Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Ebay scam

Messages
16,921
Okay so it appears that eBay now automatically clears your Paypal account if someone decides to be an asshole. eBay and PP threw me into a $350 negative even though the buyer didn't send the jacket back
even though I never agreed to refund the buyer
even though we never discussed the terms of return
even though I didn't receive the jacket
even though I asked for eBay to step in (and still haven't heard from them)
even though everything ever. . .

And let me remind you, all this happened because the asshole buyer decided that they didn't like the jacket 15 (yeah, fifteen) whole days after getting it, made up a shit claim that it has a "faint perfume-y odor" and started a case. They went with this because the jacket was in such a perfect condition that you literally couldn't find anything wrong with it. It could've just as easily been "it's too shiny" or "too black" or "the grain on the leather is too dense" or whatever! That's the kind of sicko you can run into selling on eBay.

And clearing your PP account is how eBay protects you.
 
Messages
17,558
Location
Chicago
Okay so it appears that eBay now automatically clears your Paypal account if someone decides to be an asshole. eBay and PP threw me into a $350 negative even though the buyer didn't send the jacket back
even though I never agreed to refund the buyer
even though we never discussed the terms of return
even though I didn't receive the jacket
even though I asked for eBay to step in (and still haven't heard from them)
even though everything ever. . .

And let me remind you, all this happened because the asshole buyer decided that they didn't like the jacket 15 (yeah, fifteen) whole days after getting it, made up a shit claim that it has a "faint perfume-y odor" and started a case. They went with this because the jacket was in such a perfect condition that you literally couldn't find anything wrong with it. It could've just as easily been "it's too shiny" or "too black" or "the grain on the leather is too dense" or whatever! That's the kind of sicko you can run into selling on eBay.

And clearing your PP account is how eBay protects you.
That's an absolute miscarriage of justice!
 
Messages
16,921
Okay, good news. eBay (finally) closed this ridiculous case in my favor.

"Thank you for contacting us about the item [jacket] I understand that you asked eBay to step in because you listed the item accurately and the buyer still claims that the item is not as described from the listing. I can see how difficult the situation is and I appreciate your willingness to have this sorted out with your buyer. My name is Grace from eBay Resolution Team and as a seller myself; I know the importance of wanting an immediate decision. Rest assured that this is my area of expertise. It is my pleasure to assist you further.


I reviewed the transaction details and I am delighted to know that you went above and beyond your efforts to have this sorted out by explaining to your buyer that there is nothing wrong with the item. This only goes to show that you are a responsible seller and you are an asset to the eBay community.

etc., etc."

@ProteinNerd - yep, my PP balance was showing -$350 in big, red letters and PP was informing me on every log-in that I should immediately sort things out with my card provider to cover the debt. And that was only because they couldn't clear the credit card themselves, just what was on the PP. Few $.

I wasn't checking every day, but this probably happened the moment this buyer went on with the case.

Now that the case has been closed it's back to zero. . .
 
Last edited:

DrMacabre

One of the Regulars
Messages
178
Location
France
Ebay is indeed great for buyers but a mess for sellers if a problem occur. I sold twice a set of vintage chairs for a ridiculous amount and none of the buyers showed up or paid anything. As mentionned you can't give negative feedback to buyers. On the other hand, i bought a cooper jacket lately but after taking measurements, i found out the seller wasn't so good with his measurements, one extra inch on chest and shoulders and its been forever since i opened a dispute on PayPal and nothing has moved since. It will just cost me something like $40 to send the jacket back. The seller has refused the return without even bothering to reply why so i guess you can get a taste of both world on ebay. Most of the time everything is fine hopefully.
 

robrinay

One Too Many
Messages
1,490
Location
Sheffield UK
Such a naive approach to business - were it not for sellers there would be no buyers and no profits for eBay or PayPal. What grips my sh one t most is my inability to give negative feedback to time wasting dishonest buyers!
Further you can’t even message buyers who send low ball B.I.N. offers giving your phone number or email address to do an honest negotiation for a sensible buy it now price within eBay without eBay suspending your messaging for a period longer than your listing lasts. Pretty stupid as you can list your phone number on the listing under business details or as a pic.
 
Last edited:

sweetfights

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,302
Location
Canada
Any bad experiences selling to other TFL forum members out there?
I’m about to do a big clear out of jackets but I’ve never sold in this forum before, just on EBay, so I’m curious/wary.
Feel free to PM me about this if it’s an inappropriate subject to discuss in public.
Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No poor experiences at all on The Lounge. And only a few via eBay.
Paypal is not perfect but even fellow Loungers often feel better not sending payment via "friends and family"
What jackets you selling????
 

sweetfights

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,302
Location
Canada
Okay so it appears that eBay now automatically clears your Paypal account if someone decides to be an asshole. eBay and PP threw me into a $350 negative even though the buyer didn't send the jacket back
even though I never agreed to refund the buyer
even though we never discussed the terms of return
even though I didn't receive the jacket
even though I asked for eBay to step in (and still haven't heard from them)
even though everything ever. . .

And let me remind you, all this happened because the asshole buyer decided that they didn't like the jacket 15 (yeah, fifteen) whole days after getting it, made up a shit claim that it has a "faint perfume-y odor" and started a case. They went with this because the jacket was in such a perfect condition that you literally couldn't find anything wrong with it. It could've just as easily been "it's too shiny" or "too black" or "the grain on the leather is too dense" or whatever! That's the kind of sicko you can run into selling on eBay.

And clearing your PP account is how eBay protects you.

I just went through a similar experience Monitor, and was out $120 usd because eBay does not refund final seller fee even if the item is returned. Shipping also gone. And yes, they put a hold on your paypal account for the amount until resolved. Stating precisely how the jacket fits and that NO Refunds are accepted does nothing to stop the buyer from getting a refund, holding your Paypal account hostage, and eBay from KEEPING the seller fees they charge. The price of doing business.
 
Messages
16,921
Yep, had some of the best transactions here on TFL, even with members with zero posts. So far I haven't had any trouble on eBay too but occasionally bad stuff happens. Just be careful as it can literally be anything.
 
Messages
16,921
I just went through a similar experience Monitor, and was out $120 usd because eBay does not refund final seller fee even if the item is returned. Shipping also gone. And yes, they put a hold on your paypal account for the amount until resolved. Stating precisely how the jacket fits and that NO Refunds are accepted does nothing to stop the buyer from getting a refund, holding your Paypal account hostage, and eBay from KEEPING the seller fees they charge. The price of doing business.

Exactly, and it sucks this is something you gotta learn the hard way. Technically, it's in the small-print which I actually tried to read and it's so stupid and vague none of these real life situations are covered by it.
But yeah, apparently, not a single term of sale you state on your listing matters. I mean, no returns or refund is completely worthless and means NOTHING for the seller as eBay will still automatically charge your PP if the buyer decides to be an asswad and starts a case, long before you even get a chance to say something in your defense.
In fact, that's something they don't even allow you to do right away! When this guy started a case, eBay offered me four choices and literally all four were variants of "Refund the buyer". Only after a few days did the fifth option appear, which was asking eBay to step in. All this time my PP balance was a $350 negative. Complete insanity! PP could've easily charged my credit card for that amount and then I'd be in a world of hurt.

Once they did get involved however, it literally took them half a day to decide the dude's a nutjob and dismiss his stupid claim. After three weeks of aggravation...
And I actually tried to reason with the buyer, told them how I believe they could fix the issue (even though it didn't exist), explaining how it must be the smell of the leather (though I never noticed that particular jacket had a smell). I knew this wouldn't go well when I suggested they use my listing and the photos and everything, and just sell the jacket for a profit, and they replied they can't be bothered to do that. Oh, I forgot to mention, that was after I agreed to his offer which was $80 under what I was asking for the jacket. Thanks, buddy.
 

navetsea

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,900
Location
East Java
good new for you Monitor, it reminded me I still have some horse hair brushes from china I ordered back from November or late October I haven't received oh well maybe due to holiday season...
 

sweetfights

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,302
Location
Canada
Exactly, and it sucks this is something you gotta learn the hard way. Technically, it's in the small-print which I actually tried to read and it's so stupid and vague none of these real life situations are covered by it.
But yeah, apparently, not a single term of sale you state on your listing matters. I mean, no returns or refund is completely worthless and means NOTHING for the seller as eBay will still automatically charge your PP if the buyer decides to be an asswad and starts a case, long before you even get a chance to say something in your defense.
In fact, that's something they don't even allow you to do right away! When this guy started a case, eBay offered me four choices and literally all four were variants of "Refund the buyer". Only after a few days did the fifth option appear, which was asking eBay to step in. All this time my PP balance was a $350 negative. Complete insanity! PP could've easily charged my credit card for that amount and then I'd be in a world of hurt.

Once they did get involved however, it literally took them half a day to decide the dude's a nutjob and dismiss his stupid claim. After three weeks of aggravation...
And I actually tried to reason with the buyer, told them how I believe they could fix the issue (even though it didn't exist), explaining how it must be the smell of the leather (though I never noticed that particular jacket had a smell). I knew this wouldn't go well when I suggested they use my listing and the photos and everything, and just sell the jacket for a profit, and they replied they can't be bothered to do that. Oh, I forgot to mention, that was after I agreed to his offer which was $80 under what I was asking for the jacket. Thanks, buddy.


Madness!!
 
Messages
17,558
Location
Chicago
The best (and really only viable) way to use eBay is as an advertising tool. Find a buyer and negotiate a transaction thru PayPal. Create an invoice and deal direct. EBay's filters only occasionally pick up spelled out "dot.com" email addresses. Experienced and knowledgeable buyers have always been fine with this. I also include a receipt with my email included with the shipment, asking that any issue be emailed for resolution directly.
I've been lucky I suppose, with my sales. In 300plus transactions I've only had one negative, from a complete goofball and one case (I was the buyer) and I lost.
I've made many a purchasing error that was my fault but have never used the case dispute as a means to reconcile. Buyers know what they are doing but few of them are willing to stand by their own mistake and accept the fact they f'd up, take the potential loss of $ and move on.
 

Cooper A-2

Practically Family
Messages
934
Location
France
Can only 1000% agree.
To make contact send a photo via the Ebay-system showing your email on a piece of paper.
Ebay does not filter those kind of pics.
For selling ( and buying) best transactions are here at TFL or FB or other specialized forums, Ebay is just to be used as a showcase since their lousy one-sided protection plus their madness none sense fee policies.
 

Cooper A-2

Practically Family
Messages
934
Location
France
Such a naive approach to business - were it not for sellers there would be no buyers and no profits for eBay or PayPal. What grips my sh one t most is my inability to give negative feedback to time wasting dishonest buyers!
Further you can’t even message buyers who send low ball B.I.N. offers giving your phone number or email address to do an honest negotiation for a sensible buy it now price within eBay without eBay suspending your messaging for a period longer than your listing lasts. Pretty stupid as you can list your phone number on the listing under business details or as a pic.
Send your prospects only one message via the Ebay mail system, showing your mail address on a piece of paper, Ebay does not block those pics.
 

Fonzie

One Too Many
Messages
1,577
Location
Australia
Hi fellow Loungers,

I would like to ask you for advice and tap into your collective experience.

I have been sent a PayPal claim for a jacket I sold on eBay and the parcel got stopped in the buyers country customs department.

His country's custom services sent him a notification letter to pay the fees so he could get the jacket, but he refuses and now he claimed to PayPal that he didn't receive the jacket, even though it is just waiting for him there.

Ebay states that customs fees are responsibility of the buyer, not the seller, and because the jacket is being held in his country only he has access to this. I can't claim the jacket back or do anything as he is the only one that can easily fix this issue.

I have escalated to PayPal the claim as being unfair on me as, I have made no fault in this transaction and he can receive the jacket easy if he fulfils his part of the deal, as it's his responsibility.

Any of you have previous experience in a similar case? I'd like to know what possible outcome awaits for me and if PayPal sides with the seller, as I have done nothing wrong.

Thanks in advance.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
109,668
Messages
3,086,355
Members
54,480
Latest member
PISoftware
Top