eBay Trap: Do NOT Arrange Freight as a Buyer! Just Lost $1299!

1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:02
Last edited 01/07/2019 - 14:33

Hi everyone,

I'd like to share you my suffer experience with eBay buyer protection.

I purchased an item for $1299 on eBay on 01 June. Because the seller only had regular post option and I needed it urgently, I purchased an prepaid express shipping label and provided the label to the seller. However, the parcel got lost in transit.

I opened an item not arrived case and I was told I won the case yesterday, but just now I received an email saying that "We're sorry you had a problem with your purchase. However, the seller provided tracking information that shows the item was delivered to your address. After reviewing all the details of this case, we've determined that you won't receive a refund". NOTE: The actual tracking shows in transit not delivered. eBay just choose this option (delivered) only as I provided the shipping label although it's not delivered.

Then I contacted eBay and they told me since I was the one who provided the shipping label, I need to take the lost!

I'm wordless currently, and I don't know what to do next since Australia Post already told me they can only compensate the sender not the one who paid for the postage.

I'm wordless, really. The seller has 0 score on eBay (I'm not saying the seller is a scammer) but I trusted eBay before， and that's why I paid for the item. But clearly, all of us should be aware of things like this and don't **********Arrange Freight as a Buyer!!!!!!*********

If you have any suggestions please let me know I'm really appreciate your help!!!!

Regards,
Jimmy

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Comments

  • stratbargain on 01/07/2019 - 14:07
    +168

    You bought from a "0" seller on something worth $1299. I mean, come on, really?

      • SnoozeAndLose on 01/07/2019 - 14:38
        +27

        dont buy more than $10 from a 0 rating seller.

        they can just open new account and sent you an empty box with tracking

        • vinni9284 on 07/08/2019 - 15:17

          It's sad but true.
          How you can prove if you received a correct item that has correct weight, tracking and signature on delivery .. and it has something completely different inside that is worthless?

          Cheers

          • SnoozeAndLose on 07/08/2019 - 15:32

            @vinni9284: if they do it and not afraid of getting hit with negative feedback, then you are just bad luck

      • magic8ballgag on 02/07/2019 - 08:06
        +10

        Actually, I still cannot see the tricks here.

        Then you have much more to learn (and possibly lose) my friend.

    • trapper on 01/07/2019 - 18:06
      +5

      You bought from a "0" seller on something worth $1299. I mean, come on, really?

      I mean honestly what the actual f… lol

    • Homr on 02/07/2019 - 10:39
      +5

      ^^this guy common senses

  • CyberMurning on 01/07/2019 - 14:10
    +25

    i see his post on january 2019 about he is selling something to 0 feedback buyer and refunded after ozb member said so. and now he buy from 0 feedback seller.
    hmmm,…. fans of zero

      • SnoozeAndLose on 01/07/2019 - 14:39
        +25

        Can you do a charge back now?

    • BestofOZB on 01/07/2019 - 16:05
      +6

      Can't you see how many zeros he's got? C'mon!

  • mbck on 01/07/2019 - 14:10
    +8

    Damn sorry to hear mate.

    Do a chargeback or use PayPal. Ebay service is meh.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:22
      +1

      If I make a chargeback I'll got my account banned right? Will they ask the seller for the money? I don't have any evidence showing the seller is cheating so I don't what the seller to take the responsibility.

      • AussieMark on 01/07/2019 - 15:24
        +6

        i did charge back to ubisoft on my amex because they refused to refund me

        They never provided info or got back to Amex dispute in time so i won the case

        • lostn on 02/07/2019 - 16:33

          Most sellers ban you from future purchases if you do a chargeback. They will say to contact them to resolve issues.

      • abb on 01/07/2019 - 15:37
        +45

        If I make a chargeback I'll got my account banned right?

        Who cares? Is your ebay account really worth $1300 ?

        Will they ask the seller for the money?

        Not your problem.

        I don't have any evidence showing the seller is cheating so I don't what the seller to take the responsibility.

        You're a trusting person, and that's great, but the simplest explanation here is that the seller has ripped you off.

        • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 16:09
          +3

          Thanks for your advice!

          • abb on 02/07/2019 - 08:53

            @1000060: How did you supply the postage label?

            i.e. do you have the (probable) scammer's address?

            • Chandler on 02/07/2019 - 09:50

              @abb: Doubtful - probably emailed for them to print themselves?

              • abb on 02/07/2019 - 11:13

                @Chandler: I didn't know you could download postage these days, but yeah, it's unlikely a scammer would give away their address.

      • mbck on 01/07/2019 - 16:02
        +9

        Chargeback, will probably get you banned, but for 1300….

        Also, the postage issue is not of your concern. It is between the seller (him/her) and the carriage service. That is why, THEY will get the coompensation, not you.

        The issue is between you and the seller. The fact that you don't have the item (even if it was lost in transit), that's not your fault. Go through paypal dispute. Ebay service is piss poor. I've cancelled my ebay plus and kept amazon prime instead.

        • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 16:09

          Thanks for your advice!

        • pilotyuan on 02/07/2019 - 14:46
          -3

          The seller however in this case didn't do anything wrong.
          The buyer provided the shipping method in this case. Therefore he/she holds full responsibility of the shipment lost.
          Probably Auspost to blame and the buyer should consider buying insurance next time.

          • lostn on 02/07/2019 - 16:45
            +2

            @pilotyuan: He's saying insurance only pays to the sender, not the recipient (which is true).

            • pilotyuan on 02/07/2019 - 23:07

              @lostn: From my experience, he can just pretend to be the sender and ask Auspost for the compensation. Since OP has all the docs and transaction details to Auspost. However, if OP didn't purchase any postal insurance (I think that is the case here), Auspost would only compensate $50 plus the postage.

              Imagine a new seller on eBay got a his first sale, out of courtesy, he agreed to ship the item as per buyer requested. Then buyer threaten to chargeback due to postal lost. What can the seller do? The seller doesn't even have an option to purchase postal insurance here.

              As mentioned by Amayzingone below,

              The carrier is representing the buyer. Not the seller.

              The moment the goods arrive in the buyers (or buyers representativie's) hands they are no longer the responsibility of the seller.

              The key point is OP uses his own delivery method by sending the buyer the shipping label. Should've asked the buyer to upgrade the postage instead.

              Therefore the discussion of zero feedback is just totally irrelevant.

              OP can still ask for a chargeback, the bank would probably don't care, but that only leaves an innocent seller $1299 out of pocket IMO.

              • lostn on 03/07/2019 - 00:06

                @pilotyuan: Agreed.

                But he made so many mistakes here, it's hard to point to a single one of them and say this is what you did wrong.

                If the seller provides adequate proof that he sent the goods (show a photo of the label on the box, and the tracking to show that it has been picked up), then the seller is not responsible for any wrongdoing.

                In which case the 0 fb didn't matter, but it was still a bad idea.

                In any case, not buying insurance for something that expensive was a big mistake.

          • wozz on 03/07/2019 - 13:54
            +1

            @pilotyuan: Despite the fact that you got negged, i think you could be right.. When i searched for what happens if an item gets lost, i found an ebay page stating that the its the sellers responsibility to ensure the item isn't just posted, but also received (i think partially to ensure they don't use a dodgy courier, but also they're the ones that would claim a lost item via insurance if something went wrong)..

            I dunno, gray area, though suspect this is why ebay did what they did.. i would still call them and explain that you didn't actually post it, you just provided prepaid whatever.. they've reopened a few cases in my favour after a quick phone call and providing evidence. Worst one was a seller provided tracking info for someone else that lived in my suburb, had to convince post office to give me proof that the tracking number wasnt me..

      • locknuts on 02/07/2019 - 18:44

        Just do it. You have to assume this person stole from you. It's the only sensible option.

        • lostn on 03/07/2019 - 00:07

          I don't know if they stole from him. It sounds like the courier might be the one at fault here.

          • locknuts on 03/07/2019 - 02:42

            @lostn: Charge it back and let the seller sort it out.

            • lostn on 03/07/2019 - 12:39

              @locknuts: He can't sort it out. The courier lost it and he wasn't the one who paid for the shipping. The buyer is responsible for the freight in this case.

              • locknuts on 03/07/2019 - 14:54

                @lostn: How do you know? Either way, you pay for something you don't get, I'd try to charge it back.

                • lostn on 03/07/2019 - 15:33

                  @locknuts: Because he said so himself. He says he doesn't blame the seller for it.

                  If the courier lost it and you didn't pay for insurance, then that's just bad luck. Paying for insurance is the responsibility of the recipient. If the seller didn't offer it, or you didn't take it, it's on you for going ahead without the insurance.

  • vinni9284 on 01/07/2019 - 14:11

    Did you opt for insurance for the pre-paid? .. as in insurance for the cost of the item?
    And, is it signature on delivery?

    Australia Post already told me they can only compensate the sender not the one who paid for the postage.

    I am bit confused here! I mean AP's job is the ensure the item that is posted ends up at the nominated destination, regardless of who pays for it, and if it doesn't arrive then there should be some form of compensation.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:18

      Yes but they can only compensate the sender for lost items. And eBay said they could not give me refund because I paid the postage and I should go Australia Post.

      • vinni9284 on 01/07/2019 - 14:25
        +3

        Wow, eBay .. typical hand-balling!
        That's why I am very reluctant of buying expensive items of this mob unless it is from/affiliated to a Bricks and Mortar store.

        Last time I spent $2.5K on an item off eBay and had to wait 6 weeks for a refund luckily .. as the seller IMO needed a temporary loan .. said the item was damaged as he had to pick it up elsewhere.

        It was an amplifier and all the seller could have done is placed bricks in a box with equivalent weight of the amp and sent … and arrived with registered tracking etc and PayPal will pay me jack if I made a claim.

        Lesson learnt!

        Good luck and I hope you get your money back.

        Cheers

        • AussieMark on 01/07/2019 - 15:25
          +1

          yeah i saw some great laptop sales on ebay but I just dont want to take the risk to save like $100-200

          I'd rather buy from a reputable store especially if there are any problems or warranty issues.

          • pinkybrain on 01/07/2019 - 18:02
            +2

            @AussieMark: you can buy laptops on ebay but just make sure to buy from reputable sellers..
            they usually also have a warehouse/store locally as well…

      • AustriaBargain on 01/07/2019 - 16:31
        +1

        if you paid for and made the label, aren't you the sender?

        • pinkybrain on 01/07/2019 - 18:05
          +1

          no.

          He probably just put the sellers name and address as the sender
          and his name address as the buyer

          Seller just needs to print the shipping label which he could have emailed them.

      • wittyusername on 01/07/2019 - 18:29

        This seems very wrong. I (the buyer) recently received a $53 refund for some parcels that got delivered to the wrong address.

        Please try and escalate this with auspost, although I am not sure I'd they have a limit which determines this stuff.

        Good luck

  • plmko on 01/07/2019 - 14:12
    +4

    So what's the issue? Your shipping service lost the item and so you entitled to claim the insurance.

    Asking someone to refund you just means you are either double dipping or free-riding risk on other people's expense.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:16
      +2

      Like I said. I didn't think this is the sellers fault and I asked Australia Post for the compensation but they said they can only compensate the sender not the one who paid for the postage.

      So I'm not the one double dipping or free-riding risk on other people's expense.

      Did I blame the seller for one word or? I'm writing this post to let you guys know my experience and take a lesson and what are you doing here?

      • wannagrababargain on 01/07/2019 - 15:01
        +4

        They'll only compensate max $50 for lost items in stadard or express post..

        Also being express post they will refund the cost of the postage since it didn't arrive "next day."

        Thanks for the tip though, I just read through the eBay policy and it's stated there no Money Back Gurantee if Buyer arranges freight..wow!

        • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 15:27
          +6

          Yes that's the main reason I opened this discuss to let you know that annoying policy.

      • spaceflight on 01/07/2019 - 17:49
        +3

        Like I said. I didn't think this is the sellers fault and I asked Australia Post for the compensation but they said they can only compensate the sender not the one who paid for the postage.

        I think you (or they) are misunderstanding.

        If you buy something and then pay the seller for postage (i.e. $10 plus $8 post) you cannot claim insurance even though you have 'paid' for postage.
        You have not paid Australia Post so they have no contact with you.

        In your case you are the sender.
        You paid Australia Post directly and the contract is between you and Australia Post.

        If you took out extra insurance on the parcel the contract is with you and you are entitled to claim it.

      • Ozpit on 02/07/2019 - 10:25

        If you don’t think it’s the seller’s fault, and AP will only compensate the seller, why not discuss with the seller and ask him if he can make the claim? If he is sympathetic/honest, I’m sure he would be happy to do so.

        If the claim is successful, he would send you the $1299 less a prior agreed sum/compensation for his troubles - maybe a couple of hundred dollars.

        Worth a shot. Of course, if the seller is in fact a douche bag, he doubles his scam dollars and you still get nothing. But if this is your only recourse to possibly get some of your dollars back…

        • lostn on 02/07/2019 - 16:49

          If you don’t think it’s the seller’s fault, and AP will only compensate the seller, why not discuss with the seller and ask him if he can make the claim? If he is sympathetic/honest, I’m sure he would be happy to do so.

          From a power seller who cares about his reputation? Sure. For a 0 feedback seller? He's just going to close his account after he has claimed the compensation from AP.

  • ShortyX on 01/07/2019 - 14:28

    However, the seller provided tracking information that shows the item was delivered to your address.

    Was does the tracking information show?

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:30

      No, the tracking shows in transit currently. eBay just choose this option as I provided the shipping label.

      • ShortyX on 01/07/2019 - 16:36

        Edit: Ignore.

  • kolorijo on 01/07/2019 - 14:29

    Did you buy insurance on the posted item?

    There is also a chance that the item was delivered to another address (maybe your neighbour) & they signed for it & kept the item, hence the status was delivered.
    Follow up your complaint with AustPost to see where it was delivered.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:31

      No insurance my bad. No the tracking shows in transit not delivered.

      • kolorijo on 01/07/2019 - 14:38
        +1

        Without insurance, the most you'll get would be $50 - $100 based on https://auspost.com.au/receiving/missing-damaged-or-delayed-…

        Additional info:
        If a customer believes an item has been lost, they should contact Australia Post on 13 POST or online and lodge a “missing or late item inquiry form” before making a formal complaint and contacting the Commonwealth Ombudsman as a last resort.

        http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/How-we-can-help/postal-industry-…

      • dcep on 01/07/2019 - 14:38

        50 bux compensation for no insurance registered post

      • Bargain80 on 01/07/2019 - 15:27
        +17

        no insurance for $1299 item, wow.

      • Zonty on 02/07/2019 - 00:29

        Sometimes suspicious item goes to custom checking before finally deliver to you. Hope not this case.

  • xuqi on 01/07/2019 - 14:31

    Have they provided you with the traking info entered in to the Ebay system? It is the same as what you purchased? What does tracking show when checked on the Australia post platform?

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:32

      The tracking shows in transit not delivered. eBay just choose this option (delivered) as I provided the shipping label.

      • xuqi on 01/07/2019 - 14:36
        +3

        Well that's BS so I'd follow up with them again. "In transit" isn't the same as "Delivered", but you're most likely screwed unless Australia post ends up delivering it.

        The seller can still be scamming you by sending the package to another address or an undeliverable address, where he/she will ultimately receive the package back.

        Ebay & Paypal suck as this, so you should never have operated outside normal listed options.

      • vinni9284 on 01/07/2019 - 14:42

        If it shows in transit, then you may receive it very soon!

        • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:46

          It shows in transit for a whole month:)

          • vinni9284 on 01/07/2019 - 14:47

            @1000060: Oh sorry .. yes you did say 1st June re purchase :)

  • holdenmg on 01/07/2019 - 14:36

    So, as buyer you were in Melbourne.

    Where was the 0 rated seller?

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 14:38

      The first scan of the parcel was at CLOVERDALE WA. What's the issue here?

      • holdenmg on 01/07/2019 - 16:08

        Another time have the Seller send it via Australia Post COD.

        The seller can dispatch it from Cloverdale WA Post Office and the Insurance and Freight and Item can all be paid for by you when and if it arrives in good order.

  • wannagrababargain on 01/07/2019 - 15:14
    +1

    I think your best course of action is keep trying to find out where it is in the postage system. I mean 0 feedback seller could be a legit newbie who doesn't know how to attach a label or write an address correctly. Raise a lost parcel case with Australia Post and keep following up with the sender to see if they receive it back. It can take some time (like months) to get back to the sender if Austpost can't deliver it.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 15:25

      Thanks for your message! May I ask if it is possible to let them send it to me not the sender?
      Thanks!

      • aussieolfaction on 01/07/2019 - 22:18
        +2

        Ring up Australia post and raise a "lost item" case with them.

  • t_c on 01/07/2019 - 15:21

    If the seller didn't sign the declaration, it may have gone with the regular parcels. Give it a couple a days, still might rock up.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 15:24

      It's been given a month. And yes that's all what I can do I think. Thanks!

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 01/07/2019 - 15:31

    Feel for you bloke loads of bloody scammers out there - if ebay wont help you then i dont know what you can do - try paypal?

  • Ocker on 01/07/2019 - 15:36
    +3

    Give AusPost a call as their internal tracking system is far more detailed than shows on the web site. Also, lodge an inquiry and 99% sure they will locate the package for you.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 16:04

      They advised the parcel has been lost:(

    • havebeerbelywillsumo on 01/07/2019 - 16:48
      +7

      the number of times the OP has said he is NOT blaming the seller………

  • Herbse on 01/07/2019 - 16:23
    +1

    I'm confused as to what happened and curious to know.

    You provided eBay with the tracking number. But how does it show as delivered? Can you please clarify?

    Also don't only speak to the first person who picks up at ebay. Ask to speak to a supervisor and explain what's going on.

  • ihbh on 01/07/2019 - 16:59
    +3

    Out of curiosity, what did you buy for $1299 that you needed pronto?

    • PcisT on 01/07/2019 - 18:43
      +2

      iPhone

      • lostn on 02/07/2019 - 16:53
        -1

        Doesn't sound like an emergency to me, unless he was about to take off and claim TRS. But some of that refund will have been given up from paying for his own express post.

  • mskeggs on 01/07/2019 - 17:49
    +1

    Hi OP,
    Do you have any suggestions on how somebody could get a large forum of eBay customers to give feedback on a scam they are contemplating?
    Just post below, or in the other “0” feedback thread you started to let me know.
    Kthx.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 23:28

      I have no idea sorry:(

  • biltong2go on 01/07/2019 - 17:51
    +1

    I'm surprised by all this, especially the part where tracking shows it hasn't been delivered, and yet eBay ruled against you. You should try request escalation or find a way to appeal this.

    Right off the bat you should initiate a chargeback right away (it can take a long time).

    Please take a screenshot of the tracking because AusPost's system archives tracking information after about 90 days.
    It would be good for you to get in writing from AusPost that the parcel is considered 'lost'.
    You can ask Australia Post for detailed tracking information,
    and you can also file a Freedom of Information Request for them to send it to you:
    https://auspost.com.au/about-us/corporate-information/our-co…
    (You need to be specific in the exact information you're seeking, and in your correspondence you need to specifically state that your request is made under the Freedom of Information Act)

    We have an AusPost business account, and when I log in, the tracking system seems to be slightly more detailed than the public one. If you PM me your tracking number, I can send you what I can see. But for sure, AusPost will have the most tracking information.

    Some ideas also include contacting the ACCC and the Department of Fair Trading - in reality it is a waste of time, but with enough complaints eventually something gets done.

    "I purchased an prepaid express shipping label and provided the label to the seller."

    I'm curious what AusPost product you used? I haven't really heard of this.

    • 1000060 on 01/07/2019 - 23:36

      Thank you for the information you provided. I've sent you a PM. Thanks for your help!

  • ChronoSphinx on 01/07/2019 - 18:11

    Ouch. Maybe next time, get the seller to add the different postage option in. That way you can pay for it you would a normal eBay transaction without going through the hassle of purchasing a prepaid postage label and sending it to them. If they don't know how, get them to call eBay to talk them through it, or there is an option for the seller to request for buyer to send you an invoice (have only seen this option on the computer/full site version not on the mobile version or Android).

    Out of curiosity, what did you buy?

  • Makaveli99 on 01/07/2019 - 18:18
    +1

    Postal Industry Ombudsman https://www.ombudsman.gov.au try this. i had a different issue but i was owed a refund from Australia post but they would only refund the seller and not the buyer. i got it resolved, just took a while.

    • biltong2go on 01/07/2019 - 18:35
      +2

      At best, this would get AusPost to refund the shipping (something they may already be willing to do upon request), as well as a recommendation for a limited amount of compensation, something AusPost normally doesn't agree upon.
      It's a nice tip, but this is not likely to help much.

  • rave75 on 01/07/2019 - 18:19

    Ugh it sucks. The only chance to get 1300 back is do chargeback. Good luck OP.

  • smartazz104 on 01/07/2019 - 18:40
    +6

    What did you need so urgently that you were willing to bend over backwards for a seller with 0 feedback who couldn't provide anything beyond regular post for a 1300 dollar item?

    • macrocephalic on 02/07/2019 - 14:05
      +1

      A big bag of common sense. He seems to have misplaced his.

  • kachi on 01/07/2019 - 18:52

    This looks like a postal issue.

    I've had issues with Australia Post multiple times from losing my parcel/delivering it to the wrong address and the tracking details actually they delivered it to mine lol. I obtained a copy of the signature on delivery and it was a signature that was not mine at all, neither a signature from someone at home. Totally different person who signed for it. Was there a signature on delivery? That may help. Otherwise all Australia Post could tell me was that it is a seller's responsibility to follow up with the issue not the buyer. When this happened the seller (the business I purchased from) tried to sort it out but they never found my missing parcel and I was issued a refund. It took a long time of back and forth contact with Aus Post though. Australia Post doesn't really assist much, even with insurance their terms and conditions of it are a bit odd lol. Another time a similar thing happened Australia Post sent me a photo of which door (not my door lol) it was delivered to.

    I would try contacting Australia Post to see what exactly has happened to it/where it was delivered (maybe it was delivered to the wrong house) as you did organise the shipping label. In my opinion, the seller should contact Australia Post too. With my experience with Aus Post though….I think you will have to talk to your bank and ask for a chargeback but I hope you can get your missing parcel instead.

  • Yttrium on 01/07/2019 - 20:08
    +1

    credit card chargeback

  • Bid Sniper on 01/07/2019 - 20:26
    +2

    I've arranged freight plenty of times including a $60k car. No issues.

    Understand what you doing before doing it. Its not a trap, you failed understand the risks and how to protect yourself from risk.

    Its not ebay or sellers fault, its yours…

    • WhyAmICommenting on 02/07/2019 - 13:15

      Why?

      • Bid Sniper on 02/07/2019 - 13:19

        Because it was a #$!thot car for a cheap price.

        • WhyAmICommenting on 02/07/2019 - 14:55

          Its not ebay or sellers fault, its yours…

          This bit… what was OPs error?

          • pilotyuan on 02/07/2019 - 16:17
            +1

            @WhyAmICommenting: For providing shipping himself without purchasing insurance.
            OPs should've asked the seller to 'upgrade' the postal to express (for extra cost surely)
            Then the seller would hold full responsibility for the postal lost. It is on the Ebay's policy.

          • lostn on 02/07/2019 - 16:56
            +1

            @WhyAmICommenting: Trusting a 0 fb seller with a $1300 purchase and no insurance.

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