Seller Protection?

[Anonymous]

As a fellow seller here, I must warn you that when you have issues with dishonest buyers eBay will find a way to take their side AND your money. I just had a buyer open a return for the item not being authentic (first lie, because it definitely was as I purchased the item from an authorized store myself) and buyer was uncooperative and refused any sort of proof of authenticity. Because of eBay policies I really had no choice but to accept the return. Then, instead of returning the original brand new bag, they sent a pair of used shoes! Then (2nd lie) had the audacity to accuse me of making the substitution!
To top it all off, eBay just informed me that even though I provided photos of the shoes and her shipping box with measurements showing it wasn't even big enough to contain the original item without causing damage, they had found in her favor and issued her refund. So I just paid $275 PLUS return shipping for a pair of ugly, dirty used shoes that are definitely not my style and not even my size!!!  Oh yeah, and a hit on seller performance!
Ebay has no loyalty to its' sellers whatsoever and "Seller Protection" is a joke so, after 14 years on eBay, this relationship will very soon be coming to an end.
Sorry to have unloaded on you, but as a seller, be very cautious.
Thanks for listening and stay safe!

[luckythewinner]

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I provided photos of the shoes and her shipping box with measurements showing it wasn't even big enough

Unfortunately, the only thing a pictures prove is that you have access to a picture. eBay has no idea whether your picture actually shows what the buyer returned or not. 

I just paid $275 PLUS return shipping for a pair of ugly, dirty used shoes

Losing your item, some fees, and and the cost of shipping is one of the risks to selling on eBay. 

Oh yeah, and a hit on seller performance!

What is the hit you are referring to? 

"Seller Protection" is a joke so, after 14 years on eBay, this relationship will very soon be coming to an end.

Unfortunately, the eBay user agreement states that eBay can do whatever they want when deciding disputes. 

You are certainly not alone. Many sellers announce they are going to leave eBay just as soon as they stop selling here. 

[Anonymous]

The hit for "item not as described" and for an unresolved dispute where ebay was asked to step in. The last was my mistake for thinking eBay would be FAIR to the seller.

[earlyant-77]

.... they are going to leave eBay just as soon as they stop selling here. 

😀😀😀

[bbravo65]

@earlyant-77...may I ask why you laughed about this comment...?

[pinksakura2000]

Thank you for sharing your story. eBay charged my credit card because the delivery was past eBay's expected delivery date even though tracking shows in-transit and the buyer received it 2 weeks after the filing. So my buyer kept the merchandise for free, eBay and paypal kept the fees. I lost the fees, the merchandise, plus shipping. At least you get a pair of "dirty" shoes back (though you paid for return shipping) and maybe some cleanup you could resell it somewhere.
To sell here or not to sell here, we all have a choice.

[Anonymous]

The thing is that this is not the first time I have been dumped on by eBay and these things happen all the time to who knows how many sellers but I am guessing that the numbers would be in the tens of thousands. The sellers continue to lose money but eBay still collects and KEEPS the fees.
All I'm saying is that I am tired of it and as soon as I can get rid of all my current inventory I am done with it. I'm not even totally convinced that what they do is completely legal or if we sellers simply fall through the cracks in the laws. It's quite obvious that eBay policies are written for buyers only.

[fab_finds4u]

Not that it will get your money back but do file a police report and file a mail fraud report with USPS.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I can do that. But I am really tired of going through so much hassle because of liars and thieves.

[earlyant-77]

@bbravo65 

Because it's funny - when you like dry humor.

EVERYONE comes here and says they are leaving - but no one ever leaves. They always have stuff listed, even a year later. We've heard it before, we'll hear it again.

[Anonymous]

There is absolutely nothing funny about this.  I am a retiree who sells here to supplement a meager social security income.  What is happening is out and out THEFT.  Is it funny to steal from someone's grandparent???

[treasures-4less]

There is no protection for the seller. Ebay feels if it's not for the buyer there would be no sale thus they don't receive the final value fees.  I was told "It's the cost of doing business"  At least when there was an honest two way feedback system you could stop some of this from happening. Now feedback is a joke!

[Anonymous]

RIGHT!!! How is it fair that the only way to warn other sellers about particular buyers is to first give that buyer POSITIVE feedback???!!!!!

[treasures-4less]

Some say you can't do this, blah blah blah seen it done quite often and doesn't get removed.  I say I rather take the chance to at least hopefully help another person from falling victim to buyers scams.  It's too rapid on ebay! You have to watch out for each other.

[treasures-4less]

I am curious what those ugly shoes look like? How bad were they? I've had it happen to me with a return but they just sent tissue paper back in the mailer to me. After basically sternly talking to an ebay agent they refunded me. Did you at least try to message an agent? ask for a supervisor. Try using twitter if you have one, as I heard you can actually get a live person that way.  Would love to hear what they tell you? We can at least get a few laughs over it. lol