SHAKEDOWN of Ebay Sellers by dishonest BUYERS

[rockman1313]

I'm wondering how many sellers out there have experienced the "my package tracking says that it was delivered but I never received it" followed up with the threat of negative feedback unless you (the seller) gives them a full refund? I have had this play out in the past and am presently experiencing it again with a $100 item. The buyer's feedback history shows that this 'buyer' has a history of leaving negative feedback for their purchases very often. My tracking from USPS shows that the package was delivered. NOTHING - Ebay included - protects me from receiving NEGATIVE feedback for not refunding - even though I've done everything I was supposed to do as a seller.

[eunster1313]

Report them

Feedback extortion policy

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/feedback-policies/feedback-extortion-policy?id=4230 

[fashunu4eeuh]

Threatening a seller with negative feedback to coerce them into something not in the listing is a policy violation called Feedback Extortion. Save all communication from this member and report them to eBay. Below is the link to the policy. 

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/feedback-policies/feedback-extortion-policy?id=4230

On top of this, threatening a seller with a neg in order to secure a refund is an empty threat. If they leave a neg after you fail to give in to this bullying tactic, you can get the poor feedback removed. Also, keep in mind that feedback no longer plays a role in a seller’s metrics as it once did. This is a bully with no real power. Don’t give in.

[ittybitnot]

 followed up with the threat of negative feedback unless you (the seller) gives them a full refund? 

The "shakedown" only works when the seller lives in fear of the 'red donut' .  Your feedback score counts for nothing anymore as far as your seller rating.  There are better ways to deal with this than rolling over and refunding. 

[sd-redneck]

I agree that we sellers should not live in fear of negative/neutral feedback.  However, a seller's feedback is very important.  Buyers look at feedback, as a matter of fact, they go directly to the negative feedback to check a seller out before buying.  So, although it does not affect your service metrics, it is one of the most powerful first impressions a customer has about a seller.

[luckythewinner]

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@rockman1313 wrote:

 NOTHING - Ebay included - protects me from receiving NEGATIVE feedback for not refunding - even though I've done everything I was supposed to do as a seller.

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Are you saying that the feedback extortion policy will not protect you?

Is this statement based on experience, or just guesswork?

[shirtmile]

Happens every so often,

If tracking says delivered just say the usual things.

• Please wait 1 more day

•Check with your neighbor

•Check locations around your property

•Call your post office

• if all else fails file an ebay claim.

Once you tell them to file a claim they usually disappear . Ebay is littered with these scammers. It also has a lot of lame community members who will say something like " get over it " but thats a topic for another form.

[southern*sweet*tea]

If the buyer has filed a case, enter the tracking number and supporting tracking info into the case. When it closes in your favor, and it WILL, any negative feedback will be removed. If no feedback had been left before the case closed, it will be blocked.  The buyer will not be able to leave it.

If the buyer has NOT filed an INR case and is threatening you via messages, report the buyer. If negative feedback is left, contact Ebay, have them read the messages and remove the feedback. Feedback extortion is against policy and any negative left will be removed.

Sellers who cave in because they fear the negative are the main reason these lowlife mouthbreathers are such a problem.  They see they can get an easy peasy refund, so they do it.

[gracieallen01]

Hehehehehe. 

When was the last time you heard of any buyer being sanctioned, or even 'slapped on the wrist', for leaving their opinion - a negative feedback - or threatening to? 

And, since ebay doesn't tell what action is taken against buyers, 'how' do you 'know', for a 'fact', that it has EVER happened?

[b86fiero]

I currently have the same bad buyer scenario going on.  USPS tracking shows delivered.  New buyer says not delivered to their apartment.

Have a new case filed by buyer claiming NAD.  Funny thing is this was the last one sold of a multi quantity listing.  All of the other buyers have left positive feedback for the same items.   

[ifyouloveit]

If package shows delivered you do not refund this buyer. It is up to the buyer to provide a SAFE place for packages. With porch pirate thefts ever increasing, leaving packages at your door is asking for them to be taken.

That is why we use tracking, to prove we sent it. You do not owe this buyer anything, if their package disappeared it is on them and the USPS.

If they pre threaten you with a negative feedback, please report them to eBay.

Do not refund any money, they will do it to another person. If they leave you a negative, contact eBay and show them the threats your buyer left.

Either they have a serious postal theft problem or your buyer is a liar and scammer.

Don't reward them.

[luckythewinner]

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When was the last time you heard of any buyer being sanctioned, or even 'slapped on the wrist', for leaving their opinion - a negative feedback - or threatening to? 

I was responding to this statement by you: "NOTHING - Ebay included - protects me from receiving NEGATIVE feedback for not refunding". Now you are changing the subject to whether the buyer will be punished or not. Removing feedback and punishing buyers are two completely different topics.

And, since ebay doesn't tell what action is taken against buyers, 'how' do you 'know', for a 'fact', that it has EVER happened?

Again, I was responding to this statement by you: "NOTHING - Ebay included - protects me from receiving NEGATIVE feedback for not refunding". And again, you are changing the subject to whether the buyer will be punished or not. Removing feedback and punishing buyers are two completely different topics.

[gracieallen01]

@luckythewinner 

But, isn't prevention a part of protection?  If one is protected from it happening through preventive measures OR protected from it happening again through prevention, isn't that protection, as well?