Seller not responding to warranty claim

Question

I bought an item last December that included a 1-year warranty from the seller. The item has failed, and I have been trying to contact the seller for instructions how to return the item for warranty service. The seller has not responded - it has been a week. I have sent three messages. I now need assistance from eBay, but contacting Customer Service is not straightforward for this particular set of circumstances. How do I get help?

eburtonlab · Answer

If you purchased a third-party warranty, contact the warranty service directly.

eBay's money back guarantee, which is not a warranty, only applies in the first thirty days after receipt of the item.

Manufacturer's warranties typically only apply if you purchase the item from an authorized dealer; check with the manufacturer to see what your options are.

A warranty is only as good as the reputation of whoever offers it. A claim of a two year warranty made by a random seller on eBay is not worth much. Neither you nor eBay can force the seller to honor the warranty if the seller disappears or ignores you.

You may have some protection from PayPal or your payment method; PayPal and many credit cards may offer up to six months protection for your purchases.