eBay

tiramisu41 · ‎07-27-2016

So I sell a cassette collection via BIN to a buyer in Hawaii over the 4th of July weekend. Buyer had the option to have it sent with Expedited Shipping but declined, so it was sent "standard" via Media Mail. I use eBay's labeling system, package up the item, and take it the PO for dispatch.

Later that afternoon, I get a message from eBay saying the buyer had requested to cancel their order, but since package had already been sent, eBay had informed buyer on my behalf it was too late to cancel. I call eBay about this as I had never run into this problem before, and they say, "no worries -- we've informed you and the buyer what's going on -- you need do nothing more."

After I mail out any eBay purchases, I always check eBay's tracking info and the USPS site to make sure they're on their way. Within 24 hrs of pick up at the PO this woman's package arrived at the USPS sorting center in Warrendale, PA awaiting further dispatch. A few days later I check again, and the status is the same, so the next time I go to the PO I ask them why it seems to be just sitting there and whether I should be concerned.

The answer was no. Media Mail to Hawaii from the Mainland usually takes 3-5 weeks as the PO aggregates the packages until they have sufficient quantity to merit onward shipment. Media Mail is the last to be shipped. They tell me to keep checking on its status and if the package hasn't been delivered in 4 wks time then to file a lost package trace request as it's too soon to do so now.

A few days later, I notice the buyer has lodged negative feedback against me. Reason being "I refuse to communicate." Huh? I never have heard a thing from this woman. Any/all communication I got about the order was from eBay -- not her. On top of that, I had spoken to eBay when I received the notice from them that they had denied the buyer's request to cancel the order and they had told me "everything's fine -- you don't need to do anything more."

So I call eBay about the negative feedback comment. They look at the trasaction and eBay message records. They agree that the buyer's negative feedback was unwarranted and removed it.

Another week goes by and I get another message from eBay. This time telling me the buyer had opened a case because "item had not been received" and that I need to provide eBay with tracking info. Huh?

Tracking info was instantly/automatically put into the transaction the second I printed the label via eBay's labelling system. Yes, I double-checked. It was and is still there plain as day so what in the heck are they talking about that they need me to provide the information?

But, I respond within minutes of the request giving eBay the tracking number, carrier, plus additional information about the fact buyer had opted for Media Mail shipping which takes 3-5 wks which PO confirmed. Since it's only been two weeks, I cannot file a trace request but was advised by PO if package doesn't arrive in 4 wks time to do it then, which I intended to do and would keep all posted.

Same info was sent to the buyer. I hear not one word from the woman AGAIN. No, "Thank you for the update. I'll let you know when it arrives. I'd like to send it back when it does because XYZ," etc. Absolute "radio silence" from her end, once again. **bleep**?

So I call eBay to discuss the situation and verify they received the information I sent them. They tell me "Yes, I see it here. You did everything right -- there's no reason to be concerned or nothing more you need to do."

SO TODAY, (you guessed it), I get a message from eBay saying they have closed the case, decided in the buyer's favor, and refunded her money. The reason? "Tracking info I provided was invalid." Come again?

I call eBay and the CS Rep tells me, "Yes, you did everything right, but the buyer didn't get her item so she has a legitimate complaint." I ask the woman if she can see the info I had relayed about usual Media Mail transit times to Hawaii, that the buyer opted NOT to use expedited shipping, and that PO had informed me that 4 wks need to go buy before I should file a lost package trace.

She says, "Yes I can see all that and I understand, but once a buyer opens a case, we let seven days go by and if there's no status change in the tracking info, we consider the info you provided to us as "invalid" and close the case in favor of the buyer."

I ask her again if she understands this package was sent to Hawaii not the lower 48 states, and the usual Media Mail shipping time is 3-5 wks which the buyer agreed to and enough time hasn't elapsed for the package to reach the buyer yet and my hands are tied trying to trace it until the first week on August according to the PO.

Her response? "Yes, I understand that, but your appeal will be denied because the buyer hasn't received the item so her complaint is legitimate."

So I ask her what happens when the item shows up. "Nothing," she says. "eBays already closed the case so there's no reason for us to get involved. If you want to try and send the buyer an invoice and ask her to pay for the item *outside of eBay* you can, but eBay won't intercede as the case is already closed."

I can't believe my ears.

I then ask her if there are other ramifications to this debacle and she says: "No, the buyer can't leave any negative feedback for you, but yes, since the order wasn't fulfilled it will count against you."

At that point, I had just about had it and said: "You mean to tell me, that despite the fact you and others at eBay have told me numerous times that "I did everything right" and provided you with everything your requested in a timely manner and kept everyone involved in the loop, that not only am I out an item which I am left to my own devices to get shipped back or paid for, you're penalizing me for something I have no control over -- a "crime" that hasn't even been proven to have been comitted since the requisite amount of time hasn't even elapsed yet for the item to be verified lost or for that matter delivered?"

Her answer? "Well, you could have avoided the problem entirely if you had just sent it Priority Mail. It would have gotten there in a timely manner and if it did get lost it would have been insured."

Gob-smacked doesn't quite cover it...

I said to her, let's not hash over the fact again that IT WAS THE BUYER that opted for Media Mail shipping, but if that's eBay's position (not to use Media Mail), then why doesn't eBay make it impossible for sellers to ship an item any other way, or at the very least have an auto warning message come up that says: "Due to significant delays in shipping from the Mainland to Hawaii (or vice-versa) we strongly suggest you use Priority Mail instead of Media Mail in order to expedite delivery and avoid your seller opening a 'Item Not Received' case against the transaction due to probable time required for delivery."

Her response? "Oh, we would never do that because we want sellers to have control over how they choose to sell and ship their items. Besides, I don't see why you're so concerned, you have 100% positive feedback and Top Seller status -- this incident isn't going to make a difference."

I kid you not! That's what she said. SImply incredible. So I hung up and told her: "Have a nice day."

So, moral of the story:

-- If you're selling an item that ordinarily is allowable and can be shipped via Media Mail and the buyer is in Hawaii, DON'T send it Media Mail. Either cough up the extra money to send it Priority Mail yourself, indicate in your listing that expedited shipping is required for buyers that aren't in the lower 48 states, or don't allow bidders outside of the lower 48 to bid at all.

-- Or, change your Media Mail listings to Priority Mail to avoid the problem all together, though in my case most of my "Media Mail items" sell for so little, the cost of expedited shipping would double or triple the total amount due, which is a buyer deterrent -- which is why I am not in favor of going that route.

-- Realize that even though eBay has denied a buyer's request to cancel an item after it has been shipped, that doesn't mean they can't blast you with negative feedback however unwarranted. IOW, you'd best keep eBay on your speed dial as you'll be talking to them a lot to get things straightened out.

-- Though I realize there are divergent opinions about whether to put bidders on a BBL, the buyer in question is now on mine and will stay there permanently.

-- If an eBay CS Rep tells you "You've done everything right, there's no need to worry" -- don't count on it.

-- For those who are wondering, yes I will be filing a lost package trace request with the PO in another week, though I fully expect the package will show up in due time.

-- And finally, I'm not totally convinced that the buyer wasn't trying to pull a fast one from the get-go given her behavior, but if she wants to scam me out of eight bucks that bad, she can have it. I'm not going to waste any more time or emotional energy on chasing her down for the money or demanding my item back. Just not worth it.

Apologies for the length of this, but hopefully there's some value in sharing what happened -- especially when it comes to how eBay chose to handle the matter, which on one hand is mind-blowing, but on the other, sadly the way it seems it goes.

Regardless, thanks for listening to me vent. Keep calm, and sell on!

tiramisu41 · ‎07-27-2016

@smick55 wrote:
Didn't the OP get a defect because the buyer escalated the case for a refund?

Yes, you are correct, smick55. I think "brad" and "unlucky" were responding to "dbmm's" earlier comments...

duchess-at-speakeasy · ‎07-27-2016

Common sense says that you don't use 4th class or 3rd class mail to send stuff to Hawaii, Alaska or anywhere outside the Lower 48 or vice versa.

I buy a lot of books, CD's, DVD's, calendars and other miscellany from Hawaii vendors, including eBay. Virtually all my sources specify that Media Mail and Parcel Select take 4-6 weeks for delivery outside the Islands. Some will utilize Priority Mail only, others will offer First Class Mail, and most will give generous discounts (even free shipping!) for multiple purchases. If a customer truly wants slow and cheap, it is understood on both sides . . . no complaints!

It is true that eBay vendors are under time constraints and could face dire consequences for slow service. But that does not mean eliminating customers or not offering surface options. It DOES mean using common sense, regardless of the buyer's shipping choice. You upgrade to First Class Mail or Priority Mail, automatically and without comment or complaint. Figure out the "what if's" BEFORE you list items for sale and, of course, price your items to allow for minor cost discrepancies.

Above all, get creative. Make use of FRB's and FRE's, Regional A and B boxes and multiple small containers that qualify for First Class Package Service or First Class Mail. Depending on size and weight, you well may find that an upgrade costs LESS than the original "cheap" shipping method!

~~C~~

My Glass Duchess
Quoting Mom: In polite society, "hey" is for horses.

tiramisu41 · ‎07-27-2016

@duchess-at-speakeasy wrote:
Common sense says that you don't use 4th class or 3rd class mail to send stuff to Hawaii, Alaska or anywhere outside the Lower 48 or vice versa...

It is true that eBay vendors are under time constraints and could face dire consequences for slow service. But that does not mean eliminating customers or not offering surface options. It DOES mean using common sense, regardless of the buyer's shipping choice. You upgrade to First Class Mail or Priority Mail, automatically and without comment or complaint. Figure out the "what if's" BEFORE you list items for sale and, of course, price your items to allow for minor cost discrepancies.

Above all, get creative. Make use of FRB's and FRE's, Regional A and B boxes and multiple small containers that qualify for First Class Package Service or First Class Mail. Depending on size and weight, you well may find that an upgrade costs LESS than the original "cheap" shipping method!

~~C~~

Wow. How wonderful it must be to be so abundantly blessed with so much "common sense" and "creativity!" Hats off to you, duchess-at-speakeasy. You truly are exceptional and will be one of my role models from now on....

smkcbk · ‎07-27-2016

@tiramisu41 wrote:

Other posters are saying choosing to exclude certain locales is a global setting, yet your comment: "...and exclude HI/AK if the package has the chance of going slow shipping, such as media mail or ground shipping." makes it sound like IT IS possible to exclude undesired shipping locations on a "as appropriate" basis.
If so, if you don't mind me asking, how are you doing that?

I exclude all international shipping, US protectorates, and military desintations, and sometimes AK/HI.

I am okay with shipping to AK/HI if the item is going to ship priority or first class. I exclude AK/HI if the item is going to possibly ship via one of the slower shipping methods. Such as a book that will ship media mail, or heavy items that don't fit in a flat rate box, where I use calculated shipping, and sometimes offer either priority or ground shipping (I'm on the East coast so there is a little savings for a west coast buyer with ground shipping).

tiramisu41 · ‎07-27-2016

@smkcbk wrote:
@tiramisu41 wrote:

Other posters are saying choosing to exclude certain locales is a global setting, yet your comment: "...and exclude HI/AK if the package has the chance of going slow shipping, such as media mail or ground shipping." makes it sound like IT IS possible to exclude undesired shipping locations on a "as appropriate" basis.
If so, if you don't mind me asking, how are you doing that?
I exclude all international shipping, US protectorates, and military desintations, and sometimes AK/HI.

I am okay with shipping to AK/HI if the item is going to ship priority or first class. I exclude AK/HI if the item is going to possibly ship via one of the slower shipping methods. Such as a book that will ship media mail, or heavy items that don't fit in a flat rate box, where I use calculated shipping, and sometimes offer either priority or ground shipping (I'm on the East coast so there is a little savings for a west coast buyer with ground shipping).

smkcbk ,

Okay, but at the risk of seeming "dense," how exactly are you doing these exclusions (i.e., where are you activating these settings)?

And aren't such settings, "universal" -- meaning if you elect to "exclude all international shipping, US protectorates, and military desintations, and sometimes AK/HI" -- ALL of your listings will have this restriction?

If so, if you are as you say "sometimes okay with shipping to AK/HI" how do you do so if your listings are 'universally" set to reject bidders/buyers from these states?

Not trying to beat a deal horse here, but if there is a way to selectively indicate on individual listings where you'll ship to and where you won't, that would be a good thing to know about, which is why I am asking for more info/clarification.

Thanks again.

smkcbk · ‎07-27-2016

The international settings are global, the domestic settings I have to select in the SYI (Sell your item) form when creating the listing. They're under the shipping section. But I'm not on my desktop where I do all my listings and can't remember what the exact setting is called.

tiramisu41 · ‎07-27-2016

@smkcbk wrote:
The international settings are global, the domestic settings I have to select in the SYI (Sell your item) form when creating the listing. They're under the shipping section. But I'm not on my desktop where I do all my listings and can't remember what the exact setting is called.

smkcbk,

Ahh, I understand what you're saying now.

Don't bother getting to your laptop to get the proper name/location of where you can set shipping location restrictions. I poked around based on your comment above and was able to find what it is you've been talking about and where it's located. Yay!

Will be excluding Alaska/Hawaii from now on for any recordings/books that would ordinarily be sent Media Mail so I don't have a repeat of today's fun and frivolity.

Thank you so much for your patience and helpful info! Greatly appreciated!

trustedbasset · ‎07-27-2016

I give buyers an option to go priority or parcel or first class if it's a pound or less. They always choose parcel on the heavy items and I always upgrade to priority. It then gets there in plenty of time.

Dear God, please help me to be
the person my dog thinks I am.

tiramisu41 · ‎07-27-2016

@trustedbasset wrote:
I give buyers an option to go priority or parcel or first class if it's a pound or less. They always choose parcel on the heavy items and I always upgrade to priority. It then gets there in plenty of time.

Yep, trustedbasset. I've also done the same in the past especially if/when it turns out the price difference is neglible. Would rather under-promise and over-deliver whenever that's possible which most bidders do appreciate, just as I would if I were in their shoes...

quiltgeek · ‎11-07-2016

There are TWO places where you can modify your "Locations I Don't Ship To" list.

One is in your Shipping Preferences in your My ebay Account > Site Preferences. That one is your account's DEFAULT setting that your listings use instead of eBay's default.

The other place where you can reset your Locations I Don't Ship To list is in every listing you create. That list applies ONLY to the current listing and it is based on your current account Default Ship To

liolynne · ‎04-24-2017

Why some buyers no longer ship to Hawaii. As noted economy & media can take as long as 6 wks to get here. Many years ago this was not a problem. If we bought from eBay, we asked to pay a little more for faster shipping. Time passes, things change. eBay continually changes policies to include sticks where there were only carrots. eBay cannot control the workings of the USPS; neither can the seller. To penalize the seller for the timeliness of the delivery is ridiculous! And has caused sellers to stop servicing Hawaii & Alaska. Yes, there are impatient buyers. Sellers meet a variety of buyers in their transactions. eBay has made the business of estimated delivery dates into a real mess. Shopping is frustrating because of 'does not ship' to Hawaii/Alaska or to the United States. CS tells me that the notification excluding the United States is a problem w/ my computer. It's all a problem w/ eBay which eBay refuses to acknowledge, let alone correct. Over the years, I have experienced eBay policy changes creating problems where there were none. It was a good business idea at its conception. It has evolved into something that is not workable for many participants.

rixstuff · ‎04-24-2017

I would say the six weeks to Hawaii is the same six weeks to basically ANYWHERE in the us with media mail. I sell everywhere - the whole US, APO and FPO, and international. I am getting things from INDIA in 2 weeks these days. I have sold to Australia and had it arrive in 4 days. From Virginia to West Virginia (literally 50 miles from my house) using media mail took a MONTH. Probably media items get low priority to go on the truck and nobody is in a hurry to move them along - they are heavy and you dont pay much for the postage. After all they are just books, right?

errege · ‎08-18-2017

Please, Do Dot Hesitate Using USPS Media Mail to Ship Books and/or Recordings Within the Contiguous United States. It is obviously the least-expensive method (calculated by weight only),

and if books or recordings are solidly wrapped, packed, & boxed, shipment will typically arrive safely

ahead of expected delivery date.

As a individual eBay Buyer Only (90% books), I certainly would be honored and grateful entering into

a Buyer-Seller eBay transactional agreement with Seller "livadia".

1. Warrendale, PA USPS Regional Package Sorting Facility have a longstanding record of package/boxes bundling procedural delays and long-delays in-general 'til they finally depart to

other locations.

2. Contacting eBay via telephone Now, one is most likely to connect with a "International Customer Service Agent". Consider it an exercise in futility, misinformation, no information, miscommunication

and non-communication, as well as too, too long elongated conversation that goes nowhere!!!

Most egregious is the fact that all agents and supervisors are instructed to deny a eBay member's

request to have their telephone connection transferred to a U.S.-based agent. They argue simply,

"We are unable to make such a connection." Still, U.S. eBay Customer Service agents, tho' apparently scarce, may very well provide one with incorrect, improper, misinterpreted information.

Both Seller AND Buyer Must be educated, informed, and remain up-to-date re: eBay policies, guidelines, best practices...Hence, be prepared should a Seller, Buyer, eBay Rep/Agent offer-up

bogus or misleading information. Consequently, You Shall Know Who Owns The Problem!!!

3. Hawaii IS a looooong journey from MidEast U.S. The Buyer demonstrated both ignorance and

folly throughout this transaction. Soon enough, USPS Tracking Info. will provide evidence of your

sound selling practices. Incidentally, you stated in the first paragraph that the item was "sent 'standard' via Media Mail. To be precise, your listing "Shipping" should be 'Economy Shipping' -

'USPS Media Mail'.

Cheers,

partial*eclipse · ‎08-18-2017

errege wrote:
.... Soon enough, USPS Tracking Info. will provide evidence of your
sound selling practices....

@errege

The package has probably arrived, since livadia posted this thread in July 2016.

papermoneyforme · ‎08-18-2017

@tiramisu41 wrote:
So I sell a cassette collection via BIN to a buyer in Hawaii over the 4th of July weekend. Buyer had the option to have it sent with Expedited Shipping but declined, so it was sent "standard" via Media Mail. I use eBay's labeling system, package up the item, and take it the PO for dispatch.

Later that afternoon, I get a message from eBay saying the buyer had requested to cancel their order, but since package had already been sent, eBay had informed buyer on my behalf it was too late to cancel. I call eBay about this as I had never run into this problem before, and they say, "no worries -- we've informed you and the buyer what's going on -- you need do nothing more."

After I mail out any eBay purchases, I always check eBay's tracking info and the USPS site to make sure they're on their way. Within 24 hrs of pick up at the PO this woman's package arrived at the USPS sorting center in Warrendale, PA awaiting further dispatch. A few days later I check again, and the status is the same, so the next time I go to the PO I ask them why it seems to be just sitting there and whether I should be concerned.

The answer was no. Media Mail to Hawaii from the Mainland usually takes 3-5 weeks as the PO aggregates the packages until they have sufficient quantity to merit onward shipment. Media Mail is the last to be shipped. They tell me to keep checking on its status and if the package hasn't been delivered in 4 wks time then to file a lost package trace request as it's too soon to do so now.

A few days later, I notice the buyer has lodged negative feedback against me. Reason being "I refuse to communicate." Huh? I never have heard a thing from this woman. Any/all communication I got about the order was from eBay -- not her. On top of that, I had spoken to eBay when I received the notice from them that they had denied the buyer's request to cancel the order and they had told me "everything's fine -- you don't need to do anything more."

So I call eBay about the negative feedback comment. They look at the trasaction and eBay message records. They agree that the buyer's negative feedback was unwarranted and removed it.

Another week goes by and I get another message from eBay. This time telling me the buyer had opened a case because "item had not been received" and that I need to provide eBay with tracking info. Huh?

Tracking info was instantly/automatically put into the transaction the second I printed the label via eBay's labelling system. Yes, I double-checked. It was and is still there plain as day so what in the heck are they talking about that they need me to provide the information?

But, I respond within minutes of the request giving eBay the tracking number, carrier, plus additional information about the fact buyer had opted for Media Mail shipping which takes 3-5 wks which PO confirmed. Since it's only been two weeks, I cannot file a trace request but was advised by PO if package doesn't arrive in 4 wks time to do it then, which I intended to do and would keep all posted.

Same info was sent to the buyer. I hear not one word from the woman AGAIN. No, "Thank you for the update. I'll let you know when it arrives. I'd like to send it back when it does because XYZ," etc. Absolute "radio silence" from her end, once again. **bleep**?

So I call eBay to discuss the situation and verify they received the information I sent them. They tell me "Yes, I see it here. You did everything right -- there's no reason to be concerned or nothing more you need to do."

SO TODAY, (you guessed it), I get a message from eBay saying they have closed the case, decided in the buyer's favor, and refunded her money. The reason? "Tracking info I provided was invalid." Come again?

I call eBay and the CS Rep tells me, "Yes, you did everything right, but the buyer didn't get her item so she has a legitimate complaint." I ask the woman if she can see the info I had relayed about usual Media Mail transit times to Hawaii, that the buyer opted NOT to use expedited shipping, and that PO had informed me that 4 wks need to go buy before I should file a lost package trace.

She says, "Yes I can see all that and I understand, but once a buyer opens a case, we let seven days go by and if there's no status change in the tracking info, we consider the info you provided to us as "invalid" and close the case in favor of the buyer."

I ask her again if she understands this package was sent to Hawaii not the lower 48 states, and the usual Media Mail shipping time is 3-5 wks which the buyer agreed to and enough time hasn't elapsed for the package to reach the buyer yet and my hands are tied trying to trace it until the first week on August according to the PO.

Her response? "Yes, I understand that, but your appeal will be denied because the buyer hasn't received the item so her complaint is legitimate."

So I ask her what happens when the item shows up. "Nothing," she says. "eBays already closed the case so there's no reason for us to get involved. If you want to try and send the buyer an invoice and ask her to pay for the item *outside of eBay* you can, but eBay won't intercede as the case is already closed."

I can't believe my ears.

I then ask her if there are other ramifications to this debacle and she says: "No, the buyer can't leave any negative feedback for you, but yes, since the order wasn't fulfilled it will count against you."

At that point, I had just about had it and said: "You mean to tell me, that despite the fact you and others at eBay have told me numerous times that "I did everything right" and provided you with everything your requested in a timely manner and kept everyone involved in the loop, that not only am I out an item which I am left to my own devices to get shipped back or paid for, you're penalizing me for something I have no control over -- a "crime" that hasn't even been proven to have been comitted since the requisite amount of time hasn't even elapsed yet for the item to be verified lost or for that matter delivered?"

Her answer? "Well, you could have avoided the problem entirely if you had just sent it Priority Mail. It would have gotten there in a timely manner and if it did get lost it would have been insured."

Gob-smacked doesn't quite cover it...

I said to her, let's not hash over the fact again that IT WAS THE BUYER that opted for Media Mail shipping, but if that's eBay's position (not to use Media Mail), then why doesn't eBay make it impossible for sellers to ship an item any other way, or at the very least have an auto warning message come up that says: "Due to significant delays in shipping from the Mainland to Hawaii (or vice-versa) we strongly suggest you use Priority Mail instead of Media Mail in order to expedite delivery and avoid your seller opening a 'Item Not Received' case against the transaction due to probable time required for delivery."

Her response? "Oh, we would never do that because we want sellers to have control over how they choose to sell and ship their items. Besides, I don't see why you're so concerned, you have 100% positive feedback and Top Seller status -- this incident isn't going to make a difference."

I kid you not! That's what she said. SImply incredible. So I hung up and told her: "Have a nice day."

So, moral of the story:

-- If you're selling an item that ordinarily is allowable and can be shipped via Media Mail and the buyer is in Hawaii, DON'T send it Media Mail. Either cough up the extra money to send it Priority Mail yourself, indicate in your listing that expedited shipping is required for buyers that aren't in the lower 48 states, or don't allow bidders outside of the lower 48 to bid at all.

-- Or, change your Media Mail listings to Priority Mail to avoid the problem all together, though in my case most of my "Media Mail items" sell for so little, the cost of expedited shipping would double or triple the total amount due, which is a buyer deterrent -- which is why I am not in favor of going that route.

-- Realize that even though eBay has denied a buyer's request to cancel an item after it has been shipped, that doesn't mean they can't blast you with negative feedback however unwarranted. IOW, you'd best keep eBay on your speed dial as you'll be talking to them a lot to get things straightened out.

-- Though I realize there are divergent opinions about whether to put bidders on a BBL, the buyer in question is now on mine and will stay there permanently.

-- If an eBay CS Rep tells you "You've done everything right, there's no need to worry" -- don't count on it.

-- For those who are wondering, yes I will be filing a lost package trace request with the PO in another week, though I fully expect the package will show up in due time.

-- And finally, I'm not totally convinced that the buyer wasn't trying to pull a fast one from the get-go given her behavior, but if she wants to scam me out of eight bucks that bad, she can have it. I'm not going to waste any more time or emotional energy on chasing her down for the money or demanding my item back. Just not worth it.

Apologies for the length of this, but hopefully there's some value in sharing what happened -- especially when it comes to how eBay chose to handle the matter, which on one hand is mind-blowing, but on the other, sadly the way it seems it goes.

Regardless, thanks for listening to me vent. Keep calm, and sell on!