Oct 1: I received the standard EBay notice saying my item has sold and been paid for and I should ship it
Oct 3: I shipped the item via Parcel Select (per buyer’s instructions) through the USPS at a cost of $41.25
Oct 10: Item is delivered to buyer, buyer requests a return stating: “I never ordered this item - I was only viewing it - not sure how it got ordered i will be declining it“. I declined the return because I don’t accept returns, I didn’t think the buyer would want to pay return shipping and EBay said I was within my rights to do so. Also I don’t believe it is possible to buy something “by accident” on EBay; one must click the buy it now button and go through the checkout/payment process. EBay closed the return case
Oct 22: Buyer opened a case with PayPal
Oct 30: Package arrived back at my home marked “Refused, Return to sender” with $41.25 postage due. I called PayPal to protest; the rep said we will refund half your return postage and this case will be closed in your favor in a day or 2. I asked him to repeat that and he did so.
Oct 31: I received the promised $21 credit for partial refund of return postage
Nov 2: I received a notice from PayPal that the case has been decided in the buyer’s favor, she is getting a full refund and there is also a charge back fee of $20 levied against me. I spent well over an hour on the phone with EBay and PayPal trying to get some redress for this grievance to no avail.
I am out of pocket $81.50 (41.25 initial postage plus 41.25 return postage plus 20.00 chargeback fee less the 21.00 credit from PayPal for half the return postage) for something that was in no way my fault. I complied with all EBay and PayPal rules and should be covered by EBay &/or PayPal seller protection. I am the innocent party in this transaction. She must have done something to initiate this order whether she realized it or not. Had I accepted the return through EBay I don’t think it would have changed anything given that she stated when requesting the return that she would be “declining” delivery for the item. I believe this buyer to be in violation of EBay return policies but EBay declines to do anything about it.
