I actually can't believe what I'm seeing with ebay today, it beggars belief. Please read til the end.
I was on ebay this morning browsing new videogames that had been uploaded when I noticed a seller uploading a new one every few seconds. He was listing hundreds. Every single one was labelled "pre-owned" yet used a stock photo, which is against ebays terms and conditions :
"Stock photos can be used for new items, provided they accurately reflect the item’s condition and details. For used items, you must use photos that show the actual item for sale.”
Every single description is also the same, saying the item is in excellent condition. I checked his shop and wow. He has 29k listings, all with stock photos. He must have the biggest warehouse going, because he has every single videogame known to man. And it doesnt stop there. He has every single DVD, every single console including all limited editions etc. Many of his items are incredibly rare, but he apparently has managed to source them all, hes got millions of pounds worth of stock apparently. All preowned, every listing using a single stock image from google images. He is also charging at least 2x market value on every single listing.
Checking his feedback, I noticed many complaints and a pattern emerging. 1. Items being sent very late if at all and 2. The item not being in excellent condition as described. It is quite obvious to me and anyone with a working brain that he does not actually possess any of the items he is selling. He charges an extortionate rate as a cushion so that he can ensure he has enough money to order the item himself, wait for delivery, then send it out himself, hence why all of his customers complain about 2 weeks to deliver (or longer).
Of course that is technically just a theory on my part, but it is quite obviously the truth imo.
I reported this to ebay. Fair enough if they dont believe hes doing what I said, BUT it is still against the terms and conditions literally stated on ebays website so his listings should either be removed or he should be forced to upload photos to all 29 thousand listings.
But no. Despite blatant evidence of a breach of the terms, ebay got back to me and said it was reviewed by a human staff member and no breach was found. I literally sent them their own policy and they still said nothing found.... *bleep*?
Now wait, it gets even worse. Because ebay are actively working with this guy and promoting his listings!!! I was again checking his listings in disbelief and thats when i seen if i buy now, i get a 10% off voucher. I already had a 5% off voucher yesterday, so I was surprised to get another so soon. I wanted to know what it was for so I clicked on the terms and conditions of the voucher. Its a 10% off voucher if you buy from one of their selected sellers... so they have literally seen this guys listings, and not only found no problem, they are promoting his listings by offering vouchers to those who buy from him!! *bleep*!!!
I guarantee ebay are making a killing from this guy scamming people with his insane prices and their share of the fees hence why they refuse to take action.
The one part of the scam i dont understand, is who are the people buying from him at 2/3x market value with just a stock image to go on? For example I looked at a listing of his for a sega megadrive bundle with games. It states it comes with the boxed console plus 3 very cheap common games. Its over 200 pounds. I have had the same boxed console with 3 much more sought after games for 86 quid listed for months now... yet his listing says 3 sold already. I just dont believe that. The only image to go off is a basic stock image off google and I have proper photos of the actual products etc. How has he sold 3? It makes 0 sense at all. Can anyone help me explain this part?
And as for ebay, absolute shame on you for allowing this. I am keeping a record of everything as I actually think this could illegal.
