Package Arrived Empty - "Request a Return"?

[jack_mord]

Won some old photos, seller shipped in one of those flat rate Priority envelopes, even though they were heavy photos, in wood boxes..   When the package arrived the back had burst open and it was completely empty. Sent pics to the seller.. it's pretty obvious he thinks I'm trying to scam him, and he's not being very helpful...

Anyway, today I decide to open a case and I want to be sure exactly what to select to make sure I get my payment back.  If I click, "I received an item that wasn't as described", then "damaged / missing parts" the only option I am given is "Request a Return".  Should I click that and return the empty envelope?

I buy a lot but very rarely deal with lost/damaged items.. any advice appreciated.. I really did not receive the items due to dumb packaging and I don't want to lose my money as well.

** Note, the seller also entered the wrong tracking number, so even though it was delivered 4 days ago the shipping status still says "Tracking number provided", so in eBay's view it hasn't even been delivered yet...

[Anonymous]

Open an Item Not as Described Case.  Even though tracking may be incorrect, it may correct so do not open an Item Not received case.  If seller wants the empty envelope back, he pays return shipping for Item Not as Described case.

Four days after you have opened the case, return to the case details and click on Ask eBay to step in if seller does not resolve.  Request from eBay a Prepaid return shipping label and refund. 

[ed8108]

Don't forget to contact your local post office related to mail article contents lost/ missing.

[thatsallfolks]

USPS delivered the package, even though it had "burst open", without including any acknowledgement that it was damaged while in their possession?

That's probably why the seller doesn't believe you. 

[jack_mord]

Yeah that is probably why he said it was "fishy" and said he would be in contact with my personal mail carrier.. lol

I don't think USPS even noticed the damage, tbh... it was their paper Priority Mail envelope and looked a little wrinkled but otherwise laid flat..  could've been a check or something in there for all they knew... until you turned it over and noticed the big rip across the back. I guess that's what happens when you jam a bunch of stuff in a paper flat rate envelope to save yourself $1.00, instead of using their bubble or Tyvek  Priority mailer.

[jack_mord]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

You are Welcome.

[emerald_door]

Your seller might not be aware of how to get the padded Priority envelopes, but the regular flat rate envelopes just don't hold up very well.  Sorry that happened to you. 

[jack_mord]

He accepted my return and sent a refund. Now eBay is sending me a return label to send the empty envelope back!

[Anonymous]

If seller already refunded, it sounds like he does not want the  empty envelope returned.  He gets charged the return shipping.  I would ask him.  If you have been refunded and he say do not send it back, then you can close the case.