| If you are a coin collector or seller or are just | | | | usually a good sign that they are selling fakes. |
| considering taking up the hobby you can purchase | | | | 2. Be very cautious about purchasing coins from |
| coins offline or online. One popular online place to | | | | Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria as many of |
| trade coins is eBay. There are a number of good | | | | the fake coins originate from there. |
| reasons to use eBay for coin collecting but also | | | | 3. There are coin dealers who have sold hundreds |
| some guidelines for those considering purchasing | | | | of coins on eBay. These dealers are often |
| and selling coins on eBay. | | | | professionals and are less likely to sell fake coins |
| Benefits of Buying and Selling on ebay | | | | intentionally or un-intentionally. They usually have a |
| 1. Because eBay has thousands of coin sellers | | | | high feedback score and plenty of feedback. |
| there is a rich diversity of coins to choose from. | | | | 4. Try to purchase coins from a seller with a |
| At any given time there are thousands of coins | | | | feedback percentage of over 98% with very little |
| being sold on eBay. | | | | negative feedback. A genuine seller who knows |
| 2. If you are a seller on eBay then your overhead | | | | what they are selling should maintain a high |
| costs should be kept lower then offline dealers. | | | | feedback rating. |
| This is good for buyers as the costs are kept low | | | | 5. What is the dealers return policy? The dealer |
| and great for sellers who want to increase sales. | | | | should allow unconditional refunds should the buyer |
| 3. Many professional and private coin dealers who | | | | not be satisfied with the purchase. |
| sell offline also sell through eBay. Therefore you | | | | 6. There are coin seller blacklists online. These can |
| do not have to travel to find a good dealer. If | | | | be helpful in identifying coin sellers who repeatedly |
| you're a seller and sell coins regularly on eBay | | | | sell fake coins. |
| buyers from all over the country can see and | | | | Advice for sellers |
| buy your coins. | | | | 1. The objective of a seller on eBay is to |
| 4. Because eBay is an auction sometimes you will | | | | maximize your earnings. One way of doing this is |
| get a great bargain on eBay once in a while. | | | | by providing clear and detailed photos of your |
| Some people will sell a very good coin but the | | | | coin(s). It has been shown that buyers are more |
| photo may be poor leading to lower bids. If you | | | | likely to make a purchase with clear, detailed |
| can spot that and the coin appears to be in a | | | | photos. Don't forget to photograph both sides of |
| good shape, you just might get it for a fraction | | | | your coins. |
| of its value. | | | | 2. Provide detailed information on where you |
| 5. Often coin sellers on eBay have sold hundreds | | | | found the coin or how it came into your |
| of coins on eBay and therefore have been rated | | | | possession. The type of coin, what it depicts and |
| well. | | | | a date as to when it was minted. |
| Advice for Buyers and Sellers on eBay | | | | 3. Provide a good refund policy for all coins you |
| Yes there are fake coins being sold on eBay. | | | | sell. This will build up trust and make you a more |
| However you can lower your chances of | | | | attractive as a dealer. |
| becoming a victim of fraud by keeping to the | | | | 4. Respond to queries or complaints quickly. |
| following guidelines. | | | | By following the points above you should receive |
| 1. Do not purchase from dealers who keep their | | | | positive feedback and build your credibility fast. |
| auctions or feedback private. This should be a red | | | | This in turn will result in higher bids as buyers will |
| flag that the seller has something to hide and is | | | | be more attracted to your listings. |