc.)

Then for anything over $1000.01 = 5.25% of the initial $25.00 ($1.31), plus 3.00% of the initial $25.01 - $1,000.00 ($29.25), plus 1.50% of the remaining closing value balance ($1000.01 - closing value).

So if you were able to sell it for $1,800 you'd have to pay $1.31 + 29.95 + 12, so about $50 total including the insertion fees.
 
[quote name='mick16']Your initial fee is $4.80 if you list over $500 plus whatever else (pictures, bold text, gallery, etc.)

Then for anything over $1000.01 = 5.25% of the initial $25.00 ($1.31), plus 3.00% of the initial $25.01 - $1,000.00 ($29.25), plus 1.50% of the remaining closing value balance ($1000.01 - closing value).

So if you were able to sell it for $1,800 you'd have to pay $1.31 + 29.95 + 12, so about $50 total including the insertion fees.[/QUOTE]

Good math. Also people should not forget the Paypal fees if you go that route.
Paypal is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction from $0.00 - $3,000.
 
[quote name='TahoeMax']If I end up doing Ebay (which i probably will), i'll be shipping to the US, Canada, and the UK, all of which are covered by Paypal's seller protection policy. Sellers who can provide proof of mailing, ship only to confirmed addresses, require signature confirmation for items $250+, and have verified premier/business accounts get $5000 in coverage per year. I just finished reading the policy word for word and it looks like if you stick to those qualifications, you'll be pretty darn safe, even from chargebacks.[/quote]

How are you going to get it through customs? Recipient of gifts to Canada have to pay excise tax if the value is greater than $50. To be completely honest, you would have to declare it as a commercial item, then you have to know country of origin, and they will be hit with even higher excise taxes. Seriously...just stick to domestic. International is too much of a risk with such a high ticket item.
 
[quote name='Blind the Thief']I, too, wish to embark on what we'll call a "glorious journey for capitalism". Two major questions:

1. I can either wait in line at a BestBuy, WalMart, CompUSA, or take the BART over and ait at the Metreon. The Metreon is sure to be crowded, but it'll also most likely get a lot more units. What do you think? I don't really feel like waiting in line more than 8-12 hours, if possible.

2. I've never sold anything on eBay before. Could selling the PS3 be potentially bad/difficult, as it would be my first item as a seller?[/quote]

go to the metreon if you can. it is surely going to be a huge ass party. maybe some free stuff and 50 PS3 kiosks lined up or something. or maybe some Sony Girls in from japan. and yeah, probably have more units to sell, but to a bigger crowd.
 
[quote name='kwerry']go to the metreon if you can. it is surely going to be a huge ass party. maybe some free stuff and 50 PS3 kiosks lined up or something. or maybe some Sony Girls in from japan. and yeah, probably have more units to sell, but to a bigger crowd.[/QUOTE]

Ah, but now that we know Best Buy isn't letting people line up until the day before release, that might be my ticket in.
 
How do people here feel about the "Immediate Payment Required" on Buy It Now?

Do you guys feel this will turn away people or get you your money quicker?

I'm still debating on using this.
 
some guy sold me a xbox with out a power supply. Basicly a gutted system. I tryed every what way to get my money back and couldent. You can get shafted both ways it seems. This was on ebay with pay pale mind you.
 
[quote name='PhrostByte']I was planning to craigslist mine...[/QUOTE]

Was waiting for someone to say that. Just meet at a public place, show him its still SEALED, and thats it. I would drive a different car then normal as well.
 
How safe is Craigslist? I'm not too sure about meeting someone in public that I don't know and making a $1500+ transaction. Anyone done this before? Maybe with Xbox 360?
 
[quote name='lmz00']Am I the only one selling it on Amazon?[/quote]

You have to be pre-approved to sell a PS3 on Amazon. So if you don't already have a bunch of Amazon Marketplace transactions, you can kiss that goodbye.

I know because I tried putting my pre-order up on Amazon and it said you have to be approved to sell it. I have listed other things on Amazon before, but not enough feedback I guess...
 
[quote name='dallow']How do people here feel about the "Immediate Payment Required" on Buy It Now?

Do you guys feel this will turn away people or get you your money quicker?

I'm still debating on using this.[/quote]

It may turn off some buyers, but not a lot. What it will do is stop somone from using your buy it now to get the item closed with no intention of paying. There were several of these early on in the PS3 pre-sale business before eBay got serious about requirements for preorders.

I plan on requiring the immediate payment for mine if I sell it. I'm considering a new 1080p LCD, so maybe I'll keep it.

TBW
 
[quote name='Lou-Dawg']You have to be pre-approved to sell a PS3 on Amazon. So if you don't already have a bunch of Amazon Marketplace transactions, you can kiss that goodbye.

I know because I tried putting my pre-order up on Amazon and it said you have to be approved to sell it. I have listed other things on Amazon before, but not enough feedback I guess...[/quote]
I meant on Amazon Auctions, not the Marketplace. But yeah, it's a shame... those Marketplace PS3's were going for at least $2,100... some even as high as $2,500. :\
 
There was a time when talk like this was frowned upon on this site. Not trying to make anyone mad, but to all the gamers out there trying to find this item, it just makes it that much more difficult. I have a Wii pre-ordered, not interested in the PS3 at this time, so I guess you can call this an un-biased opinion.
 
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