eBay is NOT an auction. FACT. : eBay Guides

This is an email that I received from eBays customer support to clarify the ongoing argument if eBay is a 'proper' auction or not.


From:     eBay Customer Support -

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us.

Please remember that although we are commonly referred to as an
online auction web site, we are not a traditional auction house.

Our site acts only as a venue to allow anyone to offer, sell, and buy
just about anything, at anytime, from anywhere, in a variety of formats.
Because eBay is not involved in the actual transaction between Buyers
and Sellers we have no control over:

- the quality, safety or legality of the items
- the truth or accuracy of the listings
- the ability of Sellers to sell items
- the ability of Buyers to buy items

We cannot ensure that a buyer or seller will actually complete a
transaction.
If you are having a hard time resolving this situation, refer to our
SafeHarbour pages for helpful information.

==============================================================

ALSO - Recd, 24/5/09


Hello,

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear that you have been facing
problems while using eBay.

First of all, let me explain that as a venue, eBay does not set the
rules for refunds, payment of the items, return policy and leaves this
up to the seller to outline directly. Sellers should clearly state any
policies related to payments, refunds and returns in all item listings,
including related shipping charges and restocking fees. In cases where
this information is not clearly outlined in the item listing, the
responsibility falls on the buyer and seller to amicably resolve the
issues related to returning an item or issuing a refund.

Although we are commonly referred to as an online auction web site, we
are not a traditional auction house. Instead, our site acts as a venue
to allow anyone to offer, sell, and buy just about anything, at anytime,
from anywhere.

I strongly suggest that you request your trading partner's contact
information and give them a telephone call to discuss what's happened.

You can request another user's contact information by going to:

http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQtZvbQQsofindtypeZ9

Lastly, while we can't get involved directly in disputes between buyers
and sellers, we do provide a number of processes to help you resolve
this issue. You'll find more information by copying this link into a new
browser window:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/tp/problems-dispute-resolution.html

I realise this may not be the answer you'd hoped for. I sincerely hope
your eBay transactions run smoothly in the future.

Kind regards,

eBay Customer Support

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So there you are. Here's your proof.