Finally sold some and then...

19 replies
Ok so I am trying to earn money online for like...ages now. Few weeks ago I decided to put some items for sale on ebay.co.uk. I put some video game CD key on and I made few sales. Then 2 decided to open a dispute for unauthorised transaction. I sent all proof that I sent keys to the buyers to paypal, and they still gave money back to those 2 buyers, and now I basically lost 100 EUR just like that....And just when I thought I can earn some money this happens...what is life?
#finnaly #sold
  • Profile picture of the author onSubie
    Selling CD keys on eBay is a dodgy business.

    It is doubtful you would ever win a dispute over activation keys. Many are scams and stolen.

    There are a number of stories of Steam voiding blocks of keys. The keys worked for a little while but then Steam cancelled them all and the buyers were out of luck.

    I think to win a dispute you would have to prove you are an authorized distributer for that game company with the authority to generate/sell keys.

    This is risky for the buyer because even if the key works at first, there is no guarantee it will not be cancelled by the company. Keys are also risky for sellers because they have no protection against a buyer dispute.
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  • Profile picture of the author tomholen
    Well, I kinda know the feeling. When I first started out I tried everything in my power to make money....went into CPA...and after a lot of testing and trying I found an offer that converted very well....2 days later the offer was gone....shit happens, just sayin'!
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Originally Posted by kabibiio11 View Post

    ....And just when I thought I can earn some money this happens...what is life?

    Life is great when you play by the rules!

    Why don't you just stop and think about what you're selling? Is it allowed by eBay and the game company? I don't know . . . I'm not into that stuff . . . most likely not . . . but I would suggest you spend some time building a real business, not just gaming some system. Chances are pretty good that the CD key didn't work for those that bought from you. Most only work once.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanLB
    I think you need to choose a more reliable business to be honest. That seems like a shady way to get involved. Figure out a service or product that you can offer that businesses/customers want, and sell it. I would avoid jumping into something like video games because huge companies retain a lot of control over the sales process and the used game market is being stomped out.
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  • Profile picture of the author kabibiio11
    I dont know what to go with then...anything else I try I cant get any results...I have tried many things and so little results...Im so lost
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex The Lion
    Stop trying to make money quickly and build a business around providing value to a community of people. Build a fan base and by delivering real value you can eventually monetize.
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    sounds shady, people who buy illegal stuff usually aren't the best characters. I would try and find a more legit business, something you can sell that's not taking away from anyone else.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by kabibiio11 View Post

    Ok so I am trying to earn money online for like...ages now. Few weeks ago I decided to put some items for sale on ebay.co.uk. I put some video game CD key on and I made few sales. Then 2 decided to open a dispute for unauthorised transaction. I sent all proof that I sent keys to the buyers to paypal, and they still gave money back to those 2 buyers, and now I basically lost 100 EUR just like that....And just when I thought I can earn some money this happens...what is life?
    Sounds like my experience with Amazon.

    It's the nature of the business online. Stuff like this will happen. Why not sell the CD key on your own website?

    If you were the customer, and you wanted your money back (thus getting the key for free)... wouldn't you want Paypal to rule in your favor?
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    • Profile picture of the author vicg100
      Like many others are saying, you may want to try selling something else. You should take this as a lesson in how NOT to make money online. Also, you're not alone, I have experienced similar "fails" when trying new ways of making money and I'm sure everyone who has been doing internet marketing long can say the same.

      If want to go the Ebay route of making money then try selling things which aren't physical, like an ebook or some other digital product that you can make infinite copies of. Also being an Amazon affiliate may be good for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author kabibiio11
    Ok I am very confused right now...many are saying I should start to build a real business... I thought ebay is real business...a shop you know...buy cheap sell higher. I dont understand what is not real business here.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tony Marriott
      Originally Posted by kabibiio11 View Post

      Ok I am very confused right now...many are saying I should start to build a real business... I thought ebay is real business...a shop you know...buy cheap sell higher. I dont understand what is not real business here.
      They mean "your" real business.

      Ebay is not your business. It is simply a conduit for you to make sales. Your business (in this sense) is what you are selling.

      I have no idea exactly what you sold or how legitimate it was but ...

      It appears you are selling video game CD keys and not just a game CD you have used and wish to resell.

      Selling software keys is generally not allowed as that is giving people access to software they did not buy from the original vendors/owners.
      So even if you have the right to sell the keys it is likely the people that buy them are the kind who are not too worried about the legitimacy of the product.

      So if they are prepared to "steal" from the software owners, why would you be surprised when they do the same to you.

      I admit I haven't traded on ebay for a while but as far as I am aware digital products cannot be sold on ebay except in the classified ads and software keys are explicitly forbidden. And only physical products have any form of seller/buyer protection.


      By 'build a real business' they mean create or obtain legitimate rights to sell a product or service that is useful, and market that product or service in an ethical way. That route may take you more time but it will lead to a sustainable business.

      good luck
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  • Profile picture of the author joncoates89
    Very interesting experience. Ebay and Paypal I have noticed since I been out the Army seem to split, definetlt digging into the policies and terms myself, because of situations just like this. Anticipate and take control brother!
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  • Profile picture of the author dmarc
    Disputes are a reality for any business, online or brick and mortar. When I used to bartend, people would dispute their CC charges more than you might think.

    Sometimes it was they got too drunk and truly didn't remember, but more often than not it was a low-life who just didn't want to pay their bill.

    Now, the "business" you're in sounds fairly shady. Are these CD-Keys legit? Doubtful. Think about the people buying pirated stuff like that. Why would they hesitate to screw you too?
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  • Selling CD keys is risky.

    Test dropshipping and selling physical products on ebay

    Dropshipping is where you sell the item first, then source it and order it to be delivered straight to your buyers. Its an amazing and very profitable business model
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  • Profile picture of the author banditsroost
    Selling software keys could get you in a lot of trouble. Refunds, negative feedback and lawsuits just to name a few. Try selling items from around your house or your local area that you can get free or cheap to build up your trust and feedback. Then when you have some trust built, you can try wholesale or drop shipping. Start slow and build.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joan Altz
    Obviously the people who would buy those keys from you are the freebie seeker and file sharing type. Not the best customer-type to go after. You were just asking to be hosed with an offer like that, imo, and I won't be surprised if PayPal shuts you down permanently, and sooner rather than later if you keep it up.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    I know people are starting to make you sound like Captain Jack Sparrow, but you are probably beginning to get the point.

    It sounds like you have some 'entrepreneurialism' in you, so don't let this set back stop you. Now you can learn from your mistakes and start a real business.
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  • Profile picture of the author time4vps
    Buddha said: There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.

    Wish you a much better 2016
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  • Profile picture of the author NetSensei
    Originally Posted by kabibiio11 View Post

    ...what is life?
    Life wants to give you what you want, but it often test you to see if you want it bad enough to persevere through the trials it sends you.

    Good Luck and Happy Holidays.
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