Received a package with an empty box. It looks like the package was cut open in transit and resealed

[shadowfall4995]

So, I ordered a camera and received the camera box without the camera or any of the accessories inside.  It is clear that the package was cut open and taped shut at some point in transit (unless the seller reused packaging and sent like that but I doubt it).  Obviously, item is not received as described.  BUT, I really will feel bad if the seller gets screwed out of the money because of something that happened out of their control.  What can I do about this? Will ebay buyer protection eat the loss or will it have to be either me or the seller that is out $200?

[ravenm.-4]

It's you or the seller out $200.

It's the sellers job to get the item to you. If they don't pack it securely, it's not your fault.

[cs497kcpope]

Whose to say that it wasn't  packed right?

[orangehound]

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@cs497kcpope wrote:

Whose to say that it wasn't  packed right?

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If the USPS sees an open box, they put a label on it that indicates that it was open and that they resealed it.

[sfginsider]

Seller is sol. It’s an item not as described since the moneycback guarantee guarantees you get what you ordered. If you really feel bad you can let him keep the money haha... 

good chance is the seler sent an empty empty box as it’s a common scam. Be less concerned with others and more concerned with not getting scammed on eBay, as you have to always be vigilant on a site like this.

[lightlily_arts]

It's unfortunate but this is a problem where someone is going to lose and if you don't want to lose your money you need to file a claim for not as described.  The seller needs to see that the package was tampered with and they need to file a claim with the carrier.

[lja440]

File a loss/riffling report with the Post Office. 

[fuzzface50]

was it shipped in just the camera box or inside a brown box? What I am getting at did someone on the route could tell it was a camera already?  If so I can see someone  on the route somewhere with sticky fingers that wanted a camera  and saw it and just cut the tape seam and retape it again. 

Yes, I agree with them above to report it to the post office and they can keep track. They might have someone that has sticky fingers somewhere and enough complaints they might be able to narrow it down to where exactly the location of where items start disappearing out of boxes.

[dasarock]

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@fuzzface50 wrote:

was it shipped in just the camera box or inside a brown box? What I am getting at did someone on the route could tell it was a camera already?  If so I can see someone  on the route somewhere with sticky fingers that wanted a camera  and saw it and just cut the tape seam and retape it again. 

Yes, I agree with them above to report it to the post office and they can keep track. They might have someone that has sticky fingers somewhere and enough complaints they might be able to narrow it down to where exactly the location of where items start disappearing out of boxes.

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the usps knows what the package is worth when seller buys a shipping label, i.e. it won't let you insure for more than purchase amount.  i don't believe that carrier scans can see that information tho.  but, if the item was rifled by a carrier employee then the seller has the definite right and obligation to start a claim.  who knows maybe the carrier will find the culprit and end that particular problem.  however, as noted in other responses it's always possible the seller did send you and empty box. but, i believe the initial carrier scans also check the package weight against postage paid amounts, so they should be able to tell you by that if the seller did, in fact, send the correct weight for the item.  

either way, you go to ebay with it, seller goes to the carrier.  it's a harsh reality here on ebay, but we can't sell anything that we're not prepared to lose...