One online marketing technique is called “Ebay Arbitrage”… find something selling cheap and resell it before it’s even shipped.
That’s great if you find a bargain…but how do you spot knock offs?
Here’s some tips from the New York Times:
Know your merchandise. If you learn, for instance, that a certain cookie jar from the 1930’s is a rare collectible and you see someone selling dozens of them at low prices, consider yourself warned that it is probably counterfeit.
Look at the starting bid price. If it is low, be suspicious. Prices that seem too enticing are a reason for wariness, according to Hani Durzy, an eBay spokesman.
Look for a certificate of authenticity from a reputable appraiser that has been scanned into the listing.
Know your seller. A good sign is a comment from a satisfied buyer who took the extra step to have an item appraised, then reported back on its authenticity.
If there is any negative feedback, scrutinize it carefully.
Be wary if you see that a seller has listed dozens of identical items.
Hannes at eBay Selling Tips on February 2nd, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Hmm… interesting. Didn’t know that trick. Yeah, you have to be careful what you are actually buying – and read the description carefully.
– Hannes