SCAM ALERT!

[eb-trader]

I'm not sure why ebay does not care about attempted scams?  We've ben selling since 1999 and always have had 100% positive feedback.  One day an international buyer left a negative feedback saying we never contacted them.  A total lie and of course there is no record of an attempted contact in the messages.   We sent a message asking what is the problem and how would you like it solved?   They buyer said they could not tell us in ebay messaging and could only discuss over the phone.  SCAM ALERT.   We told the buyer this is against ebay policy, please let us help you via ebay messaging.  Their reply was that WE were the scammer (I would say LOL but it's not funny.)  We reported the buyer to ebay and requested feedback modification because to the obvious scam attempt.  Of course, ebay just ignored it and said they have a right to their opinion.  WHAT??? they want to violate policy but have a right to violate ebay policy???  When ebay asked "How did we do?" I gave ebay 1 star and told them very disappointed in the unfair application of policy.

Oh well, we just grin a bear it.  We also shut off all international sales for a while, as in all these years, we just had two attempts at negative feedback from international sales.  They are on hold for at least until the pandemic is over.  They were not very good scammers because they did not hide our reply to the feedback.

[alcoforever]

I fail to see how neg FB is a scam.   A lie, perhaps, but not a scam since you don't seem to be out any money or item.  Keep selling and the neg will roll off the first page of FB.

[48hrs-clothing · Accepted solution]

For what it is worth eBay should have removed this feedback as their own records would show that there were no messages from buyer therefore what is stated in feedback is a blatant lie. 

Still negative feedbacks of this type can be of benefit to your business as your response shows that you are a responsible seller and any sensible buyer can see that you are not a scammer and other scammers can see that you are not a push over and you will not communicate outside eBay.

In closing our view us that vast majority of sensible buyer recognise that negative feedback should be last resort and frankly I can not see any circumstances where a buyer has a genuine grievance that a sensible seller would not step up and resolve the issue and  buyers that throw negative feedbacks around like confetti are not worth having and are best ignored.

Our respect for the way you have dealt with this unpleasant situation and your response to negative feedback is perfect.

Good luck

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@48hrs-clothing 

     Agree totally, OP nice work on that response!

[48hrs-clothing]

Thank you from UK and be happy and safe.

[eb-trader]

Yes, that is what was a bit confusing.  It almost sounded like dealing with a kid.  But since this purchase was for industrial components, you would think the buyer was an educated adult.  Their continued insistence this could only be solved over the phone was just plain weird.   But you are correct, they never asked for a refund or to return the item.   Just a string of messages saying this could only be done over the phone.  It certainly could have been just a plain old grumpy customer.   Thanks for your input.

[eb-trader]

Thanks for your reply and for showing us the positive.  While we have had a couple of people leave negative feedback in the past, we were able to convince them that they should ask for help first, then see how well the issue is handled and they reversed their feedback.  Fortunately, these seem to be the few and far between.  

[edwaric]

China is a huge money maker for eBay. They will not ever get rid of the mass of scammers and bootleggers because they bring in waaaaay to much money in fees for them. Even if they refund 50% of all scams and bootlegs, the still make out like bandits. It's all about the bottom line.

[48hrs-clothing]

Sadly scammers and bootleggers exist in all societies/ countries  and are not exclusive to China.

Scammers and bootleggers both sellers and buyers exist in your country and in ours which is UK.

We get unsavoury buyers from our home country as well as other parts of the world and sadly that is just reality of doing business online and thank goodness they represent a small percentage and vast majority of buyers and sellers are genuine decent people therefore we try not to judge /paint every one with the same brush.

Please accept our apology if our view upsets or annoys anyone as this is not our intention.

Good luck and be safe.

[sjpalmshop]

Seller advertised on another site, but wanted pre-payment thru ebay. $$ not to transfer for 3 days and Item would be shipped at seller cost, Inspection for 5 days. If not acceptable, may be returned at seller's expense.   The ad was almost word for word of a scam that we saw in the news about a year ago.  Seller Had to go back north, spouse died. Item brings back sensitive memories. Need to sell ASAP at a crazy low price.  Called local Police Dept. to report, Not finding a place on Ebay to report scammers. Why?  Anyway, Seller identifies as Karen Grant, from Billings Montana. Beware. Scam alert. Selling a 2011 Dutchman Trailer in Perfect Conditon.