eBay

deadlyhandsome*1 · ‎03-16-2019

I’ve been buying and selling on eBay for 19 years. I have a 100% positive feedback. I recently listed about 40 items and clearly listed the shipping method. One item sold and I shipped it the next day via the method shown in the listing. USPS tracking showed the item was delayed but would still be delivered. The delay was beyond my control. The buyer demanded a full refund. After a few days, eBay stepped in and gave the seller a full refund. The item has since been delivered, but I can no longer access the eBay return tool that allows me to send the buyer a return shipping label. I have no idea why eBay sides with the buyer when there was tracking that proved I shipped the item in a timely manner and the delay (11 days) was a USPS problem and not anything I had control of. I’m getting tired of getting beat up and eBay not supporting sellers. I’ve had buyers extort me demanding partial refunds or they would file complaints and eBay supports them and tells me to work it out with the buyer! I’m about done with eBay.

buyselljack2016 · ‎04-12-2019

@deadlyhandsome*1 wrote:
I’ve been buying and selling on eBay for 19 years. I have a 100% positive feedback. I recently listed about 40 items and clearly listed the shipping method. One item sold and I shipped it the next day via the method shown in the listing. USPS tracking showed the item was delayed but would still be delivered. The delay was beyond my control. The buyer demanded a full refund. After a few days, eBay stepped in and gave the ~~seller~~ buyer a full refund. The item has since been delivered, but I can no longer access the eBay return tool that allows me to send the buyer a return shipping label. I have no idea why eBay sides with the buyer when there was tracking that proved I shipped the item in a timely manner and the delay (11 days) was a USPS problem and not anything I had control of. I’m getting tired of getting beat up and eBay not supporting sellers. I’ve had buyers extort me demanding partial refunds or they would file complaints and eBay supports them and tells me to work it out with the buyer! I’m about done with eBay.

The "in transit" is just a "no action", "non-scan" , "fill the void" meaningless "event code" that pops in there at a set amount of time when there is no movement(real scan) showing, and really means nothing. Your item can fall in the ocean never to be seen again, and it will get that same meaningless "event code" triggering the "arriving late" status. It does not mean anything is happening with the item. eBay apparently looks at the last "real scan event" to determine if there is movement it the time frame needed to allow more time to arrive/deliver.

eBay considers it to be in "our control" as we chose the carrier.

castlemagicmemories · ‎04-12-2019

@nodr-45 wrote:
Since the case already closed you can ask the buyer to refuse the package so the PO returns to sender, you can invoice the buyer through PayPal for re-payment or you can email the buyer a return shipping label. The buyer is not obligated to cooperate.

The OP states that the item has since been delivered~so only options two and three are applicable.

Thus the package cannot be recalled, either~as another post suggests.

If an item shows in transit, you can call CS as suggested and ask for a time extension. They may give you ten days which hopefully would allow for delivery to be accomplished.

The buyer is not obligated to cooperate~true.

postingid2017 · ‎04-12-2019

I strongly suggest what @oldwestgold & @dtexley3 suggested. And trust me, you will be contacted via phone (that is if you choose your phone number for contact).

ba_ducj_dkpygk00i3 · ‎04-06-2020

Postal inspectors ROFL. That will do precisely nothing. Buyer is keeping item. Seller can cry or get over it, their choice.

socalboomer50 · ‎04-06-2020

Change the handling time on your listings and do not specify the shipping method. i.e. Standard shipping. You have to contact eBay to request extra time as they were supposed to protect sellers from these delays.

lovett-1000 · ‎04-06-2020

The seller is right. By calling e bay to say still in transit would not help anyway. They will refund anyway. And biggest point hard to ad can not call e bay anyway. They only got the e mail that works slack. Very slow or no reply from the emails you send. I have had this happen to me also. The buyer that finally got the item I set on time. But was delayed because of poor U.S.P.S. handling time. Took over 60 days for them to get. I was lucky the buyer did go to pay pal and pay me for it. Even after they was refunded. They did it thru Pay Pal. Maybe if you messaged the buyer asked nicely for them to pay they will. They could call pay pal tell them they want to pay for what they got. E bay is not right. If the package showed revived by reputable carrier. And still in transit. No matter the time e bay is wrong to refund. But e bay is not right. E bay just in it for the buck. To get your fees you paid for selling it. Ad to keep the buyer coming back. No matter who they cheated. If e bay was right and now it showed delivered they would pay from their pocket give you your money back. But know they are not right. So looks like you just got ripped off by slow and to slow mailing. Not you fault I am sorry this happened to you.

equid0x · ‎04-06-2020

@ba_ducj_dkpygk00i3 wrote:
Postal inspectors ROFL. That will do precisely nothing. Buyer is keeping item. Seller can cry or get over it, their choice.

I wouldn't be so sure. I've recently had an issue with a buyer who defrauded me. I opened a case with the postal inspection service and I now have a case number and I have been contacted by a postal inspector who has stated they are actively investigating the case.

I suppose they may not go after the 1-off but you never know what they buyer's history actually is.

Mail fraud is a Felony. Additionally, she can be charged with chargeback fraud, also a Felony, and in her state, that carries a 3 year penalty.

This may be an indication that these agencies are beginning to take this type of "friendly fraud" more seriously.

pinksakura2000 · ‎04-06-2020

I had the same exact problem as you. But you know what, our 19+ years with eBay and 100% feedback don't matter. eBay's standard procedure is to refund customer when items are still in transit as soon as it passes eBay's estimated delivery time (or near that time). eBay wouldn't even bother refunding your fees on a cancelled transaction because they told me they found me a legit buyer and I am the one not delivering on time (excuse me, am I the post office???)

Anyways, you won't see your money once it's been taken out by eBay because your case is now closed and they delete the original listing as if it never existed. You can try ask nicely the buyer to return your money to your paypal account without being caught by eBay, because the last time I tried to disclose personal information, my message was blocked with a nasty message from eBay saying that I have violated their policies.

I don't think this case qualify as mail fraud as it is not the customer trying to cheat (because when they filed, the item was indeed not received). Plus it was eBay who decided to forcefully refunded the money without seeing the delivery through. eBay should be the one returning the seller's money.

In any case, you may feel free to file with the following agencies for free. They are easy to use and only ask simple info. And while you are at it, you can copy and paste the case and file with all the agencies:
Better Business Bureau
https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/get-started

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
www.ic3.gov

ArbiClaims Dispute Resolution
http://www.arbiclaims.com/bbb

California Department of Consumer Affairs
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N 112
Sacramento, CA 95834
(800) 952-5210

Contractors State License Board
PO Box 26000
Sacramento, CA
(800) 321-CSLB (2752)

pinksakura2000 · ‎04-06-2020

Forgot to add that if eBay refunded the buyer by charging your credit card, you can try dispute that charge with your credit card company.

kaggreenacres · ‎04-24-2020

I am in the same boat! The item the buyer is requesting a refund for has only been delayed a few days and they got a $60 item for $15. The morals of people these days! Sorry you are having this issue too!