eBay

maloprmalopr · ‎11-12-2025

It has been over a month that a buyer opened a return request. The card was authenticated by eBay. The buyer claims that upon receiving the card from EBay's Authenticity program the card has been damaged during shipping.

Is the card returned to the authenticator or to me?

How long should the return process take?

What can I do?

Since the case has not been resolved my funds are still on hold.

The card was shipped on Sept. 11. Arrived at authenticator Sept. 13. Card authenticated. Shipped to buyer by authenticator on Sept. 23. Buyer received card on Sept. 25. Case opened on Sept, 26. It is now Nov. 12.

playklax · ‎11-17-2025

From the Seller page on the Authentication Program:

What will happen if my item is damaged or lost while in the possession of the authenticator?

In this unlikely event, eBay will cover such loss or damage of the item.

The card would go back to the Authentication Program, not you directly.

maloprmalopr · ‎11-17-2025

OK, thanks, Playklax. More or less do you or anyone else knows how long this should take?

ryry-jj · ‎11-17-2025

No idea how long it takes, but just know eBay now owns the card and can resell it or do what they want with it, much like when items get returned to eBay after shipping through eISP

maloprmalopr · ‎11-19-2025

So, in other words, eBay keeps my card and I get nothing in return. No money and no card. Would that be considered theft. I should be compensated. In one more week it will be 2 months since the return request has been put into motion.

maloprmalopr · ‎11-30-2025

Update:

I ask buyer if he heard anything from eBay regarding the return.

Buyer responded, Nope, They ghosted me. Nothing.

So I said, your sayin that you returned the card to the authenticator and they are in possession of the card now.

Buyer replied, I was awaiting instructions/decision from eBay. Or a resolution. I still am in possession of the card.

Buyer still has the card and I am out the price of the card.

On the retrun page there is a link to report a probelm theses are the only choices:

1. The buyer claims they returned the item, but I never received it.

2. The buyer returned a different item or an empty boxThe buyer returned a different item or an empty box.

3. The buyer returned an item that was opened, used, damaged or with missing partsThe buyer returned an item that was opened, used, damaged or with missing parts.

4. The buyer claimed the item was not as described when it was described accuratelyThe buyer claimed the item was not as described when it was described accurately.

No options for this situation.

Need HELP!

It is now over two months and eBay and has done nothing and the buyer has done nothing either.

I ak again what is my nest step how can I get intouch with eBay to resolve this situation.

ryry-jj · ‎11-30-2025

No, you would keep the money from the sale. eBay pays for it and refunds the buyer. eBay keeps the card and can do whatever they want with it to recoup costs or dispose of. Just like insurance, when insurance pays your claim for say a totaled car, they now own the car to sell off for parts or salvage

katertot1372 · ‎12-05-2025

This has been happening quite a bit where Ebay Authenticators damage card either during receiving, transferring or improperly packaging & shipping to buyer. No idea why they don't take multiple pictures of the card in the original shipping and in the top loader or PSA slab when they receive. No accountability.

mr_lincoln · ‎12-05-2025

@maloprmalopr wrote:
Update:
I ask buyer if he heard anything from eBay regarding the return.
Buyer responded, Nope, They ghosted me. Nothing.
So I said, your sayin that you returned the card to the authenticator and they are in possession of the card now.
Buyer replied, I was awaiting instructions/decision from eBay. Or a resolution. I still am in possession of the card.
Buyer still has the card and I am out the price of the card.
On the retrun page there is a link to report a probelm theses are the only choices:
1. The buyer claims they returned the item, but I never received it.
2. The buyer returned a different item or an empty boxThe buyer returned a different item or an empty box.
3. The buyer returned an item that was opened, used, damaged or with missing partsThe buyer returned an item that was opened, used, damaged or with missing parts.
4. The buyer claimed the item was not as described when it was described accuratelyThe buyer claimed the item was not as described when it was described accurately.
No options for this situation.
Need HELP!
It is now over two months and eBay and has done nothing and the buyer has done nothing either.
I ak again what is my nest step how can I get intouch with eBay to resolve this situation.

Hi @maloprmalopr

In basic terms it sounds like you are getting taken by the system. Held funds per eBay policy are typically released in 30 days. Some holds could be longer and if that process using the Authentication process is what is causing the delay in you getting paid I have no clue where that is written.

Do you know if the Buyer actually got their refund or not?

At this point it might be a good idea to tray and be in contact with eBay. Social Media might be the best approach.

-Contacting eBay via Social Media:

Contact customer service by sending a PRIVATE message on social media. Customer service verifies your identity before responding.

6 AM to 6 PM PST

https://x.com/askebay

https://www.facebook.com/ebay

https://www.instagram.com/ebayforsellers/

At one time we had a good link to have members request a call back from eBay but that link now just dumps members on a page where they have to make a lot of topic choices to get anywhere ... here is that link: eBay Customer Service

Best regards,
Mr. Lincoln - eBay Community Mentor