Scam? What do you think?

[voguevintage]

I shipped a buyer four 2.5 lb weight plates. These are small so they fit right in a padded flat rate.

I got a message today and the buyer, who has a 2 feedback rating, says that only one plate was in the envelope.

Now, I know I shipped her four. So either it came over during shipping and the other three came out and one made it, or it's a scam.

Buyers claiming they only got part of their order is an old scam, but I did notice in this case her picture of the single plate and the padded envelope showed the envelope has a clear tape across it I don't use like it had been resealed.

But has anyone seen scammers make it look like that as part of the scam? Seems possible.

[toysaver]

I would never put 10 pounds of anything in any kind of envelope, it needs to be boxed and the box needs to be reinforced with extra tape.  It's possible the weight of the items broke through the envelope needing the additional tape repair.

[fashunu4eeuh]

Hi, something that is 10 pounds total could easily break the seal on the Priority padded flat rate envelope. It would have needed reinforcing in a big way to hold bulky, heavy items through transit. Boxing is best under such circumstances.

[fab_finds4u]

My PO will add more tape if they thought it needed it.   

If USPS caught the torn package during transit they would tape it and put a sticker on it saying delivered missing contents. Sometimes they'll put it a clear bag.

If they're scamming it doesn't matter  because eBay wants you to resolve it- refund, send replacements, offer a partial refund, or provide a return label and refund in full when it's returned.  What does the buyer want?

[mtgraves7984 · Accepted solution]

This one sounds more like a shipping error than a scammer. It's a learning curve...

[lex-talon]

Weight plates should never be shipped using a padded flat rate envelope. It's possible the other three plates tore the envelope and fell out. The buyer can open a INAD case and state the order has missing parts(items). 

[this*old*attic]

@voguevintage 

How are you selling Lysol and toilet paper at four or more times their regular price?

[ibeforej]

I have to agree with everyone else- 10lbs should have gone in a box (likely flat rate to save some $$.) 

I know those weights are tiny- we use them at the gym- but I wouldn’t trust an envelope seal on keeping them in one place.

[voguevintage]

A few things:

1. Those padded flat rate envelopes are waited to 70 lbs and I use my own tape (which isn't clear) to reenforce.

2. It's really the only economical way to ship them to California. Otherwise, no one would buy them as the shipping would be too high. 

3. I agree believe the buyer, but was curious if this is a known scam. I've been around long enough to know that I wouldn't win this if I tried. I can't exchange so the buyer will get a refund.

@this*old*attic I'm not? Not sure who's listings you're looking at, but I haven't sold anything like that in over a month since eBay changed/enforced policy.