I suspect a buyer of using two different accounts to purchase the same item and not pay

[hypersonicgt]

I've had two buyers from the same country recently purchase an item and sit on it without payment, even after an unpaid item case was opened.  I had listed the item and it was purchased from someone in Germany, they sat on it until I opened a case. No response. Closed the case down afterwards, relisted the item, it was purchased again for the same price and it's the same situation: no response from the buyer, case has been opened. I suspect that it's the same buyer using two different accounts because the actions are exactly the same. I've blocked the first user and plan on doing the same for the other once this case is shut down. My question is, why do this at all? Why buy an item twice and just refuse to pay for it, under two different accounts? Seems like an awful lot of trouble for one item. Are they trying to artificially control the price of of a certain thing? I don't get it. 

[emerald40]

Could be a competitor trying to tie the item up.

Call ebay and see if they can link the accounts.

[hypersonicgt]

That sounds entirely plausible. Thanks for the insight! I will contact eBay ASAP.

[arun7500]

Keep on blocking, won't do any good but that seems to be the typical advice here. You do realize that ebay allows several open ID's at a time and the ability to change them on a whim. Why people do this, no idea ? maybe for kicks, but since ebay isn't going to do anything about it, you just have to get ready for more. My advice would be to involve ebay each step of the way. File an UPI each occurrence, let ebay close out the case and make the required refunds, which include your FVF's. The one thing that ebay dislikes more than it's sellers, is refunding seller's fees when one of their precious buyers run astray.

[slippinjimmy]

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@hypersonicgt wrote:

I've had two buyers from the same country recently purchase an item and sit on it without payment, even after an unpaid item case was opened.  I had listed the item and it was purchased from someone in Germany, they sat on it until I opened a case. No response. Closed the case down afterwards, relisted the item, it was purchased again for the same price and it's the same situation: no response from the buyer, case has been opened. I suspect that it's the same buyer using two different accounts because the actions are exactly the same. I've blocked the first user and plan on doing the same for the other once this case is shut down. My question is, why do this at all? Why buy an item twice and just refuse to pay for it, under two different accounts? Seems like an awful lot of trouble for one item. Are they trying to artificially control the price of of a certain thing? I don't get it. 

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It might be because you are using GSP, when buyers get to checkout and see the actual amount they are going to be charged for "shipping" & "import charges" they freak out.

[*help_no_brakes*]

"It might be because you are using GSP, when buyers get to checkout and see the actual amount they are going to be charged for "shipping" & "import charges" they freak out."

@slippinjimmy

Hi jimmy,

I'm in Oz & can clearly see the shipping charges on the OP's listings before purchase.

[slippinjimmy]

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@*help_no_brakes* wrote:

"It might be because you are using GSP, when buyers get to checkout and see the actual amount they are going to be charged for "shipping" & "import charges" they freak out."

@slippinjimmy

Hi jimmy,

I'm in Oz & can clearly see the shipping charges on the OP's listings before purchase.

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Do you also see the word "estimated"? I don't use GSP but I have read comments from buyers (mostly Canadians) that the amount shown in the shipping section can sometime be much less than what is shown at checkout.

Since you're in Oz, have you bought anything that ships via GSP and if so have you ever seen this disparity? (just occured to me that you probably haven't because of the relatively high free import limit in effect for Australia).

The use of GSP in this case may not have anything to do with the OP's situation but they could dump the Best Offer and use IPR which would solve the problem.

As far as their question..."why is this happening", far too many possible reasons none of which would really mean anything or change the situation one bit. People do odd things for the most trivial of reasons, doesn't seem worth the effort to try to figure out why.

[*help_no_brakes*]

@slippinjimmy

"Estimated"does NOT appear on the listing...just the GSP charge for shipping to Oz.

However if you dig very deep into the GSP "Learn More" via the listing then surprise,surprise the word "Estimated " appears.

This may be to allow for Auctions & BO...idk

I have bought one item from the UK via GSP & no surprises at checkout...it was BIN so the GSP Shipping Charge was as per the listing.

Apart from all that I got nuthin to assist the OP.

[montanatiki]

Perhaps if you cancel this acct. ID too  you should place the country of Germany on your blocked country list until after the holidays - when someone closer that can pay immediately can do so.  Then the Germany lister (if they have multiple accts. ) will no longer be able to bid on your items.

[omgitlightsup]

Germany is a big place. It could be a coincidence.

The items you sell look like the sort of thing one might bid on and then not have the money to pay for. I've met very few people who have collections of Thundercats toys and also "have their life together."

Not to say that you or anyone else here is a deadbeat. I used to run home from school so I could catch He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. I have a few toys of my own.

Honestly I have had nothing but problems selling internationally and I no longer would, for that reason.. but the amount of aggravation you're willing to endure is an economic decision only you can make. They can't tie your item up forever. Maybe try immediate payment required?

[hypersonicgt]

Thanks for all the replies, folks.

[fern*wood]

I would avoid the problem, and the need to speculate,  by using immediate payment required.