eBay

swoo1909 · ‎08-27-2023

A Chinese buyer purchased an item for a couple hundred dollars a couple weeks ago (archery bow), but now reports issues getting the item from whatever shipping service he sent it to to China. He'd like to send it back from whatever onshore service it is with to me so I can mail it directly.

This has all the outward indications of something untoward happening, but I'm not sure what the angle is. Does this seem like a scam or a legitimate ask? Would you provide this or just request a return?

buyselljack2016 · ‎08-27-2023

@swoo1909

Seems that there have been posts about one of the Oregon? FF sites going out of business? or some such where items have stalled, and are not getting to the buyer. Perhaps that is what is happening with your buyer.

simba6 · ‎08-27-2023

Is it allowed under their law? Might not be.

a_c_green · ‎08-27-2023

@swoo1909 wrote:
A Chinese buyer purchased an item for a couple hundred dollars a couple weeks ago (archery bow), but now reports issues getting the item from whatever shipping service he sent it to to China. He'd like to send it back from whatever onshore service it is with to me so I can mail it directly.

This has all the outward indications of something untoward happening, but I'm not sure what the angle is. Does this seem like a scam or a legitimate ask? Would you provide this or just request a return?

An archery bow is a weapon, #3 on the list of shipping restrictions to China. (Crossbows are specifically mentioned. I'm doubtful that an archery bow would be viewed differently.) Assuming that it is eventually returned to you, I think you'll need to refund with apologies, as opposed to re-shipping. If it's confiscated by whoever is holding it now, you'll need to refund anyway. Hopefully you will get it back.

Ref: https://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/ce_009.htm#ep1400280

soh.maryl · ‎08-27-2023

Just curious: How does he propose to send it back if it's not in his possession to begin with?

And, if this is something he wanted and bought and has it, then what would be his reason for returning it?

inhawaii · ‎08-27-2023

If it shows "delivered" to it's original destination (the address on the ebay label) it's considered delivered.

You should win a INR case. I wouldn't accept the return. But it's up to you.

If you do decide to do a return, I would do it "by the book".

Have him initiate the return through ebay and provide a legitimate tracking number.

Good luck.

Lido Shuffle - Boz Scaggs

duffy4444 · ‎08-27-2023

@swoo1909 wrote:
A Chinese buyer purchased an item for a couple hundred dollars a couple weeks ago (archery bow), but now reports issues ...

...This has all the outward indications of something untoward happening, but I'm not sure what the angle is. Does this seem like a scam or a legitimate ask?...

@swoo1909:

A Chinese buyer and a couple hundred dollars at stake... What could go wrong?... Hmmmmm...

China is NOT a friend of the USA. They also happen to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, overall origins of scams by "buyers" who don't seem to give a rat's patootie about sticking it to US sellers. I've had my own problems with them over the years, and so stopped selling to anyone in China about 15 years ago. Just behind them is Russia and the former Warsaw Pact countries, followed by Central and South America.

If you want to take such a chance by selling and shipping to China, maybe you'll have better luck than I have had.

Cheers, Duffy