If you’re like many on the CRM Team, you occasionally purchase aftermarket motorcycle parts from Ebay. The world’s largest online auction site is a mixed bag of sales, as parts and accessories suppliers from around the world all offer their wares without much in the way of verifications, references or means to determine the legitimacy of their business practices.
Worse yet, Ebay recently suspended their phone-in customer service center which leaves buyers few options when ripped off or sold substandard goods. Their online response platform steers customers towards a dodgy web forum where texted messages are submitted to other customers who dole out “advice.” We encountered this frustrating turn of events recently after purchasing an aftermarket gear shift lever for a 2003 Ducati 999. The China-based seller advertised the item as fitting this particular make and model of bike, but once in hand, the manufacturer had obviously never seen an actual Ducati or measured the shift shaft diameter before machining the faulty shifter.
When we demanded a refund for the part, the seller sent a bogus message contending that he resided in a region of China where politics prevented him from issuing a return shipping label. “You make label and send and I send you refund, no?” was his reply.
Without an actual human representative to share this exchange with at Ebay, the company and sellers refused our return request outright.
The lesson learned? We’ve spoken to other buyers in recent weeks who advise us strongly against purchasing any parts directly from Chinese manufacturers. As for Ebay, perhaps after enough of these types of rip-offs are reported, will again offer phone support to assist buyers who’ve run afoul of a global marketplace’s many fakes, frauds and rip-offs.
