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possible scammer & refusing to pay their countries custom/tariff tax to receive delivery and eBay holding my payout
Summary: sarah-jw92 is a new seller who shipped two 'no return' items internationally and is experiencing issues with a buyer who has not yet received the items. The buyer complained about customs declarations and item quality, although the items are still in customs. Despite providing detailed descriptions and photos, the buyer requested a refund, affecting the seller's payout. sarah-jw92 seeks advice on how to resolve the situation and get eBay to release the payment hold.
Hi, I am a new seller and sold my first 2 items to one person who lives in another country than myself. These items were both “no return”/“final sale items” and shipped the two items on June 25th, 2026. The buyer messaged me complaining & upset that I filled out the customs/tariff form out truthfully and legally. He was hinting that I shouldn’t have claimed what it really was and acted like I screwed him over. Because I filled it out “incorrectly” to the buyer, he was asked to pay the tax/tariff amount before it would be delivered. He complained that the ring was “cloudy” and not good, wanting a refund… but he has not even received the item, it’s still sitting in customs and has been since July 7th. I messaged the buyer multiple times asking if he was going to get his item or let me know if he’s not going to pay for the tax. He then complained about the 2nd item which was a gemstone saying “you did not tell me about the inclusions, I want a refund.” But funny thing is that I told him there were inclusions visible right in the eBay chat and even sent more close up pictures before he purchased. But now this buyer requested a return and refund for the gemstone. And now my payout is still on hold because he won’t pay for the countries customs/tariff tax on the first item and wants a return for the second even though we spoke in detail about the inclusions and quality. He won’t respond to any of my messages and just want the money from the items I sold and shipped to the person.
How can I get eBay customer service to release the hold as I did my part as a seller and gave plenty of detail of both items before he made an offer. Want to get the hold off!!!
eastlaneave
Mentor1 month agosarah-jw92
If the buyer doesn't pay the customs fee, the items will be considered delivered and your money will be released. It just takes time, up to 30 days from the expected delivery date.
If the buyer opens a return request, send them the return label and report them for misusing the money back guarantee. Come back here for more advice about the return.
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Here is where you can report a Buyer. Click the button to begin the report. https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/report-issue-buyer?id=4084
- Buyer misused returns