Ever since I could remember, my family has frowned upon online shopping. I didn’t understand why my family hated it and whenever I asked why, I was always given the “you’re a child and I’m an adult so listen to whatever I say” look. When I finally began making my own money and decided how I wanted to spend it, I began laughing at my family. I was able to order everything I wanted without me even having to walk or take the bus downtown to get it. Online shopping made life seem so much more easier. Next thing I knew, something that would completely alter my life occurred.
When Ebay and I first crossed paths, it seemed like a beneficial relationship for both sides. I would be buying a product I wanted and the idea I had of Ebay being a perfect site would be upheld. During the first few encounters, everything was great. I managed to buy a book, a basketball, a hooded sweatshirt and some shoes. I was working my way up to the big buy, a new phone that I desperately needed. I had saved up my money for two months and had finally earned enough to get the phone I desired. I ordered a phone that I thought would be slightly used. When the order came in I found out that phone was used a lot more than what I thought it was. In fact, the previous owner was probably still using it because I got duped. All I received was a cell phone box full of Styrofoam. When I came to my mom for help, all she could do was laugh at me. I realized then what I was ignorant to before, the Ebay Hustle.
Sites like Ebay are successful due to their ability to connect someone who needs a certain good with someone who is trying to sell it. The bidding war occurs for the product and the transaction is made with limited government interference. At times, this lack of interference is a good thing for both the buyer and the seller because it makes the process a whole lot easier. In instances like mine, however, this interference is needed. I was hustled out of my phone and all I could do was sit around and file a complaint with Ebay. That complaint got me nowhere. Ebay threatened the guy and maybe even deleted his account but I was still left without a phone.
Ebay, Craigslist and other sites that take out the middle man in transactions are extremely useful but are just too risky for me. They are extremely open and people can take advantage of the website with relative ease. Small and insignificant punishments are handed out to people who do this, leaving people like me helpless. I just can’t take a chance on that happening to me ever again. The middle man, no matter how much I hate to say it, is needed. All of its meddling and interference is needed to ensure fairness. I can’t believe I’m saying this but my family was right.