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Since its launch in 1995, Ebay has provided a platform for all kinds of products that are both used and new - antiques and collectibles to clothing and shoes, beauty products, electronics, articles of sport and much more. Whether you are looking for a closed window pair of limited edition sneakers, some Used snowboard equipment , or a designer handbag, you can probably find it on eBay. That said, there is always a chance that the product you buy does not meet your expectations - or to the seller's description. To avoid this and other potential risks, you will have to remain vigilant on certain red flags when shopping on eBay.

"It is important to be very attentive during its purchases on eBay because this world online market is open to all types of sellers and buyers, including individuals and businesses around the world," said Faizan Khan , a retail expert and Ubuy spokesperson . "You may meet fraudulent sellers or counterfeit products."

Keep in mind that Ebay offers protection against buyers. If your article never arrives after having paid it, or is not as described, you can open a case with the seller and climb it for the eBay exam if it does not solve the problem - and Ebay can then reimburse you.

"However, if you fall into a scam, it can take a lot of jumps through hoops and back and forth with Ebay customer service to solve the problem," explains Julie Ramhold ,, Consumer analyst With Dealnews.com.

In this spirit, you can avoid a lot of hassle, frustration and disappointment by looking for the following red flags.

Read this then: 5 warnings to buyers of ex-workmen to the Amazon delivery .

6 red flags on purchases on eBay

1. The price is not realistic.

Here is a good golden rule to pass, says Khan: if the price of an article seems too good to be true, this is probably the case.

"Crooks often place items with attractive prices to attract more buyers," explains Beatriz Dylan , a consumer analyst, a money expert and a consultant to Guaranteed loans .

According to Khan, an aforementioned price is often an indicator that the article is not authentic. For example, it can be an imitation of a designer brand, or its quality or its real condition may not correspond to the description.

2. The seller puts you pressure to make a purchase.

If a seller sends you a message to apply a pressure to make a purchase - say, saying that there is a limited amount or promising a special offer if you take immediate measures - Khan strongly advises your communication and to transmit the transaction. It is a huge red flag that the seller tries to prevent you from doing your research by forcing you to make an impulsive purchasing decision.

"Schools frequently use pressure tactics to create a feeling of emergency and sell counterfeit goods," he explains. "This prevents buyers from conducting preliminary research on the market value of the product and the seller."

Read this then: 5 red flags on purchases on TEMU, according to retail experts .

3. There are very few photos of the product.

"If the list of a buyer is sloppy, non-professional or simply generally low, it is a revealing sign of non-professionalism", explains Paul Morris , online expert and founder of Superb digital . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Photographs are an important aspect of any list of products on eBay. They help define the expectations of the quality and condition of the article, among other factors. So when there is only one or two photos - or worse, none at all - it could be a sign to take a break and reconsider your purchase, explains Morris.

"When images are available, examine them carefully," accepts Jeanel Alvarado ,, Retailboss retail expert . The seller could try to hide damage or faults.

4. The seller has more negative ratings than positive notes.

Before making an offer or pressing this button "Buy it now", be sure to check the seller's note and opinions, that Alvarado and Khan Note can help you assess their credibility. If you find that they have more negative criticisms than positive criticisms or have even received the same negative comments several times, Alvarado recommends staying away from this particular seller.

"Another red flag is very little or no comments, suggesting that they have not done a lot of business on eBay," adds Morris. Although little or no criticism does not necessarily mean that a seller is not trustworthy, doing business with a more established seller can give you more peace of mind.

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5. The seller wants to withdraw the eBay transaction.

The best way to protect yourself during purchases via eBay is to keep everything on the platform. So if a seller asks you to get around this, it's a big red flag, says Ramhold.

According Andrei vasilescu , online expert and CEO / founder of Netpayfull.com , withdraw an eBay transaction means that you are no longer protected by the site in the event of a problem - for example, you never receive the product, or it arrives in a lower than expected state. "You can insist on adhering to the eBay system, but if they refuse, it is better to move away from the sale."

6. The auction time is extremely short.

If you notice that the seller has just list the article today and that the list ends tomorrow, it could be a red flag. Unless there is a justifiable reason for the seller's emergency - for example, the product is linked to an upcoming event - a short auction window may suggest that the seller simply tries to make the Fast money, according to Ramhold. "This could mean that the product is not accurately represented, or worse, does not even exist."