mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
It is surprising that their credit card company even allowed the dispute. While Ebay allows up to 6 months for a Chargeback, most credit cards do not have that long of a time frame.
It is unfortunate, but credit card companies are allowed to do as they did with this buyer. Refund them fully and let them keep the item. When the Chargeback was active, did you submit evidence that the buyer had used and altered the engine?
If this were my issue, I would send the buyer an email through Ebay, keep everything you can in Ebay. I would let them know that you will be moving forward in actions in which will enable you to get your money back as they have the product and the money now. Be absolutely polite and professional, NOTHING less. Tell them you are reviewing your options and will get back with them when you decide on one.
The first option I would look into is small claims court. Many small claims courts are still doing some Zoom type hearing, so that makes it so much easier. While CCCs are allowed to unduly enrich their customers, in a court of law, it is against the law and it is highly likely you will win.
IDK if this is what you want to do, that is completely up to you, but if it were me, it is what I'd do. BTW, how much was this engine and how much was the shipping? Oh and the Ebay fees on the sale? You likely got charged $20 for losing the Chargeback too. I would claim ALL those fees in my claim too.
@dbfolks166mt wrote:As mam98031 suggested about the only route you have is legal action. You may need a lawyer for this one as their excuse is basically a breach of the contract agreements and policies. The seller protection against chargebacks is pretty clearly defined and eBay should be covering this and standing behind their policy/agreement.
It would be much cheaper to go through Small Claims Court. When you bring in lawyers, the cost just skyrockets, the length of time to resolve can take years and the recovery may not be what the OP is seeking.
@thesalvageguys wrote:Yes I submitted all the evidence and photos that the engine was completely taken apart. The engine and shipping was almost 10,000 usd.
Thank you for that added info. Check on the limit of the Small Claims court in their area. They vary throughout the US. But even if the limit is $5,000, it would cost you a lot more if you got a Lawyer involve and went to a Civil Lawsuit for the full amount plus it would likely take so much longer.
So the more cost effective and time friendly way is likely Small Claims Court.
Here is a list of the 50 states limits from March of 2024.
https://www.peopleclerk.com/post/small-claims-court-limit
Also, makes me wonder when merchants are going to get together and sue these credit card companies to the max. That was a complete Cluster you know what on their part IMO
As has been discussed on many threads on this subject. This is not likely to happen as they are protected by law. The CCCs are NOT doing anything against the law. Which is why I keep saying we need our legislators to get busy on this subject and change the laws that govern CCCs. That is the ONLY way to fix this.
@vintagecraze50 wrote:In general, I think it always important to allow a return on here, even if you just get back a bunch of taken apart pieces of something than to get what you got out of this. But you said they never asked for you to allow a return?
You may want to revisit what the OP said. Their first sentence covers the fact that there was a Request for Return was filed and Ebay sided with the seller as the buyer admitted that they took the engine apart.
On a $10,000 engine that is pieces.
