What Can You Find In eBay's Hard To Find Gift Shop?
eBay has launched the "Hard To Find Gift Shop" on site in conjunction with the physical pop up shop experiences they have planned for the holidays.
Let's check out what amazing, hard to find gifts eBay is promoting today!
For the sneakerhead on your holiday shopping list, why not go all out on this pair of Nike Dunk SB Low Freddy Krueger sneakers? Just remember - they're local pick up only and that $119,999.99 does not include airfare to Hawaii.
This listing does not offer returns and because it's pickup only, it also does not qualify for eBay's Authenticity Guarantee. Anyone looking to shell out that kind of cash this holiday season should also carefully read the terms of eBay's Money Back Guarantee, especially in regard to local pick up items.
Kids just gotta have Funko Pop Eternals? eBay has you covered with this offering from a Chinese seller that states the item is pre-order but somehow also used and the release date is yet to be determined.
If that listing alone isn't enough to install confidence in the purchase, I'm sure the seller's feedback will seal the deal - after all, they are one of eBay's most reputable sellers.
If that one doesn't work for you, have no fear, there's another Funko Eternals listing in the Hard To Find Gift Store as well - as long as you don't actually want to have the gift in hand before Christmas.
Prospective buyers of these Funko Pops would do well to read the terms of the eBay Money Back Guarantee too - these listings violate eBay presale policies as well as FTC mailing rules and they may not be covered by the eMBG by the time the release date actually rolls around.
Speaking of policy violations, eBay's chosen seller for high end luxury designer handbags is apparently quite confused about how return policies work on eBay.
In this example, they've selected a 14 day return period for the listing, but then inform the buyer in the description that the item is "final sale."
And this one says it has a 30% restocking fee, even though eBay removed the option for sellers to withhold restocking fees as part of the Spring 2018 Seller Update.
This sneaker seller also seems to be very confused about returns - offering 30 days in the listing settings, but stating No Returns, Final Sale in description.
Several other sneaker sellers apparently believe they have no responsibility to take the time to accurately describe and document any flaws, despite the fact that eBay says right there on the listing "Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing."
The near identical wording of this "disclaimer" from multiple sellers is very odd. "In order to pass authentication" - doesn't make any sense. Per the terms of eBay's authenticity guarantee program, sellers are still responsible for accurately describing the condition of the item, including any flaws or imperfections (emphasis below mine).
I sell on eBay now, do I need to do anything?
In order to properly protect you and the buyer our authentication process will be more stringent about how items are described, and the item condition selected. You should return to your items listed in sneakers categories and double check that you have accurately described and depicted the item, including photos of any defects or cosmetic imperfections of the sneaker, the box and accessories.How do I know if my listing is eligible for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee program?
Make sure you accurately describe and photograph your item and follow steps 1-3. Don’t forget it’s free to sell sneakers on eBay.Meet the eligibility requirements.
Select the appropriate Item Condition when you list your sneakers for sale:“New with box”
A brand-new, unused, and unworn item in the original packaging (such as the original box). If using stock images or screenshots, all original accessories (laces, keychains, bags, etc.) must be included. If taking your own photos, everything pictured will be assumed included.“New without box”
A brand-new, unused, and unworn item that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box). For example, new shoes (with absolutely no signs of wear) that are no longer in their original box fall into this category.“New with defects”
A brand-new, unused item. Possible imperfections range from color variations to scuffs, cuts or nicks, that occasionally occur during the manufacturing or delivery process. This also includes natural yellowing due to age. The item may be missing the original packaging materials or accessories (such as original box or laces). New factory seconds and/or new samples may fall into this category. Ensure all defects are photographed and noted in the description.“Pre-Owned”
An item that has been used, worn or showing signs of wear to the outsole, insole and/or lining of the shoe. The item may be missing the original packaging materials or accessories (such as original box or laces). Ensure all wear is captured in the photos and noted in the description.Accurately describe your item in detail and take as many photographs as needed. Ensure that you capture any defects including tears in the box and any anomalies on the shoe, etc. If using stock images or screenshots, all original accessories (laces, keychains, bags, etc.) must be included. If taking your own photos, everything pictured will be assumed included. Accurate documentation & photographs will ensure your item can flow through the authentication process smoothly.
Over all, my impressions of the Hard To Find Gifts shop are pretty much in line with my thoughts on eBay's early Black Friday sale - the same stuff you'll find eBay pushing almost any day of the week, including presale violations, unfriendly and confusing return policies, and a general lack of any kind of real vetting to make sure the listings (and sellers) being promoted will provide the best buying experience possible.
Will you be shopping from eBay's Hard To Find Gift Shop or any of the physical store pop up events? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!