eBay

ctx159753 · ‎07-01-2021

The story goes like this. I shipped a package and the buyer initiated a return request under "Item not as described" and claimed it was an empty box. I as the seller, confidently, knows it was not empty and was weighted by FedEx. I called up eBay customer service because the refund request page is clearly automated *****hit. I was told I'd be in the clear because of my evidence. The package was shipped to a third party company called Mainbox (I won't post the address here but you can find it on google with bad reviews I'd suggest reading and an address in New Castle, DE) that allows buyers to ship to them so that they can ship their package internationally. They even maintain a webpage describing how to buy on eBay. It details how to enter the billing address and shipping address (shipped to their main warehouse) I do not offer international shipping so the buyer clearly used this website because the apartment address I shipped it to was familiar to the one used as an example on the site. Since the buyer claimed it was empty, eBay instructed them to ship it back to me (automated *****hit). How does eBay allow a buyer to claim the package was empty and then request them to ship an empty package to me?

Either way I was told to wait 3 days because it was too early to ask Ebay to step in. They'll save all the information I told them. I called 3 days later and I was met with a robot pretending to be a person. This time I was asked to submit and upload images of my evidence. I uploaded the FedEx weight and tracking, images of my box, receipt of my purchase, and information and screenshots of the webpage the buyer used. Today I just lost the case (in favor of buyer) but won the appeal (all I did was reiterate that the shipping address was a forwarding address).

It was initially decided in favor of the buyer because "The buyer provided documentation from law enforcement showing they received an empty box." I don't know what this means because I don't get to see that information but I'm curious what they did.

Here is the link to the website https://mainbox.com/en/ebay

I think my experience should be an example that shows the risks and faults of selling on eBay. They are as follows:

1: If you choose eBay payouts they no longer show the billing address in addition to the shipping address.

I used to get both information with PayPal.

2: Buyers are allowed to bypass no returns by claiming item is not as described (Good for buyer, bad for seller, especially if seller did nothing wrong).

3: Claim empty packages and win in favor of them.

donsdetour · ‎07-22-2021

@bigdeals.etc wrote:
Yea pretty much. As I was reading I was going to tell you that buyers forfeit protection when they use a third party freight forwarder. But I see you already told eBay that on the appeal. Just know that you could also do it when the claim was original filed. All other details are irrelevant once you tell eBay that. Good job protecting yourself.

Unless the purchaser STATES it was a forwarded item: you lose: they could be employee is the way eBay has been getting around this for some time.

Yet there is that rule:

Not covered:

The buyer used third-party freight forwarding or mail redirect.

Of course it is up to the seller to prove it was forwarded latly........

Crazy ripping off the seller by ignoring their own rules and regulation is what it is.

Worth a try to appeal the case.... Might cost em a bit more.

Advice to the original poster is to keep all documentation on this case.

Sooner or later: a question of legal on eBay's part is going to arise in this mess.