Buyer sent me a picture of a ripped open package and asked if i was trying to scam them.

[ms-james]

This morning I received a message from a user who purchased a cell phone from me for $70.

He asked me if I was a scammer because the package he received was empty.

I said that I most definitely put the cellphone inside (have the receipt that says the package was 7oz)

and asked if he would send me a picture of what he received.

He sends me a picture of a ripped open package that I clearly remember putting a cell phone in and told me to open a usps claim.

I continue to investigate asking if he opened it or if that's how he received it, he replied that he found the package torn open as pictured.

Am I responsible for this? The tracking obviously says that the item was delivered and that it weighed 7oz.

The package was not insured so I don't imagine usps will be refunding any money.

Thanks guys!

[thallidguy]

Re: your buyer, some people have the double-whammy of being both nasty and idiotic. If I received a package that was ripped open, my first thought would be that this happened in transit, well after it left the seller's hands. The last thing on my mind would be accusing the seller of being a criminal.

But that being said, if the package was not insured, then I'm afraid you are in a position where you will have to refund. You can report it to USPS' postal inspector unit, because they are supposed to investigate mail theft. But I wouldn't hold my breath that much will come of it.

The seller's responsbility is to deliver the item safely to the buyer, and unfortunately this includes taking responsibility for things that aren't your fault.

[thallidguy]

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@thallidguy wrote:

But that being said, if the package was not insured, then I'm afraid you are in a position where you will have to refund.

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I should clarify: Even if you had insurance, you would still have to refund. But you would at least get the value of the insurance coverage back.

[hafoster]

Apologize and tell your buyer to hold on to the package.

@ms-james

Explain you're filing a rifling report.

Ask for a phone number and a good time --

for the USPS postal inspector to call for a good time:

8am to noon, noon to 4pm, 4pm to 8pm, or 8pm to midnight?

[johnrj1226]

@ johnjay1218

It is a USPS standard procedure that if a package has been damaged while in transit the USPS is to apply stickers or ink stamps indicating  the damage  or other issues and place the package in a clear bag and deliver it to the intended receipient.  Have had a few packages delivered like this over time. 

If the photos you received do not show any lables or stampings, my feeling is that  your  buyer is trying to run a game on you.  

[orangehound]

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@johnrj1226 wrote:

@ johnjay1218

It is a USPS standard procedure that if a package has been damaged while in transit the USPS is to apply stickers or ink stamps indicating  the damage  or other issues and place the package in a clear bag and deliver it to the intended receipient.  Have had a few packages delivered like this over time. 

If the photos you received do not show any lables or stampings, my feeling is that  your  buyer is trying to run a game on you.  

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This would be my thought as well.  It could be, also, that someone in the buyer's household ripped open the package ... kids, for example, love to open mail.

It is a classic MO of a scammer to first call the other person a scammer ... I don't know why this is, but there's probably some psychology behind it.

Regardless, on eBay the seller takes on a lot of risk when we sell.  About all you can do is open up an investigation with the USPS (since the receiver claims it arrived this way).  And, once the buyer opens up a claim with eBay, you'll need to refund the buyer's money (eBay does not have any insurance or other policies that help you keep the money in cases like this).

[fern*wood]

I would ask for a photo of the sticker the post office puts on open packages and tell them you will contact their post office to file a complaint or however you wish to word it.

[stuff4divas]

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@johnrj1226 wrote:

@ johnjay1218

It is a USPS standard procedure that if a package has been damaged while in transit the USPS is to apply stickers or ink stamps indicating  the damage  or other issues and place the package in a clear bag and deliver it to the intended receipient.  Have had a few packages delivered like this over time. 

If the photos you received do not show any lables or stampings, my feeling is that  your  buyer is trying to run a game on you.  

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I too have rec'd a few torn/mangled pkgs but with labels, stamps, or in plastic bags, etc designating them as damaged. I don't believe USPS would deliver an 'empty' package. If it was shipped Priority, it has insurance included.

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@hafoster wrote:

Apologize and tell your buyer to hold on to the package.

@ms-james

Explain you're filing a rifling report.

Ask for a phone number and a good time --

for the USPS postal inspector to call for a good time:

8am to noon, noon to 4pm, 4pm to 8pm, or 8pm to midnight?

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Do this ^^^ and I bet the buyer suddenly "finds" the phone.

[mg152]

Sure they woukd. They have to deliver even if empty but it would at the least have a damaged sticker on it.

[mg152]

I want to add that I have received an empty package before. One time no sticker, nothing. One time the package was in a plastic bag marked damaged in transit or something. Buyers are not always scamming. It’s also possible that someone opened it, took the phone & put it back in the mailbox.

This reply is not to anyone specific.

[stuff4divas]

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@mg152 wrote:
Sure they woukd. They have to deliver even if empty but it would at the least have a damaged sticker on it.

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Oh, I have never rec'd an empty box, just damaged ones, but with the product still inside, sometimes damaged, sometimes not, sometimes re-taped from UPS or Fed Ex

[johnrj1226]

Once a received a package (padded flat rate envelope) as a  purchase return.   The only thing in the envelope was the box (lightweight manufacturers box) the item was shipped in and the envelopes flap was 2/3 sealed.  USPS did in fact apply sticker on it that  it was empty and the enveloped was not sealed and it was delivered in a clear plastic bag.    IMO the buyer was trying to run a game on me to get  a refund and  keep the item less the box.  I photoed the package  as delivered, stickers shipping label, the partially closed flap and a pick of the box inside the envelope.   Sent copies to the buyer. The buyer claimed an INR.  Challenged the buyer's   INR case and contacted eBay they reviewed  my pics,  communications (eBay messages - all professional & busness like) with the buyer and eBay ruled in my favor.

[stuff4divas]

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@johnrj1226 wrote:

Once a received a package (padded flat rate envelope) as a  purchase return.   The only thing in the envelope was the box (lightweight manufacturers box) the item was shipped in and the envelopes flap was 2/3 sealed.  USPS did in fact apply sticker on it that  it was empty and the enveloped was not sealed and it was delivered in a clear plastic bag.    IMO the buyer was trying to run a game on me to get  a refund and  keep the item less the box.  I photoed the package  as delivered, stickers shipping label, the partially closed flap and a pick of the box inside the envelope.   Sent copies to the buyer. The buyer claimed an INR.  Challenged the buyer's   INR case and contacted eBay they reviewed  my pics,  communications (eBay messages - all professional & busness like) with the buyer and eBay ruled in my favor.

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Altho I never rec'd empty pkgs, I have rec'd a few with a super 'cheap' and 'tacky' item inside. I once sold an expensive Ugg handbag and the buyer sent me back what looked like a thrift store vinyl handbag that couldn't have cost more than $2. I fought the case and only won because after numerous emails back and forth with the buyer (never accusing her of anything) just conveying my confusion, she said she gave the bag to her friend to ship. That was how I won the case, 3rd party involvement.

[vintagecraze50]

I am a psychologist--no kidding, We call that PROJECTION.  Projection is a psychological term meaning that whatever is the DEFECT, lol, of the person they project it on to another. They do not want to own it as their own.