UPDATE (Last Page) Got a "empty box" buyer
addicted2ebay
Posts: 2,096 ✭✭✭✭
Any tips? Low feedback buyer claims box was empty. First time I've dealt with this in almost 10yr on eBay.
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Comments
Weight of package, it should be on receipt.
Label printed out threw eBay. USPS small flate rate insured with sig.
Insurance can be claimed by the buyer on his end. His USPS deliveryman would know if the box was tampered with and will help him.
Just don't give in to the crud that is sometimes trolling on ebay.
bob
PM me his ID please.
Just curious what the value of the item is.
1k
Unopened Boxes, Packs, Cards, and Tickets
Just send me a PM or email me for discount off eBay pricing. Thanks
This is a major problem going on on ebay now. We just sold a sesled and authenticated cello box for approximately $165. The buyer claimed the box was damaged and demanded a refund. When we asked for photos, no photos were sent. eBay openned a case, and ended up siding with the buyer. The buyer ended up sending back the box of cards with all of the cello packs opened and all cards loosely laying in the box. Obviously, this box had no damage. The guy simply opened all of the packs, search for cards, put all the common cards back in the box, and claimed the box to be damaged. Unfortunately, eBay sides with the buyers in these type of situations. We ended up having to refund the entire purchase. And now we have a completely worthless box of common cards. As a side note, we have 100% positive feedback and have sold hundreds and hundreds of boxes. There's just something simply wrong with eBay. We went through a couple of different folks at eBay to discuss our options....only to be told we lose the case....and eBay simply refunded this crook. eBay didn't care what kind of evidence we had or requested nor did eBay cate about our history as a top seller.
This is disgraceful. What a lowlife.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Says the box was not tampered with. He claims to have open it with a empty bubble envelope inside that I placed the card in.
Ah. I see how this works. Opportunist has a clever plan. The postal carrier can't support the notion that there was actually a parcel inside the box.
Seems to me a transaction of this type begs for video documentation of the packaging and labeling process in the event a shady buyer tries to play this scam. I realize this is worthless hindsight to you and hope you can find a solution.
About the video documentation. I did this only once because I didn't fully trust the buyer. However, even with video documentation I don't think it would holdup.
Is there anything paypal can do? Probably worth giving them a call.
2015 World Series Champions
2018 Worst Minor League System In Baseball
#FIREDAYTONMOORE
The vast majority of transaction done on e-bay (99%+) go through without issue. Out of the hundreds of transactions I've had there has been maybe 2 that were problematic. In both cases I was refunded for trimmed cards.
Ebay is the best thing to ever happen to collecting cards. You can find just about anything on there and for the most part it polices itself pretty tightly with user ratings.
It's not perfect but I can tell you that while I do enjoy going to card shows more I purchased a "flawless card" awhile back at a show and when I got home I measured it up with other cards from the same year....and it was trimmed slightly. I was only out $30 bucks but there was no recourse for me to get my money back.
If you ever give Ebay a chance you might just find you love it.
Paul Maul...
The vast majority of transaction done on e-bay (99%+) go through without issue. Out of the hundreds of transactions I've had there has been maybe 2 that were problematic. In both cases I was refunded for trimmed cards.
Ebay is the best thing to ever happen to collecting cards. You can find just about anything on there and for the most part it polices itself pretty tightly with user ratings.
It's not perfect but I can tell you that while I do enjoy going to card shows more I purchased a "flawless card" awhile back at a show and when I got home I measured it up with other cards from the same year....and it was trimmed slightly. I was only out $30 bucks but there was no recourse for me to get my money back.
If you ever give Ebay a chance you might just find you love it.
It sounds like you are referring to buying on ebay. The issue is selling and having to deal with people who scam and steal.
To the OP - I'm sorry this happened to you. As far as advice, my first thought was to mention that you talked to your lawyer and was advised to receive a signed document from him stating that the box was missing xxxx card. Explain that the box was tampered with and is now a felony offense that is being investigated. I wouldn't accuse the scammer, but as Casey mentioned, make hoops for him to go through in hopes that he doesn't keep his story straight. Or try scaring him with legal stuff.
I don't have any experience with this, so my advise is just my thoughts if I were in your shoes. Keep us posted as to what happens, I hope it works out for you.
Someone above suggested telling the buyer to just collect the insurance. The insurance is purchased by the seller and must be claimed by the seller , right ? But to do it effectively seller would need the "proof" the buyer has, and his cooperation, right ? Is insurance for the most part a waste of money for seller ? Has anyone had experiences where they have collected on a claim ? I get that if the item is damaged in transit, or lost by post office entirely proof of loss should be easier, but does that process work smoothly. ? Just curious.
Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007
Al
1. It is true that eBay always protects the buyer. That does not mean they will take your money. It means that the buyer will be refunded. What you are fighting for is for eBay to be the ones refunding them, not you.
2. This is a you-said / they-said situation. If neither the seller nor the buyer can produce any verifiable documentation that the box was shipped full or empty, it is not fair for them to hold it against you. When talking to eBay, use the words "Seller Protection" and point out that you followed all of eBay's procedures for the transaction. Ask them what protection you as a seller have against a buyer falsely making such a claim. What proof would be sufficient for them to side in your favor?
3. I have never had this happen to me, but did have a buyer fake a return. They purchased a card, initiated a return, and sent something else back with tracking. eBay at first sided with the buyer. I called and talked to several people. Logical and reasoned pleas DO help. eBay does have the discretion to, on a one-time basis, eat the cost of the transaction themselves. That is your goal.
Ask the buyer for these photographs.
Look through his feedback history and contact people he purchased from in the past. Explain to them what is going on and ask if he did ANYTHING to them to get refunds - partial or full.
Go back to eBay and do everything Casey explained. Get up the CS chain. It is VERY IMPORTANT to use the TERMINOLOGY Casey mentioned - "Seller Protection"
Explain that you have requested pictures of the package and the buyer is unwilling to work with you. If any sellers have given you info on this buyer scamming them, this is the time to tell eBay.
If you've been selling a lot on eBay and have large selling limits, mention this and let them know that you are considering taking your business to Amazon and Etsy -- of course you do not want to sell through those avenues, but "Amazon" and "Etsy" make eBay CS act differently. Use your longstanding account as some sort of leverage. Don't threaten, just explain your concerns about an unsafe environment for you to sell in.
Be nice, courteous and CONSISTENT throughout. You ARE being recorded and the higher up people can listen to all of your calls leading up to them.
When you're on hold, talk to your dog or toaster about how you're getting scammed. The eBay people CAN STILL HEAR YOU when they place you on hold.
And GET NAMES of EVERYONE you speak with. Document EVERYTHING.
Good luck!
According to the post eBay asked for a police report.
If I were in your shoes, losing 1k in this fashion, I would NEVER sell anything of value on eBay again -- in fact this is kinda making me re-think selling high priced items there.
It may be worth moving your inventory to a Shopify-like store and use eBay only as a buyer. Sell when you want to liquidate and could care less if the buyer scams you.
Serious collectors WILL find your store online. eBay is only one source for most collectors.
I'm done selling high dollar boxes through ebay. Only direct deals from now on.
I had a buyer hit the BIN on a $500 box. Low feedback so I googled him. I was very afraid to complete this deal based on what I saw. Thankfully he requested to cancel the deal.
Ask the buyer for pictures of the package, specifically where it was opened. Ask buyer to send pictures of all contents including the bubble envelope. Ask to see the seal of the bubble envelope.
Ask the buyer for these photographs.
Look through his feedback history and contact people he purchased from in the past. Explain to them what is going on and ask if he did ANYTHING to them to get refunds - partial or full.
Go back to eBay and do everything Casey explained. Get up the CS chain. It is VERY IMPORTANT to use the TERMINOLOGY Casey mentioned - "Seller Protection"
Explain that you have requested pictures of the package and the buyer is unwilling to work with you. If any sellers have given you info on this buyer scamming them, this is the time to tell eBay.
If you've been selling a lot on eBay and have large selling limits, mention this and let them know that you are considering taking your business to Amazon and Etsy -- of course you do not want to sell through those avenues, but "Amazon" and "Etsy" make eBay CS act differently. Use your longstanding account as some sort of leverage. Don't threaten, just explain your concerns about an unsafe environment for you to sell in.
Be nice, courteous and CONSISTENT throughout. You ARE being recorded and the higher up people can listen to all of your calls leading up to them.
When you're on hold, talk to your dog or toaster about how you're getting scammed. The eBay people CAN STILL HEAR YOU when they place you on hold.
And GET NAMES of EVERYONE you speak with. Document EVERYTHING.
Good luck!
What will getting pics accomplish and asking where it was opened? Seriously. Why wouldn't they just send a pic of an empty box and wrap?
NO they can't hear you on hold. If your not hearing music, you may not be on hold and you can still speak to them.
For 1k the higher ups aren't going to go back and listen to recordings. They'll usually just give blunt rote answers. They've been thru this and heard nearly every excuse from both sides for a long time.
Best advice - don't get advice from strangers on the internet. Joking a little. Good luck. Absolutely sounds like a scam from someone.
On my computer now, a few more tips for the OP:
1. It is true that eBay always protects the buyer. That does not mean they will take your money. It means that the buyer will be refunded. What you are fighting for is for eBay to be the ones refunding them, not you.
2. This is a you-said / they-said situation. If neither the seller nor the buyer can produce any verifiable documentation that the box was shipped full or empty, it is not fair for them to hold it against you. When talking to eBay, use the words "Seller Protection" and point out that you followed all of eBay's procedures for the transaction. Ask them what protection you as a seller have against a buyer falsely making such a claim. What proof would be sufficient for them to side in your favor?
3. I have never had this happen to me, but did have a buyer fake a return. They purchased a card, initiated a return, and sent something else back with tracking. eBay at first sided with the buyer. I called and talked to several people. Logical and reasoned pleas DO help. eBay does have the discretion to, on a one-time basis, eat the cost of the transaction themselves. That is your goal.
Great advice Casey
Ask the buyer for pictures of the package, specifically where it was opened. Ask buyer to send pictures of all contents including the bubble envelope. Ask to see the seal of the bubble envelope.
Ask the buyer for these photographs.
Look through his feedback history and contact people he purchased from in the past. Explain to them what is going on and ask if he did ANYTHING to them to get refunds - partial or full.
Go back to eBay and do everything Casey explained. Get up the CS chain. It is VERY IMPORTANT to use the TERMINOLOGY Casey mentioned - "Seller Protection"
Explain that you have requested pictures of the package and the buyer is unwilling to work with you. If any sellers have given you info on this buyer scamming them, this is the time to tell eBay.
If you've been selling a lot on eBay and have large selling limits, mention this and let them know that you are considering taking your business to Amazon and Etsy -- of course you do not want to sell through those avenues, but "Amazon" and "Etsy" make eBay CS act differently. Use your longstanding account as some sort of leverage. Don't threaten, just explain your concerns about an unsafe environment for you to sell in.
Be nice, courteous and CONSISTENT throughout. You ARE being recorded and the higher up people can listen to all of your calls leading up to them.
When you're on hold, talk to your dog or toaster about how you're getting scammed. The eBay people CAN STILL HEAR YOU when they place you on hold.
And GET NAMES of EVERYONE you speak with. Document EVERYTHING.
Good luck!
What will getting pics accomplish and asking where it was opened? Seriously. Why wouldn't they just send a pic of an empty box and wrap?
NO they can't hear you on hold. If your not hearing music, you may not be on hold and you can still speak to them.
For 1k the higher ups aren't going to go back and listen to recordings. They'll usually just give blunt rote answers. They've been thru this and heard nearly every excuse from both sides for a long time.
Best advice - don't get advice from strangers on the internet. Joking a little. Good luck. Absolutely sounds like a scam from someone.
Asking for pics is important because it takes the ball out of their hands. It is likely that the scammer will not provide any. This helps the seller to show eBay that the buyer is not complying. Worse case scenario, they actually send pictures of an empty box and wrap, but if they don't then it will benefit the seller.
YES they can absolutely, 100% can hear you on the other end.
BTW---the exact same thing can happen in a direct deal through PayPal. The dispute mechanism is very similar. It can even happen if you get paid gift through a credit card chargeback. If you want to sell at all, and most of us do from time to time as we upgrade or our interests change, you have to know how to handle these situations to protect yourself.
On a direct deal I have the opportunity to communicate with the seller prior to the deal. Scams can happen but I find people that reach out directly to negotiate are more likely to be true buyers.
If you are planning to scam me, and ebay policies will allow you to do it, why should you care what the product costs since at the end of the day the cost will be ZERO to you?
I can give you some advice. If you call and get the answer you don't like be cordial, hang up and call back and talk to someone different. You must get through to someone that speaks English well and understands what is going on.
If the item was insured the person is going to have to work with you in regards to any sort of insurance claim. Not sure why everyone always says the buyer needs to follow through with the claim. Doesn't matter who the carrier is, the person who purchased the insurance is the only person who can file and follow through with a claim. The seller is the purchaser of the insurance and unless the buyer is even willing to send you pictures of a tampered with box along with the contents back to you no company is going to settle the claim. Now if the buyer is scamming but starts to play ball a little so you can start the claim process this will also help bring heat down on him and his address since whoever delivered the item that day will be questioned about if the box had been tampered with and they will not appreciate it from someone who is on their delivery route causing them extra headaches.
They call me "Pack the Ripper"
I was under the impression that unless the package is damaged or was clearly opened and resealed the seller's chance at a successful insurance claim is basically nil. Hopefully I am wrong.
Robb
Does eBay allow a seller to sell only to people with a decent feedback rating?
No.
For valuable items, I always wait in line for them to scan it in at the post office and get a receipt. Did you have them scan in your package....or did you just drop it in the box? If you had them scan it in (they always place it on the scale), the weight of the box might be on your receipt....even if it is a flat rate box. It would obviously weigh a few more ounces with the card in it.
I had them scan it. I do the same thing after a package I dropped off a couple years ago never got scanned. It was a $1,500 card but thankfully the buyer was honest and said they received it.