CorelDRAW + EBay = Frustration

[Ronald Erickson]

What most people don't realize is that almost anyone can sell items on Amazon, If you buy on Amazon and it is "sold and shipped" by Amazon then you are getting a legit product, it's when it is sold and shipped by a third party that you can run into trouble. Ebay, on the other hand is just a way for people to sell their stuff, "Ebay" doesn't sell anything - apparently there are lots of people who don't understand that.

Excellent point to make about Amazon and I'd like to expand on your point (for the benefit of others).

There are three ways you can buy merchandise on Amazon: Sold by Amazon, Fulfilled by Amazon, and Third Party.

If it says "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com", the purchase is handled completely by Amazon; Amazon is directly selling you the product from their warehouse and returns would be covered under Amazon's normal return policies. Here's an example:

Amazon CorelDRAW.jpg

Here's an example of the same product being sold on Amazon as "Fulfilled by Amazon". The item is sold via third party, but Amazon is fulfilling the order and is handling the packing, delivery, customer service, and returns. This type of purchase is also covered by Amazon's normal return policies and any returns would ship back to Amazon.

Amazon Fulfilled CorelDRAW.jpg

In my final example, the same product is being sold on Amazon by a third party. Amazon has nothing to do with the packing, delivery, customer service, or returns. Amazon is merely taking a percentage of the purchase price for allowing the third party to use Amazon's website to create the order, but all shipping, returns, and customer service happen through the third party. Amazon does have an A-to-z Guarantee that may help you get a refund when you've made a third party purchase, but there are some limitations and there is a lifetime limit of fifty claims.

Amazon Third Party CorelDRAW.jpg

I've paid a bit more for items that are "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" even though a third party selling on Amazon may have had a better price simply because I knew I could trust Amazon to make things right if there was any issue with my purchase. The same cannot be said of some third party sellers on Amazon. It's always best to check their feedback ratings before making a purchase (just click the seller's name).

[Chuck Jarrett]

Gary and Ron, Thanks for the info regarding Amazon. I for one was unaware exactly how it all worked. I have bought many items (tools to books) from (or possibly through) Amazon, and have personally never had a problem. An update on my Corel problem---the seller has agreed to replace the program. Hopefully that happens. I think the guy I am dealing with is honest, I think he just ended up with a product that had the SN lifted. We shall see.

[Chuck Jarrett]

Update. the Ebay seller has replaced the program, and the new one installed fine, and gave us "verified status", as well as let us do updates etc. In retrospect I would pay more money and deal with an authorized dealer to avoid the problems and hassles. I am thankful the seller did in fact come through on this.

[Gary Hair]

That's great Chuck, I'm amazed that you actually found someone honest on Ebay! You should go buy a lotto ticket, you have some luck with you that you need to take advantage of!

[Dan Hintz]

Update. the Ebay seller has replaced the program, and the new one installed fine, and gave us "verified status", as well as let us do updates etc

Don't count your chickens before they hatch... in a few months, your serial may also be copied multiple times, and when several people try to register it, it also will get tossed into the bin at Corel. Keep all receipts, that's all I'm sayin'...