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Shoe sellers beware of dry rot scam
Hey eBay Shoe Sellers,
Heads up! I've noticed a disturbing trend with some buyers attempting shoe scams. They're claiming rapid disintegration, sending pics of wrecked shoes, and using intimidating tactics for full refunds. On social media, the term "dry rot" is thrown around, and it seems incredibly overused and likely a scam tactic. Gently used leather shoes in excellent condition stored indoors don't just fall apart.
Be cautious! Refuse refunds based solely on photos. If needed, absorb shipping costs and thoroughly inspect returned items before refunding.
Don't be intimidated, some may leave fake negative feedback hoping you'll negotiate a refund without a return so, report these scammers to eBay ASAP then leave a review on their account too. Immediate action might not be apparent by eBay, but they'll eventually be booted from the platform.
Let's be vigilant, protect our stores, and watch out for these scams!
rombump2007
·1 year agoI'm a frequent buying from both ebay and Poshmark and I've experienced a few especially shoes that have dry rotted some are noticeable after the first wear. It is not fair to buy something and not able to get a decent amount of wear from it. I myself has things that I haven't worn for a long time and only to find that they have dry rotted too. Materials being used nowadays are not of great quality and if not stored properly will be compromised. I don't think the majority of complaints are scams. I think most are legit complaints. Its best to inspect items such as bending shoes to look for cracking and peeling. Hope I'm able to shed some light on the situation.
inhawaii
·1 year agoWhat scam should we be aware of?
aryastreasuretrunk
·1 year agoI agree. Just got this message as a follow up to a return request. And she sent eBay pics of the destroyed shoes!!
“I do not know what is going on but I never received the label; I talked to my person at the shoe repair and he thinks that the Donald Pliner shoes were simply dry rotted. He said it is like a tire that sits a long time and when you do drive it they just fall apart. I think that is what happened to these shoes. I don t think it was any fault of yours and they did look perfectly fine until I wore them all day and the rubber soles just fell to pieces. Please send me a return label so you can see for yourself and I can get a refund. Thanksâ€
what recourse do we have as sellers?
a_c_green
·1 year agoIt sounds like you have already done your part by issuing a return label in response to the return request. Her story about never having received it isn't really your concern as long as eBay has seen that you responded to the return request by accepting the return and sending the label (or had it done for you automatically, depending on how your return policy is set up). She has some slightly absurd amount of time (30 days?) to use the label to return the item before you will need to refund. (She could also buy her own label and upload its tracking number.)
m60driver
·2 years agoDry rot on older shoes, both used and NOS is actually quite common. Gently used leather shoes in excellent condition stored indoors can indeed, over time, experience dry rot. And I sort of doubt that given the pricing of your sold shoes that they would become the target of a scammer.
maxine*j
·2 years agoMaybe it is a scam. Maybe it is not.
The fact is that it is a real problem with shoes. Depending upon the materials and depending upon how they were stored, shoes that are still brand new in the box and appear perfect and pristine can fall apart the first time someone wears them.
Because of this problem, many sellers of of shoes that are collected are sold only for that: They are sold as collectibles with the disclaimer that they are sold as items for display only.
I repeat, maybe you and others are running into scammers. I can't know if you are or are not. But not all claims that great-looking shoes simply fell apart are bogus claims, not by a long shot.
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68barbie
·2 years agoThis happened to me last weekend! I had picked up some new old stock t-strap shoes (still in the box, mind you) that were perfect for the 50's style dress I had bought for a Christmas party. I never even made it out of the house before the heel taps disintegrated all over the closet and bathroom floor....lol I scrambled for another pair of shoes to complement the dress but was grateful the others fell apart sooner rather than later. 🙂
-C
broto_64
·2 years agoAnd how exactly am I supposed to "refuse" a refund, my experience is if I don't issue the refund then ebay steps in, takes the money out of my account, gives it to the buyer, and I get a defect for being uncooperative.
So I certainly hope you haven't done so because even thou you may have felt like you won perhaps you should double-check those cases, also 3 or more of those "defects" and you run the risk of being NARU.
bloomsales
OP2 years agoYes, you're correct when the buyer returns an item the seller needs to issue a refund but in this scam, despite offering free returns and urging buyers to use provided shipping labels for returning items they claimed were damaged, they do not return them. They're only after a refund while keeping the great items they've purchased from you.
fern*wood
·2 years agoIt’s a pretty common problem with some types of soles, especially brands like Clark’s. Always test the soles by bending & twisting, even if they appear new.
inhawaii
·2 years agoDry rot on "new" old stock shoes are a real thing.
Most sellers here who sell clothes or shoes will tell ya.
bloomsales
OP2 years agoAs I said, the term is being overused. Just beware and don't refund based on photos that may or may not be authentic.
ckimodog
·2 years ago@bloomsales
So sorry for your situation. It seems there's a new scam every day. It makes you wonder what people really do with their day. Sad. The only thing I can suggest is to take as many pictures as eBay allows us, describe to the best of your ability (I'm sure you did), offer free returns. It's tough being a seller now days. I've been a seller on eBay pretty much since it started having various shops. It used to be a lot of fun way back when, now it's just a coin toss how the transaction will turn out. Hang in there & keep the faith.
Happy Holidays (and selling) 😊
bloomsales
OP2 years agoThank you for the encouragement. It amazes me how often I'm getting those photos of completely torn shoes all over. Then the rage of those scammer who leave nasty feedback when they can't get their way, but yes, I'm not going anywhere and will always report them one by one.
bloomsales
OP2 years agoI am already offering free returns but that type of scam aims to get a full refund while keeping the item. They'll send you fake photos of damaged shoes.
albertabrightalberta
·2 years agoI doubt they're wanting to keep shoes that are falling apart. Free returns are just that. You pay return shipping and the buyer returns the item with the label.
FWIW, Ecco shoes are also known for falling apart.
If you're getting that many complaints about dry rotting shoes, you need to test the soles before listing them. While I've found some great deals on thrifted shoes, I've also left a lot of pairs behind because they split as soon as I bent them.