eBay

vinayrajsb · ‎05-08-2020

Hey,

So this has been a harrowing ordeal already and I'm pretty sure the seller is trying to scam me. Bought an iPad for nearly 1200 bucks in total and seller shipped out the package updating with multiple tracking numbers from USPS. Was eventually sent by FedEx.

On receiving the package, it contained a pair of dirty pants, a demolished tablet or some sort, an empty case of apple pencil, a book and a phone case. Contacted the seller, didn't bother replying for 3 days. Contacted eBay, they said not to worry and ship it back and refund will be issued. Sent me a shipping label.

Label was attached to the package and picked up for shipping by USPS and even got a confirmation message saying so. But the tracking hasn't updated on either eBay or USPS portals, shipping label attached. Eventually the seller started replying and told lies that I called him out on multiple times on so I know he is a scammer.

Now I'm worried that he is trying to scam me like mentioned here:
https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/Return-Service-Shipping-Tracking-Not-Updating/td-p/27...

What can I do to successfully get my return?

PS. How do I know he is a scammer? The product description said iPad pro, apple pencil and case. When I didn't get anything in the package, when he eventually replied he started blaming me that I'm trying to scam him. Asked him for invoice of the iPad that he bought and he sent me a screenshot of an iPad bought from eBay. Saw his feedback and found out that he flipped that iPad the very next day on eBay itself. Asked him for invoice of apple pencil and the case that he supposedly bought off eBay and that's when he suddenly realized that maybe FedEx stole it lol. This along with the multiple tracking IDs that he gave earlier and the problem with the tracking now makes me very suspicious.

Edit: formatting.

bebe-1153 · ‎05-13-2020

@mam98031 wrote:
@vinayrajsb wrote:
I contacted eBay and raised a return!! eBay told me it'd be okay so I mailed it back and now he has everything on hold.
it should be an INAD and you should return the items you received to the seller.

And it was an INAD case, as it wasn't an iPad.

And it was returned, which eBay said to do.

bebe-1153 · ‎05-13-2020

@mam98031 wrote:
So I really don't understand why Ebay gave them an extension.

eBay suspects:

USA seller > USA friend > India buyer

Tyler has dropped many hints about working with the seller.

vinayrajsb · ‎05-13-2020

Yes seems like it... Really unfair tbh if that's the case. Since there are lots of red flags about the seller, I just hope to present my case and it doesn't go in the seller's favour just because he is a US seller.

tyler@ebay · ‎05-13-2020

@mam98031 wrote:

@vinayrajsb wrote:

The reason given by me was, "doesn't match description or photos"

OK so you filed an INAD [item not as described]. Perfect.

So I really don't understand why Ebay gave them an extension.

tyler@ebay

Hi @mam98031 - as you know, I cannot discuss account specific information. I gave several reasons why we would ask for additional time up-thread. Thanks!

Tyler,

artistsunion1 · ‎05-13-2020

@mam98031 wrote:
So I really don't understand why Ebay gave them an extension.

OP: "It just shows me the sellers statement about me asking him to mail it to my friends address which was the shipping address in the order anyway."

Maybe this could be one of reasons - there are not only the buyer and seller involved, but one more person as a recipient of the parcel.

Have they opened the package together or a buyer has been informed by a friend, etc.

vinayrajsb · ‎05-13-2020

It was supposed to be a gift for my friend who lives in the US. I ordered it and got it delivered to him from India. I wasn't there when he opened it but I was tracking it.

I told him to check if everything was okay when he got it and to make sure everything was there, like the apple pencil, the case and of course the ipad pro. He opened it and then gave me a call and sent some photos...

Obviously it came as a shock when all it had was a pair of dirty trousers, and completely broken tablet, like with the screen missing and everything and a book, an empty case of apple pencil and some random phone case.

It was really embarrassing because everyone is already on edge about the coronavirus and getting dirty pants and other trash in the mail is really not pleasant, to put it mildly.

Immediately took photos and first messaged the seller asking about it (seller didn't bother replying for 3-4 days after that). In the meanwhile I talked to eBay customer support and they reassured me that it is not a problem and to just create a return and send it back to the seller, which I eventually did. It was difficult for him to get a printout (for the return label) since his school was also closed and he was following social distancing norms.

I don't see what here is out of the norm? The address which the seller shipped to was there in the order. I have a verified PayPal address and card. The package was actually signed by the person it was addressed to. Where does the doubt come in? I'm even ready to share chat transcripts of me and my friend when he opened the package and sent me the photos.

Anyway, I feel kind of helpless here, since eBay hasn't really asked me to furnish any proof as of now, so I'm just hoping for the best. I even have proof of the seller lying about shipping the product. Guess the first red flag should've been when his listing didn't have clear photos of the condition of the iPad and no photos of the apple pen and case....

Anyway I digress, it's just stressful and hopefully it ends well.

mam98031 · ‎05-13-2020

@bebe-1153 wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
@vinayrajsb wrote:
I contacted eBay and raised a return!! eBay told me it'd be okay so I mailed it back and now he has everything on hold.
it should be an INAD and you should return the items you received to the seller.
And it was an INAD case, as it wasn't an iPad.

And it was returned, which eBay said to do.

I understand. I believe that is what I said.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

bebe-1153 · ‎05-18-2020

@mam98031 wrote:
@bebe-1153 wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
@vinayrajsb wrote:
I contacted eBay and raised a return!! eBay told me it'd be okay so I mailed it back and now he has everything on hold.
it should be an INAD and you should return the items you received to the seller.
And it was an INAD case, as it wasn't an iPad.

And it was returned, which eBay said to do.
I understand. I believe that is what I said.

All the words are still there. What did you say?

wastingtime101 · ‎05-18-2020

@vinayrajsb wrote:
Yeah initially they were supposed to get back to me in 48 hours but it's now extended to 17th may, that is why I'm worried.

I shall keep you guys updated. I'll try not to worry about it but 1200 bucks is a lot of money for me 😞

So what happened? @vinayrajsb

GLORIOUS!

vinayrajsb · ‎05-18-2020

They still haven't come to a decision and no date has been given... eBay customer support keeps telling me to be patient, but I have to pay my credit card bill eventually and I dont want to pay for something I didn't get...

mam98031 · ‎05-18-2020

@bebe-1153 wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
@bebe-1153 wrote:
@mam98031 wrote:
@vinayrajsb wrote:
I contacted eBay and raised a return!! eBay told me it'd be okay so I mailed it back and now he has everything on hold.
it should be an INAD and you should return the items you received to the seller.
And it was an INAD case, as it wasn't an iPad.

And it was returned, which eBay said to do.
I understand. I believe that is what I said.
All the words are still there. What did you say?

Is there something particular you are trying to accomplish here?

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

vinayrajsb · ‎05-20-2020

Hey!

So after a week of keeping the case on hold, ebay has decided to issue a full refund! Thank you so much for all your help! Really relieved!

mam98031 · ‎05-20-2020

@vinayrajsb wrote:
Hey!
So after a week of keeping the case on hold, ebay has decided to issue a full refund! Thank you so much for all your help! Really relieved!

I'm glad this worked out for you. While I still don't understand the delay in the case, I'm very glad it worked out.

mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999

bebe-1153 · ‎05-21-2020

@vinayrajsb wrote:
So after a week of keeping the case on hold, ebay has decided to issue a full refund!

Congrats, so glad eBay got it right! Your seller attempted to focus eBay on your asking to mail it to your friend's address, but after putting the case on hold, eBay could see that the item was never reshipped beyond its original delivery, so eBay ruled against your seller, and forced a full refund with apologies to you.

And as a reward for pulling the stunt, your seller is now on the hook for a $120 bill, plus forward and return shipping, and the usual PayPal fees.

vinayrajsb · ‎05-21-2020

Do not forget the negative feedback that he is going to receive! But if this is the way he deals, then I doubt he sticks with one account for long anyway.