Sent wrong item, returned, address incorrect vacant

[sfginsider]

i purchased a $2,100 watch on eBay. After waiting 13 days the seller finally shipped the item. I had already opened an item not received. Finally received, after the window, but was disappointed in that I was given a 40MM case size and not the 47MM case purchase. For non watch aficionados the difference in price is $1000! I was really angry.

I contacted the seller who claimed it was an honest mistake. I returned the item the next day after opening an item not as described case. I am now waiting on my refund after sending the watch back. However the item went out to delivery to the sellers address (using the label eBay sent me to use to return) and usps says “vacant” return to sender. Now I’m freaking out. I’m going to be stuck with this watch and without my refund because I couldn’t return it. How can I make sure the seller gets this watch back? There address was wrong. They said they moved when I contacted them and that they haven’t updated their address. I’m angry and feel I should be protected when I did nothing wrong. I was sent the wrong watch and when I returned it using the return label I was given by eBay. It’s not my fault they didn’t update their address. How can I be sure I get my money back? Even worse, I’m pretty sure the watch was a fake, since I have another from the brand and it looked a lot different. 

Mite

[kensgiftshop]

@sfginsider wrote:

I contacted the seller who claimed it was an honest mistake. I returned the item the next day after opening an item not as described case. I am now waiting on my refund after sending the watch back. However the item went out to delivery to the sellers address (using the label eBay sent me to use to return) and usps says “vacant” return to sender. Now I’m freaking out. I’m going to be stuck with this watch and without my refund because I couldn’t return it.

I'd call CS and let them know that return shipping label the seller issued had a bad address and the item is being returned to you and ask them what you should do.

[sfginsider]

Thank you for the response and advise. I will try to contact them when I have time during the week. I’ve had a bad experience with them in the past after I got scammed in the past and would prefer to avoid them as they were no help to me before. Pretty inept to be honest.

[ijazzu]

As a buyer you are responsible for providing the correct shipping address, just as the seller is responsible for providing the correct return address. You should be able to call eBay and have this case closed in your favor.

You did your job by using the label provided and returning the item, this is on the seller for not updating their return address or providing an incorrect return address.

[sfginsider]

Hi, thank you for the response. I agree and feel it isn’t my fault as the seller moved and didn’t update their address. I contacted him and he said he won’t refund me until he gets it! I just don’t know what to do. The seller I bought from is horrible with a 71.% score and a ton of bad feedback flooded him after I had purchased

[sfginsider]

I just had a bad experience with customer service once before after buying a gift card with no value on it. I just want to have all my ducks in a row before dealing with them given the amount of money involved and the past issues I’ve had.

[dtexley3]

@sfginsider Set aside time in the morning, around 8AM pacific.  Have all the info at hand including the label.  Scan the label or take a photo so you can supply an image if requested.  Use the link to have eBay call YOU, insist they transfer you to trust & safety.  Calmly explain the issue with the failed return label.  Ask that they compare the return address to the seller's shipping address and any other returns.  FYI, this may be a case of a stolen account and the person now in control is a scammer.

[sfginsider]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I don’t have any info on the label. I don’t know the tracking number. I just have the pdf file from the eBay email when they sent the return label. It is all automated as it was the eBay generated return label for an item not as described.

why do you think it may be a hijacked account? 

[sfginsider]

Thanks for the responses. I have a panic disorder so I get really anxious even thinking about this as I’m just fixated on the fact I’m likely not going to be covered and out the money. I know eBay have a buyer protection but sometimes it’s inadequate, clearly, and I wish they did more to help and protect people in situations similar to what I’m facing.

[dtexley3]

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@sfginsider wrote:

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I don’t have any info on the label. I don’t know the tracking number. I just have the pdf file from the eBay email when they sent the return label. It is all automated as it was the eBay generated return label for an item not as described.

why do you think it may be a hijacked account? 

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The pdf is what you need.  The tracking number shows just under the barcode.   It also shows the address the seller input as the return address.

As for the hijacking a sudden rash of negatives and angry buyers is one of the signs that you are dealing with a hijacked account.  But YOU don't have to worry about that.  That part is eBay's problem.

Just explain the situation to Trust & Safety and be professional about it.  They should be able to sort it out.

[sfginsider]

So I'm cited for a policy violation and don't have a refund under the money back guarantee when I did everything Ebay said and the seller is clearly scamming. The fact ebay moderation cares more about that than me loosing two thousand dollars is ridiculous.

[dtexley3]

The moderators on the forum aren't eBay, so that doesn't affect your call to eBay.  Just call and explain.

[sfginsider]

I have arranged all the materials and am prepared to make the call. However, I am worried that ebay may escalate the case immediately upon my callling. Should I wait a few days until I have the package back in my hands? Or should I do it while it is still tracking?

[sfginsider]

Thank you for telling me that. I makes me feel better about my chances. Just concerned if its too early to call as I havent got the item back. Thoughts ?

Thanks again for all the help and advice dtexley. It is much appreciated, truly.

[sfginsider]

I only ask because once before I asked ebay to "step in and help," and I lost, within 24 hours. I bought a gift card that had zero balance but was told it had a $50 balance. Other users had negs on the seller saying the same and I provided proof it was dead. But nothing, and I was out my money without explanation. I dont trust them to be 100% honest. I want to be sure everything is settled before dealing with them.