Seller messaged that item cannot be sent

[kdmxp384]

I purchased an item and payment was promptly submitted via Paypal.  The order history indicated that the item has "shipped", but the seller messages me that they found that the item was damaged so it won't be sent.  There is a USPS tracking number showing that the post office is still waiting for the item to send.  At first the seller requested that I cancel the order.  However, I don't have that option, anymore, because the item has been marked "shipped", even though it has not, I guess.  I let the seller know that I don't have an option to cancel.  They respond that they can "refund me directly"?!?!  What does that mean?  What would be the best coarse of action?  Even if I wait till after the item is supposed to have arrived, according to the tracking information, I won't have anything to return.

[myescape · Accepted solution]

If you do not receive item or refund by last estimated delivery date file a NOT RECEIVED case not a return

Your seller is trying to avoid a defect for cancelling

Refund directly mean he will send you the refund as a separate payment rather than as a refund thru the listing(Item will not appear refunded in your purchase history)

[picknparley]

It's highly possible the seller did find the item broken when going to ship it.  I've had that happen to me, even to the point of being a klutz and dropping the item as I retrieved it from inventory.  

Refunding your money directly (through PayPal)  isn't necessarily a bad thing. Yes, the seller may be trying to avoid a ding on his metrics, but accidents do happen. 

A bad seller may just have tossed it in a box, knowing it's broken and sent it on. 

I hope this turns out well for you.

[ed8108]

Not good advice

If your seller issues you a refund directly as PayPal goods & services, you the buyer pays PayPal fees & won't  get back the sales tax eBay collected. 

 Recently had a eBay seller do the above.

[ste-9405]

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@ed8108 wrote:

Not good advice

If your seller issues you a refund directly as PayPal goods & services, you the buyer pays PayPal fees & won't  get back the sales tax eBay collected. 

 Recently had a eBay seller do the above.

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Not only that @ed8108: Beware that your recent eBay seller can retreat into hiding, then within 180 days spring an Item Not Received dispute on you, immediately escalate before you can respond, and get the entire refund back, plus you'll add back actual cash for the PayPal fees and sales tax.

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@ed8108 wrote:

Not good advice

If your seller issues you a refund directly as PayPal goods & services, you the buyer pays PayPal fees & won't  get back the sales tax eBay collected. 

 Recently had a eBay seller do the above.

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Repeat of entire post, so nothing irrelevant is omitted.

[ed8108]

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@ste-9405 wrote:

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@ed8108 wrote:

Not good advice

If your seller issues you a refund directly as PayPal goods & services, you the buyer pays PayPal fees & won't  get back the sales tax eBay collected. 

 Recently had a eBay seller do the above.

---

Not only that @ed8108: Beware that your recent eBay seller can retreat into hiding, then within 180 days spring an Item Not Received dispute on you, immediately escalate before you can respond, and get the entire refund back, plus you'll add back actual cash for the PayPal fees and sales tax.@

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Thank you, fortunately I have already been aware of what you have posted.

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And I also know that just because the seller has several hundred feedback, 100% positive, unfortunately, that 's far from being a problem free transaction guarantee.

[lightlily_arts]

The seller has to cancel the order on their end.  I have had buyers purchase an item and then ask to cancel after I have already purchased a shipping label.  As for the refund they can do it through PayPal directly.

[penguins_dont_fly]

Dear Seller:

I'm sorry to hear that my item is unavailable.

If you are unable to ship this order, you are obligated to cancel the order from your end.

The correct reason to use is "Out of Stock".

I have not asked you to cancel (I would rather have the item) and there is nothing wrong with my address.

Thank You.

Buyer.