Package ripped open in transit and item lost. How to report?

[m.l.epstein]

The seller tried to ship me a heavy item in a cheap paper envelope, and predictably all I received was a badly torn envelope with nothing in it. I reported that I never received the item, asked Ebay to step in when the seller didn't respond, and Ebay closed the case within minutes because tracking shows the package was delivered.

I'm appealing the decision now so hopefully it gets sorted out soon. But was there a way to report this situation so Ebay would understand it from the beginning and I wouldn't have to appeal? I'm wondering if I should have reported "parts missing" since at least then its clear that the package was delivered, even though in my case the whole item is missing and not just some parts.

[airsheep]

Whenever you receive something, no matter what, ebay's bots see you've received 'something' and will automatically reject the Item Not Received option.  In your case, you should go to the next dropdown and select something like 'missing pieces or parts' or 'doesn't match description.'

[m.l.epstein]

Thank you, I thought that might be the case. In case my appeal is rejected will I be able to file another report with one of those options?

[house*of*paws]

Hi @m.l.epstein 

You are able to file a Return Request after losing an ‘Item not received’ dispute.

I would choose ‘Item doesn’t match description or photos’ as the reason for the request … as an empty package is NOT what the listing described/showed.

If the seller doesn’t provide either a prepaid shipping label OR a full refund within 3 business days … go back to your open request and ask eBay to step in.

[If the seller provides a free shipping label … then pack up whatever you received into an envelope or box … attach the label … and ship.]

In the future … always open a Return Request whenever you receive an empty package.

[kensgiftshop]

Go to your purchase history and click return item and select, the item doesn't match the description as the reason.
The seller will have 3 days to accept the return and pay return shipping or refund without returning.
If they don't, return to the case on day 4 and ask Ebay to step in.

[ms.rodriguez*]

Anytime that you get an empty package or the item is NOT what you bought, open an item NOT as described case.  

[m.l.epstein]

Thank you. I guess if they provide a shipping label then I can send back the empty envelope, although I don't see the point.

[house*of*paws]

---

@m.l.epstein wrote:

Thank you. I guess if they provide a shipping label then I can send back the empty envelope, although I don't see the point.

---

@m.l.epstein 

Neither do I ... but I've learned from experience that it's not worth arguing with bots.  😉

[m.l.epstein]

Update: I won the appeal and Ebay refunded me. Unfortunately, Ebay deemed the item "stolen" so it looks like the seller gets to keep their ill-gotten money. Time to write a rave review...

[kathiec]

If I could offer a word of wisdom about feedback. There's nothing wrong with leaving negative feedback when it's deserved. But I notice that you've received 15 feedback and left none, which indicates you only plan to leave feedback when it's negative. The problem with that is, since buyers can only receive positive feedback, many sellers look at your feedback left for others. If it's only red, they won't take the time to figure out that your number of feedback left is much lower than your feedback received. They'll just label you a problem buyer and block you.

There's a really simple way around that. Leave feedback for every transaction. The negs you leave will be blunted on your profile by a sea of positives. But the negs will still have the same effect on the sellers.

[xadexane]

---

@m.l.epstein wrote:

Update: I won the appeal and Ebay refunded me. Unfortunately, Ebay deemed the item "stolen" so it looks like the seller gets to keep their ill-gotten money. Time to write a rave review...

---

Unfortunately @m.l.epstein you lost the case, so feedback is blocked, else automatically removed. So your seller gets away, again.

[soh.maryl]

Glad to hear you got refunded at the end, but am a little surprised about this.  Usually, when a package is received that's obviously empty, the local USPS puts  it in another package and has a note about the condition of the package when it was received by them.

[m.l.epstein]

That's a good point kathiec. I don't use Ebay very often, but I re-ordered this item from another seller so I'll be sure to leave positive feedback once it arrives.