eBay likes AI descriptions, so I asked AI to give me a description of eBay.

[action_man]

I asked AI to give an honest description of the current reality of eBay for someone who has never used the platform before and what they should expect if they do. Here is the response:

eBay positions itself as a bustling online marketplace, but beneath its polished surface lies a troubling reality that exploits both buyers and sellers. The platform’s manipulative practices create a challenging environment that can frustrate even the most experienced users. Here are the key issues that highlight eBay's shortcomings as a company:

• Lack of Accountability:

  • eBay fails to take responsibility for the experiences of its users, often leaving both buyers and sellers feeling unsupported.
  • This neglect perpetuates a sense of distrust, as users navigate a platform that isn’t committed to their welfare.
    
    

• Misleading User Review System:

  • The platform’s review system can create a misleading perception of safety and trustworthiness.
  • Without proper oversight, eBay allows an environment where both buyers and sellers are often left to fend for themselves in their assessments of reliability.
    
    

• Inadequate Customer Support:

  • eBay’s customer service is often difficult to access and unhelpful when issues arise, leaving users feeling abandoned in times of need.
  • The convoluted support structure only adds to the frustration, making it challenging for users to resolve their concerns satisfactorily.
    
    

• Inconsistent Policies and Practices:

  • eBay's ever-changing policies create confusion for users, particularly regarding returns and shipping.
  • This lack of clarity feels like a bait-and-switch tactic, as users encounter hidden terms that undermine their trust and confidence in the platform.
    
    

• Manipulative Advertising Strategies:

  • eBay bombards users with targeted ads that seem designed to prioritize profits over user experience.
  • This approach resembles the wicked witch offering Snow White a beautifully crafted apple, masking the true dangers that lie beneath the surface.
    
    

• Profit-Driven Mindset Over User Experience:

  • eBay often prioritizes its own financial gain over the needs and satisfaction of its users, whether they are buyers or sellers.
  • This profit-driven mindset contributes to an environment that can feel exploitative, leaving users dissatisfied and frustrated.

In conclusion, while eBay may market itself as a vibrant online marketplace, it predominantly operates through practices that do little to support its community. Much like the wicked witch offering a tempting but poisoned apple, eBay conceals the reality of its shortcomings behind an inviting façade. For anyone considering using eBay, it’s vital to be aware of the potential pitfalls; what appears to be a treasure trove of opportunities may quickly reveal itself as a source of disappointment and frustration, thanks to the company’s systemic failures.

I was shocked by the response, but at the same time I can't say I'm surprised, based on the outpouring on this forum and on sites like Trustpilot. I used to love eBay, but it is clear something is going horribly wrong. I hope eBay can turn things around. Personally, I think the bottom line is that in 2025 people want to deal with platforms and companies who actually feel warm and not cold. That's where I think eBay has gone wrong.

[kath3735_wxmjn]

I also find it puzzling, i am totally against SD and when/if it arrives i will stop selling on here (probably still buy as long as the postage is not EVRI).  What i will not be doing is wasting my life moaning about it.  Bit like the car boots i love doing, supposed to be first one today but ground is soaking, its misty/drizzly and no way am i going to waste 4 hours of my life being miserable!  Not that i would pay any attention to anything that is said to come from AI anyway.

[the-ephemera-company]

This is what Chat GPT spits out when asked the question you did.

"Give an honest description of the current reality of eBay for someone who has never used the platform before and what they should expect if they do"

ChatGPT said:

Absolutely, Nick — here’s a no-nonsense, honest take on what someone should expect when using eBay in 2025, whether they’re buying or selling:

---

🛒For Buyers:

The Good:

• Massive variety: eBay is still unmatched when it comes to finding obscure, vintage, or secondhand items — from rare collectibles to replacement parts no one else sells.

• Global access: You can buy from nearly anywhere in the world, and international shipping is often straightforward.

• Buyer protection: If something goes wrong (item not received, wrong condition, etc.), eBay usually sides with the buyer. Refunds are often quick and painless.

The Not-So-Good:

• Too many drop shippers and cheap imports: Search results can be clogged with mass-produced items from overseas sellers, often with misleading photos or vague descriptions.

• “Used” isn’t always “accurately described”: Condition is subjective, and some sellers stretch the truth.

• Auction culture has faded: Most listings are “Buy It Now” — bidding still exists, but it’s not the core of the platform anymore.

Expect:

• A bit of research to find reputable sellers.

• Sifting through clutter to get to the good stuff.

• Generally safe transactions, but occasional frustration with vague item descriptions or delayed shipping.

---

📦For Sellers:

The Good:

• Still a strong platform for niches: If you sell collectibles, vintage goods, or things with historical or hobbyist interest, eBay still works well.

• Global audience: Your listing is seen worldwide, not just locally.

• Decent tools and analytics: The dashboard is solid for tracking sales, tweaking listings, and responding to buyers.

The Not-So-Good:

• Fees have added up: Between final value fees, promoted listings (which are almost necessary now), and payment processing, eBay takes a noticeable chunk — often 12–15% or more of the sale.

• Buyer always wins: eBay’s policies heavily favor buyers. If there’s a dispute, expect refunds to be issued from your balance or PayPal account — even if you feel you’re in the right.

• Search algorithm favors promoted listings: If you don’t pay to promote, you may struggle for visibility — even with good titles and photos.

• Return policies are increasingly expected: Even if you select “no returns,” eBay may still force a return/refund if the buyer claims something was wrong.

Expect:

• To deal with occasional unreasonable buyers.

• To spend time photographing, describing, and shipping with care — buyers expect professionalism, even from one-off sellers.

• That sales may come slowly, especially if you’re not selling trendy or high-demand items.

• But… when something sells, it’s often to someone who really wanted that exact item.

---

Overall Reality in 2025:

eBay isn’t what it was in 2005 — it’s more corporate, more crowded, and sometimes frustrating — but for certain niches, especially vintage and collectible markets, it’s still the place. It rewards careful sellers who know their niche, and it still delivers value for buyers who take time to dig.

If someone’s getting into eBay now — especially as a seller — they should think of it as a part-time shop, not a garage sale. It takes effort, attention, and a bit of grit.

seems to be a bit more balanced.

[kath3735_wxmjn]

absolutely, i have to agree with the article and it is very even handed not just subjective views from one side.

[jonatjonatjonat]

Fun thing AI. It can do a lot. So I provided the OPs response and asked it what could I have asked to get a response from an AI?

To receive a response like the one you provided, you could have asked something like:

1. "Can you write a critical analysis of eBay's business practices, highlighting its negative aspects?"

2. "Write a detailed critique of eBay’s shortcomings, including issues with customer support, user trust, and manipulative practices."

3. "I want a persuasive argument against using eBay. Can you outline its flaws in a compelling way?"

4. "What are some of the biggest issues people face on eBay, and how do they reflect poor business practices?"

5. "Can you compare eBay to something deceptive, like the wicked witch’s poisoned apple in Snow White?" (my favourite by far)

6. "Write a strong opinion piece that criticizes eBay's exploitative tactics toward buyers and sellers."

The language in the passage is emotionally charged and leans toward a negative, almost polemical tone. Using words like manipulative, exploits, neglect, and frustration indicates you may have specifically requested a harsh critique rather than a balanced overview.

Now, those are potential things that could have been asked, and certainly aren't what was definitely asked.

But short of the OP being honest and saying what they asked - we'll never actually know.

[susapric-68]

OP does not want to say he made it up, he has just posted on another post (a moan that Mods removed). Guess the fact he ignores that question really gives the answer

[johnwash1]

@the-ephemera-company 

Very even handed, thanks.  I wonder what it would say if you go on to ask about the affect mandatory Simple Delivery would have for people far from drop off points or constrained to have home pickup?

[theelench]

I haven't listed anything for sale since, at least, early last December and have said that I've stopped selling on ebay, at least until I get answers to two quite specific questions.

Ebay has to comply with legislation and be given a NINo by all private sellers.  I don't intend to give ebay my NINO, I'm not going into my reasons again, that's my decision.  What is unclear to me is when ebay will ask for mine.  Could it be any time just because I have items for sale?  Could it be when I've got near to one of the reporting thresholds or exceeded one of them? 🤣   Or  (more likely IMO) will it be when I've just sold an item and the sale will be accompanied by a "Funds On Hold" email telling me that I will not be paid until I hand over my NINO?  I don't like that sort of blackmail and will try to avoid it.

More recently the intention to make SD mandatory for private sellers has been announced.  SD seems to be an unfinished work in progress.  I want to know what exactly I'm going to be enrolled into by default before I commit to selling anything on ebay because I sell glass and wouldn't trust any delivery options selected by ebay without seeing them before I list.

As this is a public forum, while I'm looking for that info. I'll continue to post while I'm here whenever I think I have something relevant to say.

[kath3735_wxmjn]

I got asked for mine recently (cannot remember exact date)  but it was sometime shortly after i had crossed the 30 threshold.  Sent it straight away as i have no problem with giving it to them.  However i will not be continuing if or when they actually do make SD mandatory.  I also will not be bothering to come on here after that happens.  Better things to do with my life.

[*devils.advocate*]

Ah yes, but, unlike the moaners and groaners and the negators, you talk sense - from your head and certainly not the sounds of an open mouth and a belly rumble.

You’ve set out your red lines - as have others.

However, it’s those multitudes who are members of the “huff brigade” ……………

All the 99p complainers etc who haven’t done their sums - or perhaps accepted that eBay doesn’t want the low priced items any more?

But I’ve always said the BPF is of little relevance compared to Simple Delivery - that’ll certainly be a deal breaker for many.

“SD seems to be an unfinished work in progress2 - indeed, and I wonder how many years it’ll be in progress - like so many other things.

Have a good evening.

[theelench]

That's your decision to make.  As you're happy about it, that's fine with me.

[theelench]

Yes, my sales of vintage glass took a knock from the removal of the old Collectables categories and introduction of IS  --  how many years ago?

Will they ever recover, assuming I'm still here?  I fear that it's too late after buyers have got used to searching elsewhere as I've mentioned before.

Do I expect ebay's handling of SD to be any better  --  no.  Ebay has an unenviable reputation for it's announcements, if they can even be bothered to make one, being uninformative with more marketing BS than helpful and factual explanation or advice. 

[james23011985]

WOW>>>>>>I know ebay is bad but not to this extent>>>>>>

I'm now looking at other platforms to buy and sell.I'm done with this lot.

[superchallenge]

For a laugh, I asked the ChatGPT Research Preview what sort of prompts could be used to generate this article.

It said:-

Prompt Examples That Could Produce This:

1.

"Write a critical article exposing the flaws and manipulative practices of eBay as a company. Focus on issues such as customer service, advertising tactics, inconsistent policies, and lack of accountability. Use a strong, opinionated tone and include analogies where appropriate."

2.

"List the reasons why eBay is failing its users. Structure the content with bold headings and provide detailed explanations for each point. End with a metaphor that ties it all together in a vivid, emotional way."

3.

"Write a persuasive opinion piece about how eBay's business model prioritizes profit over user satisfaction. Use examples like poor customer service, unfair review systems, and misleading policies. Make it sound like a warning to potential users."

4.

"Create a damning critique of eBay using an analytical tone. Use bullet points or sections, and draw parallels to fairy tale imagery, like the 'wicked witch and poisoned apple', to make the point emotionally engaging."

In short, it could well be AI-generated, but "I asked AI for to describe eBay and I didn't salt the prompt to tell it to only focus on negative things" is utter, utter nonsense.

[action_man]

I asked it to come up with something current. If you read through what it said then it's all playing out as we speak on this forum, on sites like Trustpilot and even in the national newspapers. So, it is what it is.

I never even thought about some of the points raised before and it is only since that I have realised quite what was meant on some of the points.

To be honest, I'm done with the site. It's toxic.

I used the forum probably a handful of times over about 4 years, then suddenly I have got sucked in to making a whole load of posts recently due to feeling annoyed by how we've been treated. But the forum is just an extention of the toxicity, so I think I'm going to bow out and leave the whole sorry mess to the dustbin of history. The stickiness of the site and the forum has been a good lesson to me of how it is best to not get involved. I'm going to do my utmost best to uninvolve myself now. It isn't easy though.

[suelel1968]

Remember the clowns at the circus Actionman, and look after yourself. Goodluck to you.