Ebay, Buyer Beware

[mjhd]

So, so sorry to hear of everyone's horrible ebay experiences! I have had my share for sure!

OP, it sounds like the seller probably used paypal to print the shipping label, as such, he must pay first class shipping parcel rate which is more likely around $2.50 or so depending on weight. I agree the handling charge was still a bit excessive. How is his feedback (maybe I missed this somewhere?)? I sometimes do crazy things as a seller, not intentionally but we all make mistakes. Of course, I immediately correct them though. If he is a deadbeat, Ebay/paypal is now a buyers "market" so you shouldn't have a problem getting your money back, but the hassle is a pain

 

[OceanAnnie]

So, so sorry to hear of everyone's horrible ebay experiences! I have had my share for sure!

OP, it sounds like the seller probably used paypal to print the shipping label, as such, he must pay first class shipping parcel rate which is more likely around $2.50 or so depending on weight. I agree the handling charge was still a bit excessive. How is his feedback (maybe I missed this somewhere?)? I sometimes do crazy things as a seller, not intentionally but we all make mistakes. Of course, I immediately correct them though. If he is a deadbeat, Ebay/paypal is now a buyers "market" so you shouldn't have a problem getting your money back, but the hassle is a pain

The feedback is 99.6%. It doesn't make sense. IMO, a mistake like that should have been caught. The weight issue is a sticking point with me. I was surprised and disappointed that the transaction turned out the way it did. At first I was concerned because it took a long time to receive it. Then this.

This seller has sold thousands of items. I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt, but it's a real stretch to do it. Anyway, I'd love to be wrong. I'd be glad to hear from the seller and have the person tell me there was a mistake made. I'd love for her to say she forgot to put the item in the envelope and will send me it to me. I could understand that, maybe if she had a lot of things to send out. I guess.

So far no reply to me or the Paypal claim. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[pixiewings71]

Just a quick note, if you don't get the resolution you want (refund because you don't have the item!) if you paid with your credit card file with them. That's how I had to get my money back once. A seller that I had previously dealt with (many time and had no issues) did not deliver a package and when I asked for the tracking # whatever he gave me was not usable, I contacted him repeatedly and got nothing from him, filed with Paypal and got no help so I filed with my credit card company and got an immediate credit. They sent him paperwork to fill out to prove it was delivered to me and he never returned it so I got my refund.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Just a quick note, if you don't get the resolution you want (refund because you don't have the item!) if you paid with your credit card file with them. That's how I had to get my money back once. A seller that I had previously dealt with (many time and had no issues) did not deliver a package and when I asked for the tracking # whatever he gave me was not usable, I contacted him repeatedly and got nothing from him, filed with Paypal and got no help so I filed with my credit card company and got an immediate credit. They sent him paperwork to fill out to prove it was delivered to me and he never returned it so I got my refund.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. It'll be interesting to see how this works out. The fact that I "did" receive an (empty) envelope w/ delivery confirmation makes it dicey. Technically, I guess I have to prove I didn't get anything. I think the proof is the weight stamp on the package along with the stamp stating it was received empty by the PO. I suppose Paypal will ask for a picture of the envelope (?). It wouldn't be a problem to send one.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

To add insult to injury, I paid $4.99 for shipping of a 9 oz envelope. The amount charged is not shown on the envelope (just the weight, First Class, and Delivery Confirmation). Yes, the item would have weighed more, but I don't think it would've cost the $4.99 I was charged. That's neither here nor there. I agreed to it, because I wanted the item.

An empty envelope weighing 9 oz. would probably cost a little more than a standard envelope. Let's just say $1. Then add delivery confirmation (of the empty envelope), what's that charge? Around .45 or so? Total for the seller to send given the weight when mailed was about $1.45 give or take. That total is much, much, less than what I paid.

If the seller was in the process of making an honest mistake, the feel of the package should've been a red flag. It's flat. The cost of shipping would have been a red flag for a 9 oz. item, as my item would have weighed considerably more. So, there you have it.

Not that I am defending this seller, I just wanted to point out that your price predictions are very low. I am a regular seller on eBay. I sell a single item that weighs 3 oz. which I ship First Class through Paypal that includes DC. The cost for that is $1.75 so I would think a 9 oz. item would be closer to $3 than what you are guessing. Still $2 for S/H is a little high unless needs a lot of bubble wrap or something that would cost the seller in shipping supplies.

If I were you I would take pictures of the envelope as it came. Close up of the mailing label with the weight shown. Wait a few days to see what Paypal and the seller say. Chances are you may lose that claim since the seller technically had DC. Only other way they'd lose is if they mailed after 7 days of you paying or if they mailed it to an unconfirmed address. Your best bet is to file a claim with your CC. You will most likely get your money back because the burden of proof for the seller is higher with that type of claim. Also nice Paypal will pass on the CC chargeback fees charged them to the seller in addition to losing the claim!

 

[ZiPaD3doDAH]

I've never had this problem and i'm an active ebay seller/buyer.

However, last month I bought the Lion King DVD and found it to be a fake and on top of it, it didn't play.

First, I told him (seller) that I know it's a fake and that i want a refund. He didn't agrue because he knew i was right and was responded back saying "we sent you the wrong one" >_<

You can file this with ebay and they will review it. Make sure to mention that a sticker was attached saying there was no weight inside the envelope. Second, give him/her a negative feedback and warn other buyers. I always look at the seller's feedback before I buy anything from them.

 

[friendofgusgus]

The feedback is 99.6%. It doesn't make sense. IMO, a mistake like that should have been caught. The weight issue is a sticking point with me. I was surprised and disappointed that the transaction turned out the way it did. At first I was concerned because it took a long time to receive it. Then this.

To me, this adds to the idea that it may have been damaged in transit by the post office. Any piece of mail that need special attention is not dealt with swiftly - and in this case it may have been machined incorrectly and dropped somewhere along the way. In that case, it can be a while before the item is found.

I understand your points about the weight, but may I ask what you bought? Some things do not weigh as much as it seems (I'm thinking DVDs, video games, etc. which are very light.)

Also, unless the listing states that the seller charges exact shipping charges they are free to charge any amount. That is where many powersellers make their money since they often sell CDs, paperbacks, etc. for $1.

Sorry this happened to you - have you asked the seller for more information? Honestly, I get a little less helpful when someone goes straight to eBay and PayPal without even asking me to resolve a situation first.

 

[a1tinkfans]

You can always file a complaint with the Postmaster General of the shipper's hometown. It's a federal offense and fraud.

Sounds like they printed a label at home, because as another poster said, there are specific rules as to "depth/or thickness" of package.

That is just awful
I would
Contact paypal and ebay and indicate and EMPTY envelope was sent to you and you are filing a complaint with the POST OFFICE for mail fraud potential.
COntact SELLER in writing THru MY EBAY messages ONLY and tell them you have taken envelope to post office, they have told you that the envelope was mailed from a home and that it would NOT have been able to be mailed delivery confirmation based on Weight/depth issue, so you have a STRONG indication that it was shipped empty, which may be considered Fraud and is a FEDERAL offense. You can't accuse but you can certainly "consider".....
I would demand immediate payment back by method to which you paid, and ALSO put a NEGATIVE to seller to WARN others...you can say something like, under investigation for EMPTY envelope and no item received, non cooperative!
Unfortunately, based on what you have stated, it appears you were the recipient of a nasty person, Just AWFUL sorry this happened to you.
I was a seller on ebay (300+ auctions) and no longer sell there, too many fees, troubles and honestly, aggravation, it used to be much better years ago....But there are still honest people!!
Any way, ALWAYS use a credit card for ANY ebay purchase, never link ANY account that is NOT a credit card to paypal (not a checking account, etc) and ALWAYS use MYMESSAGES for contact to "track" thru ebay.
Best of Luck, I hope you'll be able to report back to us your POSITIVE result!!

 

[RobinFabulous]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. It'll be interesting to see how this works out. The fact that I "did" receive an (empty) envelope w/ delivery confirmation makes it dicey. Technically, I guess I have to prove I didn't get anything. I think the proof is the weight stamp on the package along with the stamp stating it was received empty by the PO. I suppose Paypal will ask for a picture of the envelope (?). It wouldn't be a problem to send one.

Probably not. The last claim I filed with Paypal had a drop down menu : Not recieved, box empty, item not as pictured, etc...

Paypal is always siding with the buyer. And everyone says if the account is empty you won't get your money back, but the last person that scammed me, Paypal put a negative balance in MY account.... So I dunno

 

[OceanAnnie]

To me, this adds to the idea that it may have been damaged in transit by the post office. Any piece of mail that need special attention is not dealt with swiftly - and in this case it may have been machined incorrectly and dropped somewhere along the way. In that case, it can be a while before the item is found.

I understand your points about the weight, but may I ask what you bought? Some things do not weigh as much as it seems (I'm thinking DVDs, video games, etc. which are very light.)

Also, unless the listing states that the seller charges exact shipping charges they are free to charge any amount. That is where many powersellers make their money since they often sell CDs, paperbacks, etc. for $1.

Sorry this happened to you - have you asked the seller for more information? Honestly, I get a little less helpful when someone goes straight to eBay and PayPal without even asking me to resolve a situation first.

I purchased clothing. It should have had weight. ETA- thus the issue with the lack of weight at the point of shipping.

I did e-mail the seller twice. I never got a response to either e-mail. I didn't expect her to e-mail me about this if I never got a response to the first two.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Not that I am defending this seller, I just wanted to point out that your price predictions are very low. I am a regular seller on eBay. I sell a single item that weighs 3 oz. which I ship First Class through Paypal that includes DC. The cost for that is $1.75 so I would think a 9 oz. item would be closer to $3 than what you are guessing. Still $2 for S/H is a little high unless needs a lot of bubble wrap or something that would cost the seller in shipping supplies.

If I were you I would take pictures of the envelope as it came. Close up of the mailing label with the weight shown. Wait a few days to see what Paypal and the seller say. Chances are you may lose that claim since the seller technically had DC. Only other way they'd lose is if they mailed after 7 days of you paying or if they mailed it to an unconfirmed address. Your best bet is to file a claim with your CC. You will most likely get your money back because the burden of proof for the seller is higher with that type of claim. Also nice Paypal will pass on the CC chargeback fees charged them to the seller in addition to losing the claim!

It's okay. It was just an example. I wasn't going to complain about the shipping (and handling) until I paid for nothing.

 

[scrapgal123]

This actually happened to me but as a seller.

I mailed a medium sized box and the buyer stated it arrived empty and the post office stamped it as "received without contents" also. I filed a claim with the Post Office and it was such an ordeal, that I ended up not getting the amount of $ I had to reimburse the buyer. This was about 2-3 years ago and it was the last time I sold anything on Ebay.

I have been considering selling again on Ebay but will only use FedEx or UPS as I think their confirmation system is better and seems to be better with customer service than the USPS.

 

[OceanAnnie]

This actually happened to me but as a seller.

I mailed a medium sized box and the buyer stated it arrived empty and the post office stamped it as "received without contents" also. I filed a claim with the Post Office and it was such an ordeal, that I ended up not getting the amount of $ I had to reimburse the buyer. This was about 2-3 years ago and it was the last time I sold anything on Ebay.

I have been considering selling again on Ebay but will only use FedEx or UPS as I think their confirmation system is better and seems to be better with customer service than the USPS.

That's interesting. Did you get delivery confirmation?

 

[CLR4321]

Anything is possible in this case. It is possible that the seller did ship the item and it was lost in the mail, and was stamped as received without contents at that point. It is also possible that the seller did this intentionally, however under the circumstances, it is unlikely. If the seller was going to rip you off, they likely wouldn't bother with all of the trouble.
Was the envelope a proper size to ship the item you had bought? As PP's mentioned, if the weight is on the envelope, this will be a factor.
I would file a complaint with Ebay first and foremost. Be sure to include any emails from the seller, and emails you sent to the seller once you got the empty envelope. Include the delivery confirmation # as well. Ebay will know what to do about it, and what course of action should be taken to get some compensation for you.
I am subscribing to the thread to see what the outcome is.
Good luck!

 

[ilovebassets]

This actually happened to me but as a seller.

I mailed a medium sized box and the buyer stated it arrived empty and the post office stamped it as "received without contents" also. I filed a claim with the Post Office and it was such an ordeal, that I ended up not getting the amount of $ I had to reimburse the buyer. This was about 2-3 years ago and it was the last time I sold anything on Ebay.

I have been considering selling again on Ebay but will only use FedEx or UPS as I think their confirmation system is better and seems to be better with customer service than the USPS.

I also had a similar thing happen to me as a seller. Not only did I lose my $60 textbook somewhere in the mail system but I also had to refund the buyer that amount of money. Made me stop selling stuff.

 

[pixiewings71]

Probably not. The last claim I filed with Paypal had a drop down menu : Not recieved, box empty, item not as pictured, etc...

Paypal is always siding with the buyer. And everyone says if the account is empty you won't get your money back, but the last person that scammed me, Paypal put a negative balance in MY account.... So I dunno

No Paypal does NOT always side with the buyer, I lost about $50 buying fake pins from eBay, in my cases Paypal definitely sided with the seller and not me. Even tho I could prove that the ones I received were fakes they still sided with the seller, also see my post above, on that one I had to contact my cc company to get a refund.

 

[Sethsmom]

I recently received an empty envelope also. I called the PO and they said that the envelopes are run through machines and sometimes it opens the envelopes and the item falls out under the machine. They said they didn't find my items though. I am sure after a period of time, they are claimed by someone there.

My experience turned out OK as the seller mailed me some replacement books and also did a refund. I just suggested that in the future she use a stronger envelope.

I know the PO has been really tearing my mail up lately. I got two items in the mail yesterday that were chewed up and in the PO envies. Sorry about your envies blah blah.

You might want to ask the PO if they have a nixie dept for items that come out of their envies. You can check on your end and maybe the seller can check on their end. I don't think anyone with a high feedback would start cheating people. Their business would hit bottom very quick.

 

[RobinFabulous]

No Paypal does NOT always side with the buyer, I lost about $50 buying fake pins from eBay, in my cases Paypal definitely sided with the seller and not me. Even tho I could prove that the ones I received were fakes they still sided with the seller, also see my post above, on that one I had to contact my cc company to get a refund.

When was this?

I've quit selling because as a seller you have no protection. I've only lost one, but it was a lot of money, I had proof of delivery and she was "supposed" to return it, but they gave her the money back first and I never got anything...

 

[overlyspoiled4sure]

Oh, how awful for those folks who got empty mailing containers. That's worse than receiving a broken item IMO.

We've been lucky so far. Haven't received empty containers & haven't had buyers complain. Although...some years ago I mailed a porcelain artist doll. I wrapped the doll himself in tissue & he was in his original box. I thought he was protected enough but he arrived broken. I was just so upset as was the buyer. However, she knew I'd taken care in packing; she assumed that part of the doll had "problems", maybe in the firing of it or something. At any rate, I don't like to ebay fragile breakables anymore.

I've also started taping the heck out of my shipping containers, whether a box or a padded envelope. Some things I ship in plasticky-vinyl type mailing bags I got at our local Office Depot. Those sure can't tear in machines as far as I know. I also like to ship in tyvek envelopes if the item suits that type of container.

 

[rflorek]

Most eBay sellers pad shipping charges, they should actually be called shipping & handling not just shipping.

I'm sorry, but I don't agree with you that MOST sellers pad. I have been selling for more than 10 years and NEVER pad my shipping costs (I don't add any handling, just charge actual shipping costs). I also don't buy anything on eBay where it appears to have been padded (reasonable packaging supply costs aside).

You can't only single out eBay sellers for "padding" shipping. I have purchased items from retailers online & through catalogs withe their flat scaled shipping costs & KNOW that they are padded over actual costs. As long as I am aware that I am overpaying, that's fine with me (if it's something I absolutely need)