e-bay experiences

Like most people (or at least it seems like most people) I've been known to spend time on e-bay. Mainly as a buyer and occasionally as a seller. For the first time I've had a problem. To be honest, the amount that I've lost out is minimal, but the whole experience has set me thinking.

First of all, the honesty (or possibly lack of) from some sellers. While most of the people on e-bay are honest, there are obviously those that aren't and to varying degrees. I'm the sort of person who would feel bad about selling something duff to someone, even by accident. Others clearly don't have such issues and I find it curious that people don't feel bad about ripping people off.

Second, from my experiences is e-bay themselves. It's interesting to note that e-bay is becoming more and more eager to point out that it considers itself just a portal for others to make transactions. True enough, but should they have a responsibility to the people using their site as well. Lots has been made of people misusing e-bay and e-bay being poor at dealing with it. (For me it was not bothering to deal with an issue until it was after the time limit for them to act and only then mailing to say they couldn't/wouldn't do anything).

Are they passing the buck, should they have a moral responsibility? Clearly they have certain policies, but how much is it in their interest to act on such policies if it involves costing them money. (It is notable that e-bay are being taken to court in the US by Tiffanys jewelers over the selling of fake jewelry and the lack of action for stopping it).

We all remember the protests there were about e-bay allowing the sale of Live8 tickets. I'm convinced that e-bay UK only changed its mind due to the quantity of protest in their community section. If more complained about questionable dealing on e-bay, would more be done.

Is it a case of the adage 'for evil to flourish, the good need only do nothing'. (I appreciate that might seem strong, but I'm sure you appreciate the idea). And if we decide that is the case, should that not be something that we take note of in other walks of life as well?