eBay/PayPal question

[Dan Murphy]

I'm confident that we have a number of eBay/PayPal experts here on the dis. I certainly am not.

Here's my story....

Natalie's 2 boys are there at their shaving age now, 14 and 16. I thought I would get each of them a nice Philips Norelco electric shaver, just like their papa uses. I went to eBay (in retrospect, my mistake). I bought 2 higher end shavers, almost $200 each. Seller had EXCELLENT rating/reviews. They were ordered mid March. Seller said they would be sent early April. Okay.

First one comes (only one) early April. It's not the model I ordered. It is a lesser model, maybe $20 less of a model. I contacted seller, she (?) says they did not have the model I ordered and that the one shipped was almost the same (it is). I accepted. I ask where the 2nd one is. She says it will ship soon. Back and forth emails over the ensuing months (my email tone intensity increasing with each email)) up through about 2 weeks ago, 5 months after my order date. 2nd shaver comes, totally a much lesser model than what ordered or the 1st one. Maybe $90-100 price. I email, she says that's all they had.

Going online to eBay, the seller page says....We are sold out, but here are some other stores you may be interested in. Basically closed up shop I guess.

My question is, do I have any recourse with either, or both, eBay and/or PayPal? If so, how the heck do I contact them? If no recourse, do I just chalk it up at a $400 learning experience?

I think I might copy this and post on the Budget board here, savvy people there also.

Thanks for any answers, replies or suggestions.

 

[EACarlson]

Sounds like they strung you along until after they were outside the time period that eBay/Paypal would actually do anything. It's certainly worth filing the complaint with both, but I wouldn't expect much.

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

I assume you used PayPal for payment? If so, it’s worth contacting PayPal as they do offer buyer protection. I’m sorry this happened to you.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thank you both very much.

I wish I could find a customer service phone number, or even email or chat link, for either eBay or PayPal.

 

[dizneegirl]

If you follow this: https://www.ebay.com/help/home far enough, you can get to a chat. I found one at the bottom of the page that says "Contact Us" under Need More Help?

You might also try going through eBay's return for refund... they're pretty responsive if you have a problem and the seller isn't helpful.

Paypal has a messaging feature on their contact page: https://www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/contact-us. Looks like you can also call them (though you have to click on the link to get to the number).

 

[Imzadi]

Sounds like they strung you along until after they were outside the time period that eBay/Paypal would actually do anything. It's certainly worth filing the complaint with both, but I wouldn't expect much.

I assume you used PayPal for payment? If so, it’s worth contacting PayPal as they do offer buyer protection. I’m sorry this happened to you.

Yes, there is a certain timeline to file a complaint. However, show all the emails/DMs to both eBay and PayPal and try to get your money back. Also, call your credit card company. Sometimes that will light a fire under PayPal if they know you're credit card company is also investigating this matter.

If you are still within the window to leave feedback, make sure you WARN other Buyers that this Seller is doing a bait & switch for different items than described, which is against eBay rules.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Update....

I called my PayPal credit card that I use, Fidelity Visa. After explaining the situation, they have given me an immediate 'provisional' credit of the $396. If they need additional information, they will get back to me. So, we'll see where this goes in the coming days. When the dust settles, I will update with final result.

Thanks you all very much.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Initial written response today....

Thanks again for contacting Cardmember Service on 08/28/2023.

We wanted to let you know we're researching dispute #D-**** on your Fidelity® account ending **** for $396.00 at PAYPAL *EBAY US 40.

As soon as we have an update on your dispute, we'll let you know. In the meantime, just a reminder that this charge has been credited back to your account while we complete our research.

Please do not reply to this message as we are not able to respond to messages sent to this address

 

[Dan Murphy]

When the dust settles, I will update with final result.

And here is the final result, credit approved, final. Thank you all here, much appreciated.

 

[Imzadi]

And here is the final result, credit approved, final. Thank you all here, much appreciated.

Yay! Now go give that Seller some negative feedback.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yay! Now go give that Seller some negative feedback.

Thanks, @Imzadi. I wish I could. From my OP.....

Going online to eBay, the seller page says....We are sold out, but here are some other stores you may be interested in. Basically closed up shop I guess.

 

[fly girl]

I am so glad you weren't out the money. You definitely were taken for a bait and switch. And what a long time to get it all straightened out. Really bummed you can't give bad feedback, they 100% deserved it!