Received empty package, not item

[an89ag]

Howdy,

Ebay has stated they will not refund my $450 for an item that I did not receive, because Seller showed it "proof of delivery".   The problem is that the envelope I received was empty, though it had damage indicating that the item may have been lost "in the Mail".  The item was delivered on a Saturday to my office, so no one was around.  The envelope was put through the Mail slot, though it likely would not have fit, if the item was actually in the envelope.  Any thoughts?

[twinkling.smile]

@an89ag 

Edited answer.

You have to make another claim and start a return for "an item not as described".

Does tracking show that the envelope was empty? Or do you need written proof from the carrier?

This is your guide after receiving a problematic item like an empty envelope.

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/returns-refunds/returning-item?id=4041 

Notice that there are two kind of returns. Buyer's remorse and faulty item.

For a faulty, misrepresented item the seller has to provide a return label. Or send shipping money, before you return with tracking.

The seller has to provide a clear return address.

Ask eBay to step in, if the seller doesn't cooperate. You can do that 3 business days later.

[twinkling.smile]

@an89ag 

Did you notice that I changed my answer dramatically?

😉

[ferncliff-39]

@an89ag 

You received "a package" (albeit empty) which is why your 'not received' claim was denied.

Now you need to open a Return Request from your Purchase History - using "missing parts or pieces" as the reason. Keep photos of the damaged envelope for the claim.

Did the carrier add any sticker or stamped notation that damage was noted during transit - USPS usually does that if it's obvious.

You would need to return the empty envelope inside some outer packaging - the seller will have to provide a prepaid return label.

[an89ag]

Thanks for the reply everyone!  The envelope is a typical 8x10 flat paper envelope with a bubble wrap lining.  The damage is a rip on the back side, and USPS did not put a sticker on it.  It is not obvious that it is damaged to the point an item could "come out", so I guess that's why it was not noted.  

I filed an appeal, but not heard back (too early for reply at this point).  I like the idea of returning "the item", as it certainly was not what I had ordered.  Should I go ahead and move forward with the return, or wait a couple days for a reply to my appeal?  

[ferncliff-39]

@an89ag 

When did you file the appeal - usually if there is tracking w/delivery appeals are denied very quickly.

Did you speak to an eBay rep to do that?

Was this package insured - the seller could open an insurance claim (for their benefit, not yours) but without the carrier notation, they probably wouldn't get very far with it.

[an89ag]

A "real person" responded to my appeal.  She said that I need to file a police report and get that information back to her.  Just filed the report on-line, so I'll see what happens from here.  

Thanks again to all the above,

John

[twinkling.smile]

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.

[an89ag · Accepted solution]

Okie dokie. Let’s call this “solved”. I filed a police report online, so that was pretty easy.  The instructions I had were to upload the report to eBay and then wait. I did, and did, and eBay reversed their decision and refunded my money almost immediately. 

Thanks again to everyone who responded to my request for help. Y’all are awesome!

 John

[twinkling.smile]

Congrats! And thanks for telling.