Buying a £700 item from a seller with zero feedback

[adplan00]

Hi - Title says it really.  I've been on ebay for 20 years this private seller has been on ebay for only a few but has zero feedback. 

Did ask if i could come view before purchase they said yes (can't too far really).  The pics aren't stock and look genuine and the price is great - not bonkers great just really good.

Dilemma, I know the buyers protection is great and this isn't an excluded item but niggles like zero feedback is worrying but the FOMO is huge.

Just thought I'd ask you experienced bunch your thoughts.

[arkwebus]

We all started at zero feedback!  

All should be well.  As you are aware buyers are protected against non- delivery,  poor quality or even the wrong item being sent. You can sometimes get clues from the listing if seller may give problems [particularly if they try to put in "conditions".  If anything goes wrong use the eBay system only - no "common sense solutions" for example.  Do not contact the seller; opening a case does that.  

EBay does not allow a buyer to view the item prior to buying.  You must not even exchange addresses. 

@adplan00 

[plpmr]

adding to the advice already given -

Buyers cannot view an item before purchase.

[adplan00]

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't know that about not viewing items before purchase, thanks for that.  Really it was only a wee test of the item and the seller, but good to know for the future.  Makes me wonder though as I've seen listings were sellers offer viewing - that rule maybe should be more known.

Yes buyers have really good protection so probably I'll buy it.  In all my purchasing years I've only had a few cases of ebay stepping in and all was good.  Funny though how I keep telling others when there's a niggle step away but when it comes to me I find an excuse to bypass the gut.

[61stephenuk]

When you buy a collection item from a private seller you have to pay via eBay checkout,eBay will issue a collection code which you need to show the seller when collecting as this releases the payment to the seller that eBay will have put on hold .

[adplan00]

Just an update - I bought this and it's on it's way with a tracking number.  So long as the item is as it should be all should be well. 

As stated we've all have to start on the ebay feedback journey somewhere but I'd think I'd start with some low value items first just to give some confidence to buyers before I placed a big ticket item.

Thanks for your help.