eBay offers much more than a "retail" experience. From the thrill of the hunt to bidding frenzy, buying on eBay is often about the entertainment value. Sellers who understand that may pour out stories of heartbreak in their auction descriptions, or entertain us with humorous anecdotes.
eBay sellers are quick to capitalize on buyers' hunger for entertainment and desire to get something of value for pennies on the dollar. "Mystery Box" auctions fit the bill to a T, and buyers are taking the bait.
Mystery Boxes have been listed on eBay for some time but are gaining in popularity. They are simply virtual grab bags - listings where you don't know what you are going to get but offer the hope of big rewards. eBay even has a category called "Mystery Auctions," which offered close to 1500 auctions the week before Christmas.
Scott Neuman has purchased four mystery boxes on eBay, and he says all were worthless or not as described. He won a mystery box for $510 in October that promised at least 10 items described as extravagant gifts received from the seller's now ex-husband.
Part of the ritual for Mystery Box auctions are the clues the sellers reveal as the auction progresses. Clue number 2 in this auction stated, "For the man, it tells the time. VERY NICE, new in box.....very expensive price tag still attached."
Was there a watch in the box? Yes.
Did it have an expensive price tag attached? Technically, yes.
Scott said the watch was worth about $20 but had a $150 retail price tag, the kind available from flea markets. "Items were described as from a rich husband and we got trinkets and $20 items. No gifts you'd give a wife - unless you hated her," he said.
Scott filed a complaint with PayPal stating the items were not as described. "Paypal.com said they would not refund the amount paid, $500.00 because it was a mystery box and wasn't dramatically different from the description."
However, the seller is now NARU (eBay's term for a suspended or closed account).
So with all things on eBay and in life, proceed with caution if you are tempted by Mystery Box auctions - the box you receive seems likely to disappoint.
