Buyer circumvents block list

[smashedbanana]

Hi,

I have a problematic buyer. He was a problem before any purchase (crazy requests) so I added him to my block list.

He used another account to purchase the item, and now that is received has threatened to open a case against me as the item doesn't have some feature he wants (he was vague in his e-mail). He also admitted in the e-mail that he is in fact the blocked bidder.

Do I have any recourse? Or just refund, lose the item and maybe get a negative FB?

Thanks!

[wastingtime101]

If you spotted this before shipping you could have canceled the order (problem with buyer's address) because they circumvented your block.

Is he requesting a feature from a different model - in other words, demanding something that's not in the listing? Is this the radio?

[therogue-trader]

I'd contact ebay via a phone call or staff on the discussion board.  Circumventing the blocked bidder/buyer list via new accounts has gotta be a violation of TOS? 

My guess is that you'd still be responsible for resolving the current transaction though since you shipped the item to them.  Assuming this is correct, you should be able to have the buyer return the item for a refund.

[gracieallen01]

ebay sort of muddied the water about 'circumvention of blocks'.  On a weekly chat, it was mentioned that ebay may well overlook it because, according to a blue, the buyer might really want the item.  I've not followed up on the written policy, though, or the out-come of other such events.

[labs118]

@smashedbanana 
No don't ever cancel send it as you did then call ebay CS
advise them you have a blocked bidder who used another account  

I made a huge mistake my 1st time & cancelled received a negative feedback and when I called I was advised I would have needed to ship the item , then I would need to call & they will look at both user ID's verify it's the same buyer  & only then are you protected from a buyer trying to damage you or your account in anyway

Since he is being a problem get on the phone now to CS tell them you need to report an issue with a buyer who was on your BBL and purchased under another ID and is threatening you & your selling account give them both ID's & let them investigate the issue.

[therogue-trader]

Oof, well if a rep tries to overlook it I'd quote them the written policy (assuming that there is relevant written policy)

[smashedbanana]

Will do, thanks. 

Will post an update if there is one.

[gracieallen01]

I think that is why I didn't bother to investigate further - they modify policy so often any more.  And, often, it is hard to tell which is what.

[myangelandmyprincess]

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@gracieallen01 wrote:

ebay sort of muddied the water about 'circumvention of blocks'.  On a weekly chat, it was mentioned that ebay may well overlook it because, according to a blue, the buyer might really want the item.  I've not followed up on the written policy, though, or the out-come of other such events.

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Theyve actually backtracked on that.  It now is back to just bring a violation to circumvent it 

[gracieallen01]

Thank you.  Things get changed often enough, it's sometimes hard to keep track.

[wastingtime101]

eBay no longer stands behind buyers who circumvent as long as you're proactive about taking steps to stop the transaction and report them. You can cancel problem with address and report the buyer if you suspect a buyer is circumventing your block.

Labs and Gracie - here's info with the latest update on the policy.

@Anonymous wrote in this post :

as a part of our 2019 Spring Seller Update, we announced protections for exactly this situation. Previously, eBay would have to determine a definitive link between two accounts to offer protections. Now we offer the same protection for sellers who have reason to believe two accounts are linked, such as what you describe. You can report the buyer, cancel the orders, and add the new account to your blocked list if you would like. A specific reason will be added later for these kinds of cancellations but for now you can use the "Problem with buyer's address" option, no problem. You will be protected from any defects or feedback issues that may arise.

[gracieallen01]

Thank you for posting that.  Do you know if there have been any reports of instances of said protection(s) having been requested or granted?  It would be nice to see that policy in action, so to speak.

[wastingtime101]

Gracie, I don't know any specific examples off the top of my head.

smashedbanana, since you already shipped and (if it was on this account) you're not a TRS you'll have fewer protection options available.

If the buyer is already demanding something that was not included in the listing I suggest reporting them now for that reason. File a second report for them circumventing your blocked list.

If they file a formal claim later you can always report them again for any other violation (potentially abusing the money back guarantee). The reports certainly won't hurt your case if you need to involve CS at some point.

[labs118]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

eBay no longer stands behind buyers who circumvent as long as you're proactive about taking steps to stop the transaction and report them. You can cancel problem with address and report the buyer if you suspect a buyer is circumventing your block.

Labs and Gracie - here's info with the latest update on the policy.

@Anonymouswrote in this post :

as a part of our 2019 Spring Seller Update, we announced protections for exactly this situation. Previously, eBay would have to determine a definitive link between two accounts to offer protections. Now we offer the same protection for sellers who have reason to believe two accounts are linked, such as what you describe. You can report the buyer, cancel the orders, and add the new account to your blocked list if you would like. A specific reason will be added later for these kinds of cancellations but for now you can use the "Problem with buyer's address" option, no problem. You will be protected from any defects or feedback issues that may arise.

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As with gracie thanks for posting BUT & a big but since it happened to me first hand with cancelling and I have yet to see any posts about a seller being protected I might call CS first & give both ID's before I ever think about canceling ( once bitten twice shy ) 
Since Trinton  is quoting from the 2019 Spring update& we are at almost the Spring 2020 update & I still see no specific reason added yet I am just a little hesitant.

[smashedbanana]

Thanks everyone who responded.

The buyer filed a return. I accepted and processed. Hoping for no negative FB. But who knows at this point.

I've added his second account to my block list. Yippee. Kind of nonsensical since its clear to me now I have to try an catch these duplicate accounts before I ship an item next time.

Just another one in the can from E-bay. I truly miss the old days. This was a great platform that made me good money and I never doubted that I  I was getting good value for my e-bay fees. But enough boo-hooing, on to other things..