Authentication Program Farce

[Anonymous]

What can I say other than what a complete and utter pantomime. EBay have surely made a rod for their own back here and it’s open to abuse by 'try before you buy' scammers.

Recently sold a luxury watch. The buyer having tried all sorts to avoid going through the ‘Authentication' process and not paying with PayPal (and failed)  decided to (naturally) start a return as soon as he got the watch with a load of fabricated excuses regarding the condition.

This was a watch that eBay's so called experts deemed authentic and as described yet anyone with buyer’s remorse or just fancied wearing it for a night can overrule.

I now have a watch returned marked and with a damaged box and I’m out of pocket. I’ve spoken to about a dozen customer service agents that are experts in appearing sympathetic but at the end of the day they’re employed by a money making giant. As a result of their incompetence to deal with corrupt/chancing buyers the sellers take the hit.

Thanks eBay I’ve given you 11 years of custom and fees but it’s  looking like I won’t be selling anything else. Once bitten twice shy.

[ittybitnot]

This was a watch that eBay's so called experts deemed authentic and as described yet anyone with buyer’s remorse or just fancied wearing it for a night can overrule.

@Anonymous 

Did your buyer file an eBay claim or a Payment Dispute (aka chargeback).  Was the watch sent back to the authenticator first, or directly to you?  

[slippinjimmy]

Was the watch returned first to the Authenticators or directly to you?

[ittybitnot]

@Anonymous 

Here is the link to the page on this site regarding the authenticity program regarding watches.  Please note that you are registered in the UK and there may be a different set of rules and protocol. You can expand the FAQ and Terms and conditions here: 

https://pages.ebay.com/authenticity-guarantee-watches-seller/

Since we cannot for some reason see your sold listing (either old, or on another ID)  we can't give much advice.   Here is another thread posted a few days ago where the seller has received a Payment Dispute (aka chargeback) for a watch.  Customer service has been giving conflicting information, and the watch has not yet been returned.   You can read this here: 

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/Seller-eBay-Authenticity-Guarantee-Nightmare-Begins/td-p/32645483

At this point it is not known if the policies/protections are ONLY for eBay claims, and NOT Payment Disputes, or if YOU have an eBay claim or a Payment Dispute. 

Will check back. 

[Anonymous]

It went through the authenticators. Which completely negates the point of it if anyone without just reason can return an item. So much for 'entering a contract '

To add insult to injury having spoken to 2 members of the authentication team they agreed there was nothing wrong with the watch. 

[Anonymous]

What is this 'accept as solution' token gesture? I’ve been ripped off by the eBay system. Conned. Had. Another email came through this morning stating the 'case' (yeah right, it never was any kind of case ever) went in the buyers favour. In other words you’re free to buy what you like , wear it and return it for a full refund. A bit like hiring or renting except it costs you nothing. The mugs that are eBay’s selling customers will foot the bill.