Potential bad experience with buyer
forthe4unofit
Posts: 219
Hey guys,
I'm looking for some input here. I sold 2 items (totaling $150) to a buyer in the UK. As soon as the items were received, the buyer requested a refund stating the items were not as described. Things feel fishy as I immediately sent the buyer a few messages asking specifically wasn't described and have not received a reply. I looked through the buyers feedback and thankfully another seller left a "positive" feedback a few months ago for this buyer stating that they issued a refund but never received their items in return.
I contacted eBay and as usual got disconnected after waiting on hold for 15 minutes, telling someone my issue and getting transferred to another department. Before calling back I figured out would reach out to you all for recommendations on my next course of action. I am absolutely ok with giving a refund, but I know the items I sold were fine (unless damaged in shipping which is unlikely.) I just don't want to get hosed. Knowing that eBay always sides with the buyer I just want to make sure I do things correct from the start to improve my odds of that not happening. Thanks
I'm looking for some input here. I sold 2 items (totaling $150) to a buyer in the UK. As soon as the items were received, the buyer requested a refund stating the items were not as described. Things feel fishy as I immediately sent the buyer a few messages asking specifically wasn't described and have not received a reply. I looked through the buyers feedback and thankfully another seller left a "positive" feedback a few months ago for this buyer stating that they issued a refund but never received their items in return.
I contacted eBay and as usual got disconnected after waiting on hold for 15 minutes, telling someone my issue and getting transferred to another department. Before calling back I figured out would reach out to you all for recommendations on my next course of action. I am absolutely ok with giving a refund, but I know the items I sold were fine (unless damaged in shipping which is unlikely.) I just don't want to get hosed. Knowing that eBay always sides with the buyer I just want to make sure I do things correct from the start to improve my odds of that not happening. Thanks
Interested in any Favre stuff you have to offer. 
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With that, should I just proceed to accept the refund and see what happens? How does eBay know that I've received the item in return? Will they go on the buyers word that it was shipped back, or would they require tracking information? Most buyers communicate with me to make this process easier. This is the first time I'm dealing with a buyer that is going to be a problem and I am wanting to protect my 150 bucks.
<< <i>Make them open a case if you don't accept returns... otherwise communicate through ebay only and tell them you'll issue a refund when you receive items back. Either way, be sure that it's clear tracking must be included on the return package and you'll be fine. >>
Great, thank you
Regardless, I would open up the returned package in front of a postal clerk in case he sends you back a brick or English muffins. Do not give in to any silly demands or refund until you get your items back.
https://kennerstartinglineup.blogspot.com/
1. Do all communication through eBay.
2. Do not issue a refund until the item has been returned to you.
3. Video record opening the package when in hand.
Good luck!
Here's the update:
My suspicions are confirmed. After a week of no replies from the buyer, this is the message I get today: "You sent me a box with a toilet roll in it. Extremely disappointed!" I sold this guy two items; one for $65 and one for $85. Shipped both in the same box.
Every time I've called eBay for something I've gotten the short end of the stick. I am an impeccable seller with stellar feedback going back 15 years. Will my track record help me out? I feel like in a he said/she said situation eBay is just going to side with the *edit* buyer. Any suggestions on what I should do moving forward?
<< <i>Did you ship to a PP confirmed address? If so, you are likely covered by PP Seller Protection, which covers the cost of a refund. >>
Yes I did. I would think that I would need to somehow prove to Paypal that I did indeed ship the items, right? I don't know if I could come up with that proof as I don't take pictures of everything I send while I'm boxing them.
<< <i>I'll be happy to post once this all blows over. This was not a sports collectible purchase so most of you should be fine. >>
No worries. PM if you feel like it. I like to block anyone that causes problems.
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<< <i>Did you ship to a PP confirmed address? If so, you are likely covered by PP Seller Protection, which covers the cost of a refund. >>
Yes I did. I would think that I would need to somehow prove to Paypal that I did indeed ship the items, right? I don't know if I could come up with that proof as I don't take pictures of everything I send while I'm boxing them. >>
Nope. That's unreasonable - obviously. Who videotapes everything they package? PP will protect you and cover the cost of a claim if you show tracking with delivery to a confirmed shipping address. They basically refund both parties, eat the cost, and then put everyone on watch - i.e. they'll be tougher on you and the buyer if this becomes a pattern. With you, I wouldn't worry at all - scammers like this exist but are rare. With him, I hope he gets what's coming ...
You can read about it here.
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<< <i>
<< <i>Did you ship to a PP confirmed address? If so, you are likely covered by PP Seller Protection, which covers the cost of a refund. >>
Yes I did. I would think that I would need to somehow prove to Paypal that I did indeed ship the items, right? I don't know if I could come up with that proof as I don't take pictures of everything I send while I'm boxing them. >>
Nope. That's unreasonable - obviously. Who videotapes everything they package? PP will protect you and cover the cost of a claim if you show tracking with delivery to a confirmed shipping address. They basically refund both parties, eat the cost, and then put everyone on watch - i.e. they'll be tougher on you and the buyer if this becomes a pattern. With you, I wouldn't worry at all - scammers like this exist but are rare. With him, I hope he gets what's coming ...
You can read about it here. >>
This makes me feel much better, but it's a shame that PayPal will need to pickup the tab for people who don't have integrity. I'll just let the process play out and hope for the best. Thanks for making me feel better!
Here's the link you posted for everyone else - https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/security/seller-protection
<< <i>What was the weight of the package? Was it more than a toilet roll? >>
Possibly. It would be close.
The funny thing, is that I sold him two entry badges from a computer hacker conference. Wouldn't you think it would be a bad idea to scam a potential hacker? People are idiots.