What do you like better Amazon or Ebay?

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What do you like better Amazon or Ebay?
Tweet Topic Started: Sep 7 2011, 01:35 PM (1,851 Views)
85 GT Kid	Sep 7 2011, 01:35 PM Post #1
Senior Member Posts: 258 Group: Senior Members Member #500 Joined: May 5, 2011	Figured i'd see what others think of each one. Me personally ive always used amazon cause I feel its a little safer and easier to use then Ebay BUT the last three items ive received were either bad or wrong (GB game NIB was trashed, GBC game NIB was a lil beat but it was cheap so I didnt bother returning this and I ordered a NIB N64 game and ended up with a PC game???). But I will say for the most part Amazon is easy to deal with with returns so thats good but Ive never messed with Ebay so I dont know how they are. I did buy a NIB N64 on Evilbay last night and everything went well so who knows maybe i'll stick with them . What do you guys think of each?



ddr2nite	Sep 7 2011, 01:46 PM Post #2
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	I almost NEVER use Amazon for N64 collecting, especially controllers or other hardware. Amazon seller almost always use stock photos, which is HORRIBLE because it allows them to get away with things like sell you a game that is "like-new" when in reality it is in horrible used condition You never know what you're going to get on Amazon, and the sellers are incredibly ~~stupid~~ ill-informed. I'm not saying all EBay members are smart or know the right prices of what they're selling, but chances are they have a bit more common sense and don't try to get away with the kind of un-trustworthy actions that Amazon sellers try to do. In my opinion, Amazon sellers are next to untrustworthy when you are trying to get a very specific condition for the games/hardware. But if you're just looking for books or whatever else people buy on Amazon (maybe movies or CD's) then those purchases are safe.
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


Cabanon	Sep 7 2011, 04:09 PM Post #3
Elite Posts: 4,585 Group: Legendary Member #505 Joined: May 8, 2011	i never used amazon. ebay since 10+ years. but selling on ebay is a real pita. never again. people always complain or try to screw you up. also, never buy new video games from Asia, its a scam or a fake or a burned disc (like mine) in a nicely done jacket.



TNT737373	Sep 7 2011, 05:12 PM Post #4
Veteran Posts: 1,371 Group: Senior Members Member #567 Joined: July 21, 2011	I used Amazon for a long time because friends of mine kept giving me "re-gifted" gift cards for special occasions (that they had gotten free from work). But I could never get the most for my money using Amazon, they have great buyer protection and shipping, however most people take advantage of it nowadays, and it's ridiculous high. Da bstrds! For every amount you spend, it'll usually cost another 50% just for shipping. I've made the right choice and moved on to eBay, much better and while there are still idiots, it's harder for them to be as greedy. Photos and descriptions are a godsend, you can actually do legitimate business, rather than shootouts on Amazon. lol However I don't agree with eBay charging money for more pictures to post of the product your trying to sell, each individual picture after the first costs a little cha-ching. I believe it discourages sellers from being as in-depth in posting their items. Kinda sucks as a collector because you have to take various angles of certain items, and although it might be a buck, it eventually adds up. You know other collectors scour those pictures for substantial flaws, and it influences their bidding the most. Every aspect of selling an item costs cash, I rather there just a be a series of flat rates, but whatever I'm nitpicking. Like eBay a lot. Edited by TNT737373, Sep 7 2011, 05:19 PM.



bluedogrulez	Sep 7 2011, 09:44 PM Post #5
Racing for Fulcon Capital Posts: 9,322 Group: Admin Member #281 Joined: March 8, 2010	I use Amazon for many household items, but never video games. Ebay all the way for games and other collectibles. 162 transactions and never been ripped off (though a few disputes along the way). I occasionally use half.com for deeply discounted games, usually have to wait a few day more for delivery and wiiling to roll the dice on condition (though pleasantly surprised a few times).
	Switch Friend Code: SW-0786-9287-1202 (bluedogBDR) MK8Deluxe Tourney: N64Forever.com 2332-7277-8283 Nintendo Network ID: BDR2010 / Twitter: @bluedogrulez


ddr2nite	Sep 8 2011, 12:51 AM Post #6
Controller Collecting Extraordinaire Posts: 1,976 Group: Legendary Member #338 Joined: August 10, 2010	TNT737373 Sep 7 2011, 05:12 PM However I don't agree with eBay charging money for more pictures to post of the product your trying to sell, each individual picture after the first costs a little cha-ching. I believe it discourages sellers from being as in-depth in posting their items. Kinda sucks as a collector because you have to take various angles of certain items, and although it might be a buck, it eventually adds up. You know other collectors scour those pictures for substantial flaws, and it influences their bidding the most. Every aspect of selling an item costs cash, I rather there just a be a series of flat rates, but whatever I'm nitpicking. Like eBay a lot. I've been selling on EBay for almost 10 years. People just don't understand how to sell efficiently on EBay. First, you have to take advantage of the "free listing" promotions. About pictures, I never add more than 1 using EBay's gallery. I embed my own pictures inside the description area of the item listing. If you know how to create/design simple web pages, it's not hard. I upload all of my photos to Photobucket, and add the posters to the body of the item listing.
	Click here to check out my N64 collection. N64 Controllers: 30/30 Completed \| ASCII Controllers: 15/15 Completed N.A. Boxes: 8/8 Completed \| Japan Boxes: 21/21 Completed Full NTSC-J CIB Set: 198/198 Completed "trust me, we all started with just one or two games and then things kinda got out of hand" - MK II


Mk II	Sep 8 2011, 01:27 AM Post #7
Elite Posts: 4,493 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #381 Joined: November 7, 2010	eBay for used stuff & collectibles, Amazon for new stuff like books and toys. But i only buy from amazon.com (and amazon.co.uk), not from their "affiliates" I also sell quite a bit online but i use a local Dutch site that doesnt charge any fees for most categories, including video games I've looked into selling on eBay but found it very confusing with an overly complicated fee structure. Edited by Mk II, Sep 8 2011, 01:30 AM.



TNT737373	Sep 8 2011, 07:17 AM Post #8
Veteran Posts: 1,371 Group: Senior Members Member #567 Joined: July 21, 2011	ddr2nite Sep 8 2011, 12:51 AM I've been selling on EBay for almost 10 years. People just don't understand how to sell efficiently on EBay. Do you happen to have a dummies book I could borrow? I'll have to learn their methods more, the system's a little nutty but it's still the best. Thanks. Edited by TNT737373, Sep 8 2011, 07:17 AM.



Shangyou	Sep 8 2011, 10:37 AM Post #9
Dreamwalker Posts: 690 Group: Senior Members Member #286 Joined: March 17, 2010	Amazon has ridiculously high overseas shipping prices so eBay>Amazon.



85 GT Kid	Sep 8 2011, 11:04 AM Post #10
Senior Member Posts: 258 Group: Senior Members Member #500 Joined: May 5, 2011	ddr2nite Sep 7 2011, 01:46 PM I almost NEVER use Amazon for N64 collecting, especially controllers or other hardware. Amazon seller almost always use stock photos, which is HORRIBLE because it allows them to get away with things like sell you a game that is "like-new" when in reality it is in horrible used condition You never know what you're going to get on Amazon, and the sellers are incredibly ~~stupid~~ ill-informed. I'm not saying all EBay members are smart or know the right prices of what they're selling, but chances are they have a bit more common sense and don't try to get away with the kind of un-trustworthy actions that Amazon sellers try to do. In my opinion, Amazon sellers are next to untrustworthy when you are trying to get a very specific condition for the games/hardware. But if you're just looking for books or whatever else people buy on Amazon (maybe movies or CD's) then those purchases are safe. While this is definately true you can get lucky on Amazon :D. The ones on the left side of the bayonet (I collect AK bayos too lol) are the iffy ones with the top 2 being kinda crappy (I returned the gameboy one). The others are all really nice NIBs and ive gotten them all on Amazon. Ive had to return quite few things and have never had any problems with the sellers so im happy with Amazon BUT I think Ebay has better prices so Ive started buying on there (I got 3 coming so far :D). O and yes the Amazons shipping SUCKS. The actual cost of a NIB N64 game is like $1.87 in a bubble envelope but the sellers charge $3.99 .



Mk II	Sep 8 2011, 12:50 PM Post #11
Elite Posts: 4,493 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #381 Joined: November 7, 2010	Quote: Amazon has ridiculously high overseas shipping prices i usually order several items from amazon.co.uk so i can take advantage of the free shipping offer. that makes a huge difference A lot of eBay sellers also charge insane shipping cost or refuse to ship to Europe.



TNT737373	Sep 10 2011, 05:47 PM Post #12
Veteran Posts: 1,371 Group: Senior Members Member #567 Joined: July 21, 2011	Mk II Sep 8 2011, 12:50 PM A lot of eBay sellers also charge insane shipping cost or refuse to ship to Europe. A simple explanation is that the postmaster general of the United States Post Office is a greedy bstrd. The USPS in may 2007 discontinued the option to ship international parcel post, effectively ending any chance of an American sending a package for less than half their life-savings. ha. It's ridiculous, I hate it, I argued against the decision beforehand, but not many people knew too much about the decision and it was still cancelled. They've replaced it with "priority flat rate shipping" which is a scam in my opinion, and makes it easier on them to better use a robotic sorting process, cutting jobs. It's faster but it costs insane prices. Sorry that your eBay business suffers from it. Edited by TNT737373, Sep 10 2011, 05:48 PM.



Mk II	Sep 11 2011, 04:39 AM Post #13
Elite Posts: 4,493 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #381 Joined: November 7, 2010	yeah, something similar has happened here in Holland. They discontinued the "small packet" category, effectively tripling the cost of sending small-ish items like boxed games or controllers. They claim this was done all over Europe but thats a blatant lie because i still receive small packets from other EU countries like Germany. Like you said: it's a scam.



alxbly	Sep 11 2011, 02:26 PM Post #14
Ancient Posts: 9,922 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #168 Joined: October 18, 2008	I think both sites have their advantages. I use Amazon very regularly for current gen games; when I do buy anything from the marketplace it's usually described as "new" and I've never had any problems. I sell items on Amazon, although not all that regularly, but again have had no problems. It's much, much easier than eBay for selling so I prefer it. I used eBay a lot up until a few years ago. I got tired of poorly described items; for example, a lot of the PS2 games I bought were described as "mint" but were often scratched and in poor condition, and these were items coming from sellers with 99-100% feedback. Ebay's returns and refund policy was a joke at the time, I don't know if it's any better now because I only use eBay when really necessary (I've probably only bought a handful of items from eBay in the last year or two). A lot of the items were quite cheap anyway, and it's not worth the hassle for a �5 item that's probably gonna cost half that price for the postage to return it. So screw that and screw the seller; instant negative feedback for wasting my time and money. I'm going to have to go back to selling on eBay because that's where the collectors shop; I don't think I would sell anything prior to PS2/Xbox/GC generation on Amazon. Also, for niche items eBay is just much better. However, I'm not really looking forward to photographing and writing descriptions again... it's the main reason I've not sold a lot of games and consoles, because I just don't have the time or motivation. But I think I'll try to change that.



Mk II	Sep 11 2011, 03:52 PM Post #15
Elite Posts: 4,493 Group: Staff (Ret.) Member #381 Joined: November 7, 2010	Question for eBay sellers... am i right in assuming that extreme high shipping costs (and low item price) is sometimes used to avoid eBay fees?



Heinrold	Sep 12 2011, 01:30 PM Post #16
Senior Member Posts: 590 Group: Senior Members Member #476 Joined: April 2, 2011	That's possible but i heard rumours that they will change or have already changed it on US ebay that there are also fees on shipping costs to avoid this. Maybe someone from the other side of Atlantic Ocean can confirm this. I hope they won't do it here, too, espacially after they raised the fee from 8% to 9% without making it public.
	= Always many PAL games for sale: http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Forever/topic/7338905/1


zar	Sep 25 2011, 07:10 PM Post #17
Senior Member Posts: 308 Group: Senior Members Member #440 Joined: February 18, 2011	ebay, you actually get to see the item you're buying so you better know what you're getting. Plus, I don't know how to sell on amazon and don't really want to.



Grizzmeister	Oct 8 2011, 06:37 AM Post #18
Latter-day Nostradamus Posts: 3,243 Group: Legendary Member #457 Joined: March 8, 2011	zar Sep 25 2011, 07:10 PM ebay, you actually get to see the item you're buying so you better know what you're getting. Plus, I don't know how to sell on amazon and don't really want to. Both Ebay and Amazon have their place. Generally speaking I get better deals on Amazon especially when I buy new products but Ebay tends to be better for rare or obscure items. A serious collector will use both as well as checking local flea markets and yard sales to round out their collection. Just remember that famous saying, "one mans trash is another mans treasure".
	"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer


Flare Dancer	Oct 16 2011, 11:39 AM Post #19
Senior Member Posts: 404 Group: Senior Members Member #635 Joined: October 13, 2011	I only use Amazon for two things. Books, and stuff I can't find on eBay. 4 reasons: Price Selection Ease of use PayPal



Trashbat	Oct 16 2011, 02:07 PM Post #20
Established Member Posts: 63 Group: Established Members Member #626 Joined: October 3, 2011	If a choice between the two I'd pretty much always go with eBay for gaming stuff. I don't really buy many brand new games and buying second hand on Amazon is a lottery for the reasons already mentioned (seller ignorance, stock photos etc). Also, the prices on Amazon for so-called 'rare' or 'collectible' items is invariably way out of whack with reality. Nowadays, I'd much rather just trade through smaller sites like this one. There is a tight community with a common interest and very few profiteers. Having a common goal in collecting is a great boon for all concerned as far as I'm concerned... and it helps to keep the hobby alive. Buying things like books or toys I have no preference. Basically whichever one is cheapest!


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