Dealing with Scammer in the same city - picking up item

camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:13
Last edited 02/06/2020 - 22:21

Sold an item to a buyer who lives in the same city. Buyer claimed that item has been damaged but has not yet provided proof - I find it hard to believe - I packaged it very well - and the one image that was sent - did not have any damage to it.

Ebay says that buyer is now responsible for paying return postage as they have not yet provided proof of the damage.
I'm not so certain of my seller protection if ebay steps in.

I accept returns - just need some proof (for my own insurance claims purposes) but she Has not been responding to any of the ebay messages I've sent.

As we live in the same city, I'll be happy to pay them a visit to retrieve the item if needed

Has anyone ever used "i will help the buyer another way" option in the returns?? Are buyers (that are liars) cooperative if you choose this?

I'm looking at selecting the sub link "I'll arrange to pick up the item in person …" in case the buyer chooses not to pay for the postage

General Discussion

Comments

  • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:14
    +2

    I should mention, it's a low value item about $25- but I can't stand liars - so I'm willing to take this as far as I need to

    • brendanm on 02/06/2020 - 20:16
      +1

      You would drive out of your way over an item you're getting about $20 for after eBay fees? Just let them return it if they are that bothered.

      • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:19
        +1

        Think she wants me to send a label. But she hasn't provided any proof so I haven't sent the label.
        I drive a lot for work - not an issue for me - I'll just make a detour

        • brendanm on 02/06/2020 - 20:20
          +1

          You don't have to send a label. If she's not responding and has no proof of sending it back then she keeps the item and you keep the money.

          • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:24

            @brendanm: She selected the "item received damage" option. So technically seller is responsible if it is indeed damaged.

            Ebay sent an automated message saying that I need to provide her options (eg/ postage label) within 3 business days - I'm on my last day today - and she still has not replied

            What do you do in that situation?

            • brendanm on 02/06/2020 - 20:31
              +1

              @camtg: Maybe it was actually damaged? Seems like a lot of effort (to scam) for a $25 item.

              I would tell her to send it back if it's damaged, paypal will reimburse her the postage cost. I sure wouldn't be confronting someone at their home over a $25 item, potential ramifications not worth it.

              • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:45
                +1

                @brendanm: I've sold hundreds of these - zero complaints (buyer as about 5 feedbacks over the past 12 years).
                The fact is the buyer isn't willing to take clear picture proofs of the acclaimed damage.

                Yes I've already told her to sent it back - but I've received no replies - I've told her to pay for the postage (but didn't think about the PayPal reimbursement). Approaching the end of the 3 days so wanted to choose the next ebay option to prevent ebay stepping in.

                I'm aware of the risk - I don't intend to randomly dropping by (for now at least - if I do it will be with a cop family friend). Probably will give them a chance to make an appointment first

                • kiteo on 03/06/2020 - 02:52
                  +2

                  @camtg:

                  cop family friend

                  haha omg

    • Lysander on 02/06/2020 - 20:17

      Good on you. +1

    • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 20:23

      Yep, would do the same thing!

      • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:27
        -4

        as in visiting and picking up in person?

        FYI - I did a little research - it turns out our 20-25 year old scammer was using an account in her mum's name
        Also - was studying an education degree (wonder what values the kids will be learning from this future teacher)

        • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 21:11

          As in pursue it even at a cost. Wow that's terrible haha

  • SnoozeAndLose on 02/06/2020 - 20:35
    +1

    Selling on eBay is like gamble, you win some you lose some.

    Need to factor in this risk too

    • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:50

      Yes - I'm willing to write off the costs - I normally do for returns (eg/ the Apple Watch I was almost recently scammed for)
      This buyer doesn't live too far - 30min drive -

      Just wanting to see what other people's experiences are for buyers (scammers) who live nearby

      • SnoozeAndLose on 02/06/2020 - 21:18

        Try 1 time they claim it is not usable and I pay them a visit, pick up the item do refund and blacklisted the buyer, also reported that to eBay.

        • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 21:38

          Were they ok with it?

          The 2 ebay options I'm considering for "I'll he lp the buyer return in another way" are:
          - Work with the buyer to pick up the item…
          - Allow the item to be returned to one…

          Sorry. I can't read the rest of the option without click the next button.

          Obviously, the Work with the buyer to pick up the item… will require communication on the buyers part - which is what I'm not getting from her at the moment.

          She was previously sending me messages via "contact the seller" option - not from her items purchased - but from my listings page.
          But ever since the case was open, I've received no communication.

          • 167448 on 03/06/2020 - 12:15

            @camtg: is the buyer tech savvy enough to know how to use Ebay - when they are sending you messages from your listing page and not the item purchased section?

            could also be the reason they are not seeing your messages and responding. I'd give them the benefit of doubt, considering it's 30mins away, may be exchange mobile number and get it sorted over the phone.

            For an item under $25, and as a seller, you are going above and beyond the customer service.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/06/2020 - 20:46
    +1

    $25 lol

    • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 20:54

      I have no issues if the buyer is cooperative by simply sending some pictures. Happy to refund if item is returned at buyer's cost

      Not being unreasonable here but by not doing anything aren't we just supporting bad buying behaviour?

      • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2020 - 08:37
        -2

        You the morals police now

    • Ughhh on 03/06/2020 - 10:06

      $25 > free tafe course.

  • PissLUR on 02/06/2020 - 21:42
    +3

    You don't have any evidence in calling her a scammer.

    • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 21:59

      Lying about damages and can't provide proof - The only proof she provided - there was no damage evident. That's lying. That's attempting to scam.
      Feedback score of 5 over a decade - begs the question!

      I always cooperate with the seller if I have an issue with an item - and I definitely do not Lie about it.

      I know my products, I sell them everyday - they don't get damaged easily in the way she describes them.

      I don't know why I would consider it to be a genuine request given these facts.

  • jackofspade on 02/06/2020 - 22:04

    Buyer does not have to provide any evidence. Their word is good enough for ebay. You will have to pay for return postage if ebay steps in.
    It's possible the buyer has not responded because your messages have ended up in their junk mail folder.

    • camtg on 02/06/2020 - 22:19

      That's my current concern as ebay chat says, it's clear from the previous conversation (before the official case was opened), that it's buyer's remorse if the buyer isn't willing to provide evidence.

      Not sure about the junk mail - but they were replying super quick last week before the case was open (via Ask the Seller about this item link - that was where they provided the first picture of no damage interestingly enough)
      Ebay has told me that they contacted her too.

  • Boioioioi on 03/06/2020 - 00:07
    +1

    I understand your perspective. But I can't help but feel this is entering insane territory. Wanting to visit the buyer… Considering you do have their address too.

    I reckon just let eBay handle it man. Worst case you lose $25. You'll make it back somewhere else, karma is real.

    • camtg on 03/06/2020 - 16:44
      +1

      Well written response!

  • crashloaded on 03/06/2020 - 06:48

    Just let it run its course and respond when ebay tells you to respond.

    • camtg on 03/06/2020 - 16:51

      Yes - that's what I'm doing at the moment - seeing if they reply to any of my messages regarding returning - leaving it with them for now.

      Ebay offers a communicate with buyer to arrange for it to be picked up - this is the one I'm questioning about as I'm only familiar with the other ones.

      • crashloaded on 04/06/2020 - 07:03

        I see, I think it might mean "communicate with buyer to organise when the courier can pick the item up"

        • camtg on 04/06/2020 - 22:19

          Actually, you might be right -
          As mentioned - I don't know what the rest of the sentence says as ebay has …. after the sentence. I tried zooming out but still couldn't see what it says.

  • Belgarath on 03/06/2020 - 07:44
    +1

    If you showed up on my doorstep because I hadnt provided proof of a damaged item, Id have the police knocking on your door.
    Just because you have a customers address, doesnt mean you should use it.

    • Tee Rex Arms on 03/06/2020 - 08:27

      And what would you like police to do? It isn’t protracted enough for a stalking offence. Learn some resilience and fight your own battles.

    • camtg on 03/06/2020 - 16:53

      As mentioned above, ebay's option was "communicate" with the buyer

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