Need Some Advice Regarding a Potentially Shady Seller on eBay

I recently bought what was supposed to be Open Box: Never Used tablet from eBay. The photo was stock but I thought ehhh and went ahead with the purchase. After it was bought and the seller shipped it to me, I discovered that the tablet was indeed used, scratched, dented etc. The charger was dirty, dented and the wiring was worn. So I immediately launched a return on the basis of not as described.

eBay authorised it and shipping was on the seller. The seller mentioned that the product was perfect and that I was too demanding before saying that he/she couldn't arrange return shipping and that I could pay for shipping and they would reimburse me. Because I didn't have a good feeling in my gut for this, I said I couldn't on the account that I couldn't trust the seller.

So the seller said they were at work and couldn't arrange for return shipping - I thought you could order return shipping on eBay?! Anyway they later sent me a "return shipping" label via a photo. I printed it out and realised that the "return label" was the original label created by eBay for the seller to ship it to me. I called the seller on this but my bulls**** meter is sounding the alarm.

Anyway, I expect eBay to help facilitate the return but I'm concerned that the seller won't play with a full deck e.g. claim that the tablet was not returned/damaged etc.

Can OzBargain give me some advice on how to prevent/minimize this from happening?

Thank you!

Comments

  • Don't buy used products that have no photos. Show Ebay your screenshots of the listing in "perfect" condition and attach your photos showing it's clearly not. Ebay usually sides with the buyer. Then once you have your money, give them negative feedback and explain they tried to scam you.

  • Take photos, lots of photos of the item, so you can point out the condition you received it in, which obviously was not as described then they cannot claim you caused that damage.

    • I took the photos. It's pretty clear at the misrepresentation. Just worried at the return process

  • +2

    Standard eBay transaction.

  • -1

    pay your own shipping

    take photos

    eat the cost of the shipping back - seller wont pay and ebay wont care

  • Possibly video yourself packaging up the tablet, so they can’t say damage was done by you when returning the item.

    • Yeah that's what I'm thinking of doing but wasn't sure whether it's going too far

  • +1

    No PayPal free return shipping available?

    • ^^ This. Last time I had to return something from eBay as it was not as described, I sent it back with signature on delivery (as that’s what was required for PayPal to reimburse at the time) and when the package was signed for, I sent a copy of the receipt and tracking to PayPal and they reimbursed me the total cost of the shipping.

      Was a pretty seamless transaction.

  • +1

    Just cut to the chase and send back an empty box…. thats what the seller will claim anyways..

    • +1

      Guaranteed if OP did that PayPal would side with OP .

      • +1

        Not really keen to scam the seller, only to get my money back and potentially warn others looking to do business with this seller

        • Arrange & pay for the return shipping yourself. shipping (registered post with signature on delivery only, so it can be tracked). Personally I would insure it as well in case it gets lost.

  • Are they Slim?

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