The Student Room Group

Selling something on eBay without getting scammed? Rep available.

I've sold tonnes of stuff on eBay so I'm aware of posting it tracked and all that jazz, but I've got an expensive jumper I'm selling and have heard horror stories from people who've sold jackets only to have the buyer complain and when asked to send the item back, they sent a cheap jacket that weighed the same and the seller was forced to issue the refund.

In a dispute like this eBay will side with the buyer so is there any way to prove what I'm posting is what I say it is to avoid this?

Ta.
Reply 1
Take a video of you opening the package and the contents when they send it back maybe?

eBays system is really bias towards buyers getting their own way though.
Reply 2
Original post by Wilfred Little
I've sold tonnes of stuff on eBay so I'm aware of posting it tracked and all that jazz, but I've got an expensive jumper I'm selling and have heard horror stories from people who've sold jackets only to have the buyer complain and when asked to send the item back, they sent a cheap jacket that weighed the same and the seller was forced to issue the refund.

In a dispute like this eBay will side with the buyer so is there any way to prove what I'm posting is what I say it is to avoid this?

Ta.


Send it via the royal mail, and track the package or have a signed delivery. Keep the receipt for 30 days and ebay will side with you if the buyer asks for a refund, and ebay will have to side with you.
Reply 3
That's why I usually don't allow returns.
Original post by radiopred
Send it via the royal mail, and track the package or have a signed delivery. Keep the receipt for 30 days and ebay will side with you if the buyer asks for a refund, and ebay will have to side with you.


This doesn't prove what's inside the package though, just proves that a package was sent and they signed for it.

Re: 30 days, I assume you mean drawing the case out past that time frame so that it's too late for them to make a claim?
Original post by Massives
Take a video of you opening the package and the contents when they send it back maybe?

eBays system is really bias towards buyers getting their own way though.


Thought of video evidence but it'd have to be of me posting it at the Post Office.

Recording me opening the returned package doesn't prove anything, I could have opened it, swapped the items, re-sealed it then opened it again.

eBay are indeed biased and I'm assuming it's so that they get their seller fees/Paypal get their money.
Reply 6
That's why I usually don't allow returns.


99% of people list things are 'no returns', but the buyer can still file a claim and win the dispute if they lie and say item is broken/not what was listed. In that case you'll be 100% forced by eBay to refund him upon return of the item. If you don't eBay will mark/close your account.

Recording me opening the returned package doesn't prove anything, I could have opened it, swapped the items, re-sealed it then opened it again.

eBay are indeed biased and I'm assuming it's so that they get their seller fees/Paypal get their money.


Yeah, there isn't a definitive way to do it I suppose. You can always just refuse to refund the person, but that'll impact your account.
(edited 10 years ago)
Reply 7
Original post by Wilfred Little
This doesn't prove what's inside the package though, just proves that a package was sent and they signed for it.

Re: 30 days, I assume you mean drawing the case out past that time frame so that it's too late for them to make a claim?


What do you wanna do make a youtube video of you putting the item in the package, the line has to be drawn somewhere, I've sold over £1k in items on ebay I've not had problems with claims when I've kept the receipt.

The only problem encountered is with some more expensive items, some scammer puts the item in the basket without checking out, and emails you pretending they've paid. eBay now has advanced listing when the item needs to be checked out, so even if someone has put the item in their basket its still available.
Original post by radiopred
What do you wanna do make a youtube video of you putting the item in the package, the line has to be drawn somewhere, I've sold over £1k in items on ebay I've not had problems with claims when I've kept the receipt.


I don't know, but it's a £300 garment and I'm not posting it unless I can prove I've posted what I've posted. I know some scamming little **** will try something smart.

The only problem encountered is with some more expensive items, some scammer puts the item in the basket without checking out, and emails you pretending they've paid. eBay now has advanced listing when the item needs to be checked out, so even if someone has put the item in their basket its still available.


Interesting.
Reply 9
Original post by Wilfred Little
I don't know, but it's a £300 garment and I'm not posting it unless I can prove I've posted what I've posted. I know some scamming little **** will try something smart.



Interesting.


Ive sold an item for £340, because it was high priced I went for a tracked delivery so the post office can acknowledge they handed the item safely, and most people just put a no refund policy description on the item
Maybe only post to a Midlands address then go round to their house with a bat if they do this?
Original post by radiopred
Ive sold an item for £340, because it was high priced I went for a tracked delivery so the post office can acknowledge they handed the item safely, and most people just put a no refund policy description on the item


I tend to do that too, but I have been left with no option but to refund the buyer when they're not happy with the item (could have let it go to the eBay panel but I know I'd lose).

However, posting tracked still isn't proof of the contents.
Reply 12
Original post by Massives
99% of people list things are 'no returns', but the buyer can still file a claim and win the dispute if they lie and say item is broken/not what was listed. In that case you'll be 100% forced by eBay to refund him upon return of the item. If you don't eBay will mark/close your account.


I've sold a number of items and never been scammed as such.


lol at ending the chat session.

Started a new one and explained the problem again, the bloke said he'd help and has put me through to a specialist. Wait time: 15 minutes.

I'll update with the outcome.
Reply 14
Original post by Wilfred Little


lol at ending the chat session.


lmfao, ebay knows about the loophole and won't do anything to fix it. The same with paypal. Best thing to do is to meet up if you can, I've done this selling shoes.
Original post by Jingers
lmfao, ebay knows about the loophole and won't do anything to fix it. The same with paypal. Best thing to do is to meet up if you can, I've done this selling shoes.


Would seem that way, they obviously want the sale to go through cos they get the seller fees (and Paypal pinch some of your money, handling fees or something?)

These guys :biggrin:.

The wait time is increasing also.
Amy Andrews
Thank you for waiting Martin.

Wilf:
Thanks

Amy Andrews
As I understand it correctly you want to know how to prove that the buyer item that will be receiving will not be exactly the same when you send it. Correct?

Amy Andrews
As I understand it correctly you want to know how to prove that the item that the buyer will be receiving will be exactly the same when you send it. Correct?

Amy Andrews
I apologise for the confusion made.

Wilf:
lol, yeah I want to be able to prove what I sent is what I sent basically, so they can't switch it and then file a dispute and keep the expensive item + get a refund

Amy Andrews
Thank you for the clarification with regards to this.

Amy Andrews
In this case I can advise you that before sending your item you can take photo's of your item and before ship it you can ask a proof to your courier with a signature that the item you sent is basically in your listings. In that why if the buyer ask for refund or open a case in against you you have n evidence to proof that you sent the correct item.

Wilf:
Take a picture of it where?

Wilf:
At the post office/standing with the courier?

Wilf:
The courier comes into my house and sees the listing on my computer screen, watches me package it then signs to say I posted the correct thing?

Amy Andrews
Take a picture of your item

Amy Andrews
As long as you have a tracking number for this transaction you can use it as a proof.

Wilf:
I could post it at the post office and get a tracking number though, all that proves is that I posted an item, it is no proof of the contents of the item

Wilf:
Where do I specifically take a picture of the item? Hanging up in my wardrobe? About to be wrapped in the packaging? Etc

Amy Andrews
Yes that is correct.

Wilf:
Which bit is correct?

Amy Andrews
You can take a photo's of this item While hanging up in my wardrobe also once the item is already wrapped you can also take a photo so that your buyer will have expectations on what to receive.

Wilf:
So if I take a photo of it hanging up, then just post it tracked, that is 100% proof?

Amy Andrews
Yes most of the seller do that as one of their proof. I believe you will sent the correct items. correct?

Wilf:
Yeah course I will I only want to sell my item. Is there any way I can save this conversation to my eBay account?

Amy Andrews
Yes. Absolutely. I will send you the transcript of our conversation today so that you have a reference with you in the future.

Wilf:
Cheers, so that's that then I guess. I'll list it, take pics, post tracked and hopefully everything works out.

Amy Andrews
That's correct and I understand that you are worried with regards on sending an item. No worries as you have the option to always defend your self.

Amy Andrews
Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Wilf:
No that's it cheers

Wilf:
Regards

Amy Andrews
Have a good evening marting*

Amy Andrews
Martin*


:biggrin:

'Marting'
Reply 17
Original post by Wilfred Little
Would seem that way, they obviously want the sale to go through cos they get the seller fees (and Paypal pinch some of your money, handling fees or something?)

These guys :biggrin:.

The wait time is increasing also.


As far as I'm aware, it's just a 10% ebay commission fee (includes postage as well), no additional paypal cost. Paypal does a 3.4% + 20p fee which is a bit better moneywise but it's harder to get an audience for the item.

Taking a photo at every stage of packing and shipping is so inconvenient and i doubt ebay would even accept it tbh.

These things are basically why i've stopped selling on ebay.
This has happened to me before, well not exactly but I sold a blazer and it didn't come back in the same condition

This is what happened..
(Moron) Buyer opened a case, they won (even after eBay customer care told me they wouldn't)
eBay offered the buyer a return label. Item was sent back. Buyer got their money back
I appealed to eBay that the condition was different, that was it, no video no picture or anything
And they gave me the money from the sale, item price plus postage.. But that was a year ago so don't know if the policy is still the same


Posted from TSR Mobile

Quick Reply

Latest