Sold an expensive camera and buyer claims he received a book and now wants a refund.

[jdp121919]

Hello.  This is my first post here.  I recently sold a high end camera on eBay.  I live in the USA and the buyer was from Qatar.  I packaged the camera and shipped using USPS.  Since the camera was very expensive I did purchase insurance through USPS.  I sent the camera to the buyer and he sent massage stating that he received a book instead of the camera and has requested a refund.  I asked him if the package seemed if it was tanpered with and he says no.  I have been selling on eBay for a while and have sold some expensive items but have never encountered this problem.  I have all positive reviews and have never had an issue as a buyer or a seller.  I searched online and am afraid the buyer is going to return a book and I will  lose out on the camera and the money that was paid for it.  I have not yet accepted the return request.  What are my next steps?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[18704d]

I would immediately file a postal insurance claim with the USPS for the full price of the camera (if you paid for that amount of insurance)

You shipped an expensive camera.

Your buyer said they didn't get it.

It's obvious, the theft / loss occured while in the hands of the US postal service.

Lynn

[sam9876]

 What was the insurance for?

[sam9876]

"It's obvious, the theft / loss occured while in the hands of the US postal service"

Why do you think that?

[18704d]

You have 8 selling feedback.

You sold a $2,475.00 item.

I fear further expensive sales, on your low feedback account

will encounter the same problems.

Lynn

[bubbleman2010]

Did you send overnight express signature required?

[18704d]

"It's obvious, the theft / loss occured while in the hands of the US postal service"

Why do you think that?

------------

I don't think that, sam.

But it's the official stance I'd take with the USPS.

Seller officially knows they sent 2475.00 camera.

Buyer officially and legally claims, they didn't get it.

File the claim with that info.

See what the USPS does.

jmtcw,

Lynn

[jdp121919]

It was not overnighted but signature was required.

[bubbleman2010]

Are the funds from the sale in paypal on hold?

[jdp121919]

The insurance was purchased for the dollar amount of the camera.  I believe it covers lost or theft of the item.

[jdp121919]

Yes the funds have been on hold since the camera was sold.

[sam9876]

 Does the insurance protect you against fraud?

[18704d]

"Fraud" must be confirmed or denied by the USPS.

The buyer is stating "switched / theft"... incorrect contents received.

Lynn

[bubbleman2010]

ebay will settle the claim long before USPS gets around to processing your claim and since it wasn't overnighted by courier any claim will be denied they delivered the package and got a signature. You can request a return for refund,but all you'll get back is a book. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but camera is gone and money soon will be. More folks will come along shortly with different angles you can try,but this is ebay with tons of past sellers that had the same problem and for the majority the results were the same...

[jdp121919]

This is not right.  Why would it matter if the package was overnighted?