As with life in general, no matter how careful you are on EBay, things can still go awry. This could range from not being able to contact a seller for an auction you've won, to receiving goods in damaged or faulty condition. When these things happen, it's extremely important not to jump the gun and assume that someone is trying to rip you off. Here are a few steps to go through in the event of problems with any EBay transaction.

First, continue to try and contact the seller and always give ample time for a response. It is better to assume that the seller cannot reply than to jump to any conclusions. Also refrain from adding in negative EBay feedback until the situation is fully understood. All EBay feedback comments are permanent and adding in negative feedback prematurely can seriously harm someone's online reputation for what may be as simple as an email server problem or an unplanned absence. Many EBay vendors offer open return policies and even if they do not, most will make every effort to make sure the buyer is happy with their purchase. No reputable EBay vendor with a high feedback rating is going to suddenly risk his reputation by scamming on a $50 sale.

One of the more common complaints on EBay is for missing or undelivered packages. Sometimes this can be due to very slow mail service, or the vendor may have mistakenly chosen a slower shipping option. Since no expensive item should be mailed without at least paying the stipend for insurance or registration, you should be protected in case it has been lost in the mail. Other times, a package will be assumed lost, only to show up on your doorstep a week later. If the seller assures you it has been shipped, give it some time to arrive before getting too excited.

If enough time has passed and the seller has not made any attempt to rectify the situation, then negative feedback should be added to their account. In doing so, you are essentially burning your bridges with this vendor so only take this step when no other option is available. This will ensure that other potential buyers know of your difficulties with the vendor and may steer clear in the future.

Every purchase made on EBay is insured against fraud, and minus the standard deductible, you can file for the return of your funds. This can be time consuming, but it sure beats being out of pocket for the whole purchase price. Contacting EBay concerning the seller's practices can also alert them to potential problems, and the EBay Community Watch Team is extremely helpful in checking out troublesome members. Buyers and sellers who take part in unethical or fraudulent behavior are suspended from EBay trading and cannot reapply under their previous username. This is yet another reason to view the vendor's feedback profile on any auction you wish to take part in.