We are fully aware that there are millions of so-called 'local' sellers on eBay claiming they are based in US/France/Australia etc.

But are they really?

I doubt it very much.

As a reputable Aussie seller, we did come across to questions from potential buyers like 'How can I know that you are an local seller rather than the ones from Hong Kong?'

Well, my answer is simple!

You can just pay a few more details before you place the bid. (Note, this is only applicable to Australian buyers)

1. Ask the seller provide their ABN and verify the number ABR website. Their ABN registered location should be consistant with their Item location. 

By doing this, you can pretty much filter out 50% of those fake non-Aussie sellers.

2. Second, ask for a contact number if the seller is willing to provide one. I donot recommend you by calling the seller, as most responsible Aussie sellers are extremely good at logistic and customer servicing. Calling the seller would be your last resource if you've received a crappy product and totally gave up by contacting him/her via email. 

 By asking the seller's phone number is again a good way to see if the seller is really indeed reside locally or they are just another offshore agent.

3. When you receive your product in the mail, it should have either stamps in Australian currency or a 'Postage Paid Australia' imprint. Not while ago, I purchased a 3-in-1 memory card reader from a WA based seller, surprisingly, the parcel took bloody THREE weeks to arrive with a HKD $ 5 on it!!! Then I could help sending a question to the seller with something like 'Why was my item posted from HK while you are an 'So-called' Western Australia based seller?'

Not surprisingly, my question is just like throwing a rock into the big ocean. Never heard of anything back from him/her/ they(???).

I hope the above would help some newie ebayers especially when you are buying electronic gadgets, I'm telling ya, those postage for a wii sports pack or a sony ps3 multi function charge station is not cheap if you find your item's damaged during transit!