I don't know how many of you have been burned by bad sellers, but I've encountered it twice. Once on Delcampe and once elsewhere.

Although it does not happen often, but when it does, it sucks.

I also think it prevents buyers from making purchases (especially when a new seller is involved)

I think the problem can be mitigated by having sellers provide a refundable collateral to Delcampe.

That amount would represent the maximum amount a seller can ask for (Buy it now, or starting Bid)

So, if a new seller puts up $500US and sells an expensive stamp for $200US and runs, the $500US could be used to reimburse the buyer for the loss.

I know... some of you are seeing the loopholes.
What if a bad seller put up $500US up front and had 50 items for sale starting at $10US each. Then... each item was bid up to $20US each. (Total amount is $1000US)
Potentially the bad seller could still walk away with $500US.

To offset that loophole, Delcampe could put up a warning symbol to signify that the seller has exceeded his collateral limit and you may not get a full refund. This could result in two things. Buyers being leery from bidding higher and/or the seller puts up more collateral to remove the warning. (and make the buyers feel more comfortable to bid higher)

As the new seller becomes more established, the collateral amount increases (in virtual money). Let's say 10% of all completed sales be added to the collateral amount.

For instance... if a seller has sold $5000US worth of goods (and the buyers received the goods), the seller would have an additional 500US (10% of 5000) in his collateral amount.

Eventually, the seller can take back his collateral and rely on the good faith collateral he has built up over the many sales....

Well, perhaps some of the finer details need to be worked out, but I think the overall concept is good.

Any thoughts??

It would be far easier to pay using a method where you can claw back your money should a transaction fail or be fraudulent - for example Paypal or a credit card. If the seller does not offer such a payment method then do not buy. On Delcampe I never buy from anyone though who surcharges for Paypal or credit/debit card payments.

Many sellers here on Delcampe make it difficult to purchase from them by offering very convuluted payment methods or offering terms and condition which are illegal under the current distance selling regulations. Many illegally state they are not responsible for losses in the postal system - they are liable simply because the postal service used is the servant of the seller not the buyer - it is up to the seller to ensure the items reaches the buyer and if it goes missing in transit it is the seller who has to claim for the loss and who should take the loss.

I wish it were that easy! Most of the sellers on Delcampe prefer MoneyBookers.
Got burned 79EUR using that payment mechanism.
There are a handful that accept PayPal, but even that doesn't guarantee you will be fully refunded from them. (I know I didn't!) [Mind you... that was many years ago, and they have better policies now]
So, yes... I am careful with my purchases. I don't pay for an expensive item with cash or unsecure means. Still out a lot of cash though....

I don't know how many of you have been burned by bad sellers, but I've encountered it twice. Once on Delcampe and once elsewhere.

Although it does not happen often, but when it does, it sucks.

I also think it prevents buyers from making purchases (especially when a new seller is involved)

I think the problem can be mitigated by having sellers provide a refundable collateral to Delcampe.

That amount would represent the maximum amount a seller can ask for (Buy it now, or starting Bid)

So, if a new seller puts up $500US and sells an expensive stamp for $200US and runs, the $500US could be used to reimburse the buyer for the loss.

I know... some of you are seeing the loopholes.
What if a bad seller put up $500US up front and had 50 items for sale starting at $10US each. Then... each item was bid up to $20US each. (Total amount is $1000US)
Potentially the bad seller could still walk away with $500US.

To offset that loophole, Delcampe could put up a warning symbol to signify that the seller has exceeded his collateral limit and you may not get a full refund. This could result in two things. Buyers being leery from bidding higher and/or the seller puts up more collateral to remove the warning. (and make the buyers feel more comfortable to bid higher)

As the new seller becomes more established, the collateral amount increases (in virtual money). Let's say 10% of all completed sales be added to the collateral amount.

For instance... if a seller has sold $5000US worth of goods (and the buyers received the goods), the seller would have an additional 500US (10% of 5000) in his collateral amount.

Eventually, the seller can take back his collateral and rely on the good faith collateral he has built up over the many sales....

Well, perhaps some of the finer details need to be worked out, but I think the overall concept is good.

Any thoughts??

I don't know how many of you have been burned by bad sellers, but I've encountered it twice. Once on Delcampe and once elsewhere.

Although it does not happen often, but when it does, it sucks.

I also think it prevents buyers from making purchases (especially when a new seller is involved)

I think the problem can be mitigated by having sellers provide a refundable collateral to Delcampe.

That amount would represent the maximum amount a seller can ask for (Buy it now, or starting Bid)

So, if a new seller puts up $500US and sells an expensive stamp for $200US and runs, the $500US could be used to reimburse the buyer for the loss.

I know... some of you are seeing the loopholes.
What if a bad seller put up $500US up front and had 50 items for sale starting at $10US each. Then... each item was bid up to $20US each. (Total amount is $1000US)
Potentially the bad seller could still walk away with $500US.

To offset that loophole, Delcampe could put up a warning symbol to signify that the seller has exceeded his collateral limit and you may not get a full refund. This could result in two things. Buyers being leery from bidding higher and/or the seller puts up more collateral to remove the warning. (and make the buyers feel more comfortable to bid higher)

As the new seller becomes more established, the collateral amount increases (in virtual money). Let's say 10% of all completed sales be added to the collateral amount.

For instance... if a seller has sold $5000US worth of goods (and the buyers received the goods), the seller would have an additional 500US (10% of 5000) in his collateral amount.

Eventually, the seller can take back his collateral and rely on the good faith collateral he has built up over the many sales....

Well, perhaps some of the finer details need to be worked out, but I think the overall concept is good.

Any thoughts??

This fine suggestion would have me leave in a minute.

To Hecto.

To be honest, you are not selling High Value Items, so this wouldn't impact you.

I'm talking about sellers that have items for sale over $50 US (or 50 EUR).

If I purchased an item for $5 to $10, and it didn't arrive, I'd just put in a negative comment.

If I purchased an item for $200 and it didn't arrive, I'd be .
(Ummm, which I was)

I take it you were not a victim yet. When you are.... then you'll understand.

Thanks for the comment though...

I have been "stung" by "buyers" buying quite a few low price items (which often mounts up to £50 ($80) or even £100 ($160) and not paying for them.... this has led to

1) my items not being listed for sale
2) me wasting time to keep chasing these so call buyer asking for payment

maybe at the same time as implementing your idea, Delcampe could also implement a similar system wher a buyer deposits £300 ($500) incase they default on their sales..... it cuts both ways

To Hecto.

To be honest, you are not selling High Value Items, so this wouldn't impact you.

I'm talking about sellers that have items for sale over $50 US (or 50 EUR).

If I purchased an item for $5 to $10, and it didn't arrive, I'd just put in a negative comment.

If I purchased an item for $200 and it didn't arrive, I'd be .
(Ummm, which I was)

I take it you were not a victim yet. When you are.... then you'll understand.

Thanks for the comment though...

making buyers "deposit" money against their being lowlifes will discourage good buyers.

Simply ask the seller to include insurance.

If I read your message right.....

a buyer can always ask me to send an item insured..... however to send something International Signed For overseas costs £5 (A$8) on top of the normal postage....

who do you think should pay for it, the seller or the buyer....

If it's the seller then the seller would have to increase either the postage they charge or increase the cost of the item as a seller needs to charge enough to cover their overheads (like the buyer we sellers need to pay the bills).

If it is the buyer are they willing to pay for peace of mind.... mind you there is no guarantee that even if the buyer pays that the item would be sent out......

Surely the best way around both yours and the OP post is to pay via paypal and then if you do not receive the item(s) you can do a “charge back”

Can you explain "a charge-back".

I thought Paypal required the item to be registered, just like Delcampe does with Silver or Gold membership.

With insurance, I would expect the buyer to pay for it. The seller can even insist that insurance be paid on sales over a certain value should they please to, as part of their terms of sale.

And if the seller didn't provide you with the insurance details (just like with registered) then you would have proof in that case that it wasn't sent.

Paypal does not require registry. They want a tracking number. First class mail international does not have tracking. For me to send a package registered or FEDEX from the US to Europe is about 18 dollars. No one will pay that for an inexpensive item and i sure can't pay it when it far exceeds my profit. I don't know the deal with international priority mail but it is pricy. So far no problems for me. When problems appear, no more international sales. That would be bad on every website, a deal killer here.

Paypal does not have "charge backs" in nthe same sense as credit cards. With PP you must bring a dispute/case.