Racist hate speech allowed on eBay

[surplustech4u]

I’d like to get others opinion on this issue.

It appears that eBay is allowing perpetrators of racist hate speech to continue their membership in the eBay community. 

I recently sold a computer to an individual on via eBay. He was a first time buyer on eBay since he had no feedback at all. Shortly after he received his PC, he filed a claim for a refund stating that it wouldn’t start up. He never contacted me prior to his claim filing as is customary. I’ve sold thousands of PCs and I test them again before I ship so I questioned his claim. He didn’t like my message at all. He replied with racial slurs and hate speech. And then to my amazement, he cancelled the claim. This leads me to believe maybe there wasn’t really anything wrong with the PC to begin with.

I informed eBay of the incident and they took immediate action by deleting both feed back. However, they didn’t take severe enough action with the buyers account. The buyer was given a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again instead of a permanent ban. Most of the country has adopted a “Zero Tolerance” on racial or hate speech. To include the military, government, and most volunteer organizations I can think of. However eBay, in this case, has not. I’m wondering what you, my eBay family, thinks about this. I would like to hear back from you weither you think I’m over reacting or if I’m not reacting enough. I am posting a redacted image of the entire conversation so you can get the total picture of what conversation transpired. Tell me what you think.  Thanks

[castlemagicmemories]

I understand how you feel.  Unfortunately, anyone~buyer or seller~can indulge in hostile, discourteous and unprofessional communication.

While some phrases may be common to some, that does not mean they are in good taste.  

Sorry you had this experience, OP.

[southern*sweet*tea]

Report the buyer to Ebay and forget about them. Pinheads like that don't deserve the time and space they take up in your brain when you think about them.

[surplustech4u]

I just posted a copy of the message board. What do you think?

[slati_2013]

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@surplustech4u wrote:

I just posted a copy of the messages. Let me know If you can see it.

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Where is the racist comment?  I see angry vulgar language, but no racist comment. Maybe I am missing something. As we say here, simply say to a buyer "return for a full refund". Don't get in a shouting match with the buyer. The buyer could have forced the return for a refund if he wanted. Chances are he finally figured out the issue and closed the case. Don't take this personally. 

[gracieallen01]

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@surplustech4u wrote:

I guess the title is a little misleading. I meant that eBay is allowing perpetrator of hate speech to continue. I have since changed the title.

You are right. Buyer can file a return claim at any time. I also have the right to refuse a return which I did. 

I just believe that communication can solve a lot of issues before they escalate.

Thank you for your honest opinion.

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Just curious, but did you try to communicate with the buyer as to whether there was actual intent of 'hate speech', before it escalated? 

Not everyone is from, or native to, a 'politically correct' or 'zero tolerance' country or ethnicity.  And, like ignorance and stupidity,  preceived racial bias or hate speech is 'very difficult' to legislate.

[richard1rst]

I agree that the third word in counts as racist, and the ninth word is scatological.

The rest of it is simply low brow profanity which, in fairness, I would not call "racist".

You are simply dealing with someone from the left side of the Bell Curve.

[surplustech4u]

As the recipient, it really only takes one word to hurt you.

[gracieallen01]

Oh, sorry, I hadn't seen the back and forth - seems nobody communicated well.

[oleander1993]

It appears the inappropriate feedback was removed so eBay did act.

I don’t condone slurs of any kind. I believe people should be respectful and polite.

But who determines what is “hate speech”? You? Your state representative, governor, union leader, pastor, Hollywood, etc.? And what about when something you say is labeled “hate speech”? Are you willing to be shut down when that happens?

People’s thoughts and opinions expressed aloud and in text, even ignorant ones, can’t be legislated or “banned”.

When free speech is gone, it is gone forever and it would be gone forever for you too.

[dhbookds]

I just believe that communication can solve a lot of issues before they escalate.

You're right of course it can...........but you immediately confronted the buyer that you wouldn't go on his say so alone..........which sounds to me like you didn't believe him and implied he was a liar or stupid for not being able to get it to work.

You put the buyer on the defensive and got anger and nasty names/ words as a result.  Had you simply asked what happens when you try to whatever he was doing, the outcome might have been different. 

Point being YOU escalated the conversation.......at least the way I read it. 

edit.......not meaning to imply defense for the buyer for the words he used......

[slati_2013]

Oh, I missed that third word. However that word is now just thrown around as an insult regardless of the race of a person. A black baseball player recently got suspended when he used it against a white pitcher who hit him with a ball. Unfortunately that word has now permeated general usage among the younger generation who use it as a general insult rather than a racist insult.  

[etrusca]

Hi - I am very sorry you had to experience this - it is unacceptable abusive behavior - the guy seems drunk -

unless the computer got damaged in shipment which is a possibility i think you did the right thing.

Reality is he broke 2 ebay rules- profanity and "hate speech" ie racial slur and doesnt deserve to be a member

Once your transaction is put to rest make sure you block him.

Like others said unf you cant control Ebay's handling of other members and you hope there is a bot to pick this up or some human actually reading communications which my fear is they do not.

Hopefully you have 50 nice clients coming your way and can let this bad experience go- 

[surplustech4u]

Thank you for your comment. I will think about what you said,

[surplustech4u]

Thank you for your kind words