Advice needed: Sold phone on eBay and 10 days later, buyer wants full refund

ctrlaltdel on 25/02/2014 - 16:58
Last edited 27/02/2014 - 14:39 by 1 other user

hi fellow ozbargainers,

in a little dilemma at the moment, i have sold a SGS4 mobile phone on ebay (13/2), on 22/2, the buyer wrote me an email stating that i lied in my ad and he state that it's a grey import and rooted. he told me that he took the mobile to Telstra and Telstra told him, it's a grey import.

i told him, the phone is not rooted and not some grey import. running 4.4.2 german rom does not means its a custom rooted rom. though Telstra runs 4.3.

in my ad, i stated the following:
Running the latest KitKat OS (4.4.2).
This phone has never been rooted or dropped on the floor. Also, I got this phone from Telstra, so it's no some grey import.

he is now demanding a full refund + postage.

i am too busy to go to T-store to get a duplicate receipt, but then i will have to blank out my personal details if i give him the receipt and if i do that, is the partial receipt sufficient?

what should i do? should i ignore his demands?
he has posted a positive feedback on 18/2.

thoughts?

thank you in advance.

General Discussion

Related Stores

eBay US
eBay US
Marketplace

Comments

  • PissLUR on 25/02/2014 - 17:21

    What is your RETURNS POLICY when you listed your item?

    Return policy details
    The seller won't accept returns for this item.

    If this is the case, then refuse returns and send the proof that you got that s4 from a Telstra shop.

    • scrimshaw on 25/02/2014 - 17:43
      +17

      The returns policy does not override the buyer's right to returns / refunds if the item is not sufficiently as described.

      In this instance I would just send him the receipt with some personal details removed. It's probably not a good idea to ignore him outright, as he could complain to Paypal and things may swing in his favour.

  • 2ndeffort on 25/02/2014 - 17:45
    +21

    If you are confident that the phone is exactly as per you advertised then I would politely remind him of your original advert. How did this guy pay you? I ask as he can open a Paypal dispute and they are notorious for finding in the favour of buyers over sellers. With no warning and minimal if any consultation you could find your Paypal account is debited to send him his refund. He might end up with both his money back and the phone as well.

    I am a former eBay Power Seller. I don't know too much about the phone you've sold but if I was confident I could re-sell it for a similar amount I would write a very polite email to him. In it I would tell him that the phone is exactly as described in the advert, that you dispute the advice given by the person in the Telstra shop…however you want to make sure he is happy and you will refund him his money (less whatever the postage cost was in the original sale) if he can send you back the phone in the exact same condition you sent it. If you used Paypal remember to refund via Paypal to reclaim the commission you paid for the sale.

    If he is wanting to exchange because he saw it $10 cheaper somewhere else the fact he has lost the original postage…plus the inconvenience and cost of having to go to the Post Office to send the thing back to you might deter him enough to keep it. Tell him you need it sent back using Registered Post in line with eBay's policy so you have a tracked parcel.

    Once he sends it back, re-list and sell again, maybe add some more clarification to your advert and add a returns policy. Be careful of having a 'strictly no returns' policy as many (me for example) wouldn't buy something if I couldn't return something.

  • c64 on 25/02/2014 - 17:45
    +36

    why didn't you restore it to factory rom before selling it?

    • Unorthodox on 25/02/2014 - 22:42
      +1

      Precisely this.

      EBay requests you restore to factory settings.

      You're in the wrong here.

      • OzJD on 26/02/2014 - 03:13
        +7

        The default factory settings would be of the new ROM. Just like if you buy a phone running Android 4.2, upgrade to 4.3 and then restore factory settings, it will still have 4.3

        Why? Restoring factory settings wipes the DATA partition, not the SYSTEM partition. OP may have restored factory settings. You can not downgrade most phones.

      • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 12:36
        +6

        The seller is not in the wrong, it sounds like Telstra has no clue, and the buyer believed everything that they said.

        • itsfree on 01/03/2014 - 14:17

          Nevertheless, whenever I sell any of my Android phones, I restore to the original ROM (even if it's Android 2.1) to ensure no troubles occur.

  • ilostnemo on 25/02/2014 - 17:47
    +3

    How can your phone have KitKat when it hasn't been released for Telstra phones or Australian Networks?

    I wouldn't ignore his claims, paypal seem to favour the buyer in most cases.

    • OzJD on 26/02/2014 - 03:14
      +5

      OP stated that he has a German ROM on the device.
      I imagine this is why he loaded the German ROM (Having 4.4 before Telstra)

      Loading an Official ROM from another country does not require Root/Unlocking as it's signed by the manufacturer

        • diddy50 on 26/02/2014 - 21:01
          +2

          Since when did rooting void warranty? If a phone is legitimately faulty it is faulty regardless…

        • DrStinge on 26/02/2014 - 22:14
          +8

          Rooting refers to gaining Root access to a system. In the Lands of Unix gods please never refer to gaining Root access as anything else ;)

        • altomic on 27/02/2014 - 01:10
          +3

          Rooting refers to gaining Root access to a system.

          hahaha, here I thought it meant something else.

        • dazweeja on 27/02/2014 - 10:11
          +3

          It is not rooted - ie. does not have the 'su' binary granting superuser access. It will receive all updates from Samsung released for the particular ROM that is installed because, as the OP says, it's a genuine ROM signed by Samsung, and will probably get the updates months or years before Telstra does. Please learn a bit more about phones before commenting.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2014 - 12:52
          -1

          Unlocked boot loader != Rooted Android rom.

          Unlocked boot loader = you can install any (phone supported) android rom. If the boot loader is locked, you can only install new roms by downloading them from the carrier inside of your current android rom settings menu.

          Rooted = Apps can run in your Rom with root access.

  • Moots on 25/02/2014 - 19:14
    +35

    I've worked with businesses just to dispute feedbacks, and PayPal disputes.

    1) He left positive feedback.
    2) The phone was received, and is in working condition.
    3) If he paid via PayPal, well make sure you let them know he left positive feedback for the purchase.
    4) I don't really care how busy you are, and that's a pathetic excuse to not get a receipt. Honestly, 10 minutes out of your time to save your arse? If you upload the receipt, the dispute will be in your way as it's proof of your description.

    If you cannot find time, it makes me believe you in-fact did not buy it from Telstra, and just don't bother with the dispute because odds are it's clearly rooted, and not from Telstra.

    • plmko on 25/02/2014 - 19:32
      +1

      None of that stuff holds up with Paypal (despite what they say will in their policy), if the Buyer knows which buttons to press during the dispute section (yes stupid I know), it will swing 99% of their way.

      However just a note from my own experience Ebay doesn't consider 'software' differences on the same product to be a 'significant' difference not as described. For example, if a camera doesn't have English language and is sold without mentioning it in the listing, Ebay/Paypal doesn't give a toss, they consider that the same product.

      Also proving that the phone is Australian or not, is easy as pie, you don't even need a receipt from Telstra, look at the back in the battery bay and there will always be an 'A-tick'.

      • webtherapist on 26/02/2014 - 15:41
        -8

        software plays its role here coz rooted phone means no warranty and further update from network provider (Telstra/Optus), unless you know whatto do with ROMs and stuff but still, German ROM on a Telstra phone ~_~, no way it is not rooted

        • dazweeja on 27/02/2014 - 10:15
          +5

          You are wrong. Please learn the difference between 'rooted' and 'unlocked' and also please note that Samung Galaxy S phones are all sold (bootloader) unlocked.

      • Cheshire Cat on 26/02/2014 - 18:21
        +2

        Why does everyone keep saying paypal is on the buyers side. They are just on pay pals side and dealing with it ASAP.
        I bought a chest of drawers of ebay. Parts missing and broken. Get sent replacements….from a different batch….twice. So gave up and filed a paypal dispute. They said I had to return it. Aussie law clearly states bulky items are returned at the sellers expense but paypal would have none of it. 'Its our policy that the buyer pays return shipping….blah blah. I fought with them for the open ticket time then it was closed and I never could contact them again.

        So I don't think paypal supports the buyer just what's easy. I also had left negative feedback and had phot prof of dodgy parts etc…. I think the best offer I got was the seller offered about a 10% refund if I took away my negative feedback.
        Even tried the credit card purchase insurance type stuff…you had to get it inspected and I'm rural and it all just became too hard.

        Ebay/paypal suck

        • Repi on 27/02/2014 - 22:20
          +2

          I'll second that. Bought a computer and paid with Paypal a few years ago, item never got delivered. Paypal stuffed around for ages without any results before telling me to suck it up ($1100.-), absolutely not interested. Fair Trading found the person, but couldn't get the money out of him. Got saved eventually by a Credit card reversal from the Bank. Paypal really sucks.

        • SirFlibbled on 28/02/2014 - 08:50

          or for $50 you could have taken them to small claims court and forced them to pay you back.

        • matt_will_fix_it on 28/02/2014 - 09:14

          and if they are in another part of the country? Add flights, accommodation, taxis etc….

        • Repi on 28/02/2014 - 11:28

          Very nice in theory. Small claims, $ 110.-, Send the Sheriff, $ 70.00. The Sheriff only goes once, if no one is home it's another $ 70.-. Anyway, the seller pretty much slammed the door into the Fair Trading Inspectors face and reckons he doesn't sell computers. The Inspector explained the only way to get re-reimbursed was through Paypal or credit card reversal. All done now, just left a bad Paypal taste.

        • itajac on 28/02/2014 - 17:12
          +1

          Something similar happened to me with an ebay purchase of a $700 laptop more than 3+ yrs ago that was never delivered and no contact from seller, filed a dispute with paypal and I got my money back fairly soon. I was so relieved!..sorry to hear yours didn't work out.

        • itsfree on 01/03/2014 - 14:23

          Yeah I've always had a very positive experience in all my dealings with PayPal. I have opened disputes both as a buyer (item not as described; item is fake even though specified as authentic) and as a seller and they have always helped me out - in a timely manner too.

          As a seller, I sold an iPhone 5, which the buyer was very satisfied with. Several months later, they filed a chargeback with MasterCard, which resulted in PayPal initiating the chargeback process. I provided evidence that the buyer received the item (courier tracking number), was satisfied with it (positive feedback and messages), and had not contacted me since. PayPal ended up giving me the money back, and footed the chargeback bill themselves (over $679). So they really aren't "only on PayPal's side".

  • ctrlaltdel on 25/02/2014 - 19:23
    -2

    thanks for all your feedback.

    yup, i did clearly states "The seller won't accept returns for this item."
    and yes, he paid by paypal.

    hope telstra can print me a receipt (duplicate) as it has been a while, its not like i bought the phone last week. anyway. thanks.

    • plmko on 25/02/2014 - 19:35
      +7

      "The seller won't accept returns for this item."

      That doesn't mean anything, a returns policy holds no weight and is only as good as advertisement to attract customers if the policy is flexible.

      "he paid by paypal."

      Actually made your situation worse, enjoy the circus that is paypal. Your best bet is to try and appease him somehow with communications to sway him away from Paypal.

  • Fizzydrink on 25/02/2014 - 20:37

    so how is it
    "running 4.4.2 german rom does not means its a custom rooted rom. though Telstra runs 4.3."
    and not be rooted/imported?
    or have i read it wrong?

    although i see my sg3 is updating itself as we speak.. although it is voda

    • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 12:45
      +3

      The mobile would have come with a stock AU ROM, and the OP flashed it with a stock DE ROM, because they have a later version of Android. No rooting necessary.

      • Lichen6420 on 27/02/2014 - 13:11
        +1

        Yep, you know the deal.

        My phone is running a 4.4.2 Singapore KitKat rom. It is Aussie stock, not rooted and not knox counter tripped.

        If you don't know what your talking about don't comment. You can load any official samsung rom onto your phone. It is very easy to do and DOES NOT require you to root the phone as they are official roms.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2014 - 12:58
      +1

      You are confusing Rooted & Unlocked boot loader.

      To install a rom from other sources (other than your carrier), you need an unlocked bootloader. Running in root is related to apps inside the rom having access to everything.

      In a pc sense: He installed/upgraded to windows 8 (via unlocked boot loader), but the windows 8 user account does not have administrator privileges (i.e. is not rooted), so apps cant get access to administrator (root) settings of the OS.

      :-)

  • ozhunter on 25/02/2014 - 21:46
    +2

    This phone has never been rooted

    Can you put on a custom rom without rooting? You could of been more upfront about it and told him it's not the official Android Kitkat update.

    • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 12:47
      +1

      The OP did not flash a custom ROM on the mobile? It is the official update, just from the German region. The region of the ROM makes no difference 99% of the time.

  • SydStrand on 26/02/2014 - 00:03
    -1

    I may be mistaken here, but how did you install a ROM (and I assume, recovery) on a phone without rooting it? That being said, you should have restored it to factory/RUU before selling it.

    • twadds on 26/02/2014 - 03:15
      +4

      I'm pretty sure OP installed an official Samsung rom, just not an Australian one. If it was an official rom signed by Samsung he wouldn't need root access to install it.

    • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 12:51

      It doesn't sound like many people here have flashed a mobile before. You can flash stock firmware on a mobile by using a program such as Odin. No custom recovery or root access is required.

      The buyer should stop complaining, they have a later version of Android, than they would have had with the AU ROM. I also highly doubt that there are any major differences between the two ROMS, apart from perhaps no Telstra bloatware.

  • OzJD on 26/02/2014 - 03:23
    +3

    • and not be rooted/imported?

    • Can you put on a custom rom without rooting? You could of been more upfront about it and told him it's not the official Android Kitkat update.

    • I may be mistaken here, but how did you install a ROM (and I assume, recovery) on a phone without rooting it?

    I'll post part of my above comment here, as it's being asked again and again

    Loading an Official ROM from another country does not require Root/Unlocking as it's signed by the manufacturer

    The reason he likely changed the ROM is because Telstra is slow to release updates (still on 4.3) and possibly because of the crapware/bloatware that Telstra provides.
    Unfortunately, quite often the device can not be downgraded because of changes in partitioning and/or manufacturer preventions.

  • ctrlaltdel on 26/02/2014 - 07:29

    thanks ozjd.

    honestly this is the 1st time i have to deal with crap from a buyer. most of the time, the buyer is happy with whatever os i have installed on it. i sold numerous samsung devices (sgs2/note1/note2) over the years all running non-telstra rom (latest official rom from overseas) as it does not void warranty as long as it is not rooted.

    if u buy a 2nd hand/used device and hoping for warranty, perhaps he/she should buy a new phone.

    • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 12:54

      Flashing Samsung mobiles with different stock firmware can actually void the warranty now, due to KNOX, which was introduced with Android 4.3. Wouldn't go telling the buyer that though, in case they check, and the KNOX warranty has been void.

      • Lichen6420 on 27/02/2014 - 13:13
        -4

        Flashing stock firmware does not trip the KNOX counter. Educate yourself

        • Marrk on 27/02/2014 - 15:09
          +1

          Perhaps YOU should educate yourself. I have flashed dozens of Samsung mobiles with KNOX enabled firmware. Two very easy ways to trigger the KNOX 0x1 flag:

          1. Flashing a KNOX enabled firmware via Odin

          2. Downgrading from KNOX firmware to pre-KNOX stock firmware (possible with bootloader file removed, still risky)

    • OzJD on 28/02/2014 - 05:06

      You're welcome.

      I've sold HTC devices in the past with Cyanogenmod installed (and root access).
      Telling the buyer it was SIM unlocked, Bootloader unlocked, rooted and a custom ROM seemed to increase the value.

      I'm guessing you just got the once off loser that we all have to put up with sometimes.
      Then again, maybe they genuinely believe what Telstra told them as there are a lot of ill-informed Telstra staff who like to jump to their own conclusions.

    • cuteseal on 28/02/2014 - 12:54

      Just speculating, could it be that the buyer took it to Telstra for some support issue and they refused to help them because it's not the Telstra ROM that it shipped with? Not everyone is computer savvy enough to flash it back to stock.

      Perhaps you might consider flashing your equipment back to stock ROM before selling them, or clearly state in your ad that it's non-standard.

  • ozy on 26/02/2014 - 09:24
    +1

    If you advertised it was kit kat and you purchaed it from telstra, Just go to telstra, print a copy of the invoice,,
    Then if they paid via paypal just show them a copy of the receipt and point out you advertised that version in the listing.

  • StuffnStuff on 26/02/2014 - 09:59
    -2

    You would need to confirm with Ebay/Paypal, BUT I'm pretty sure that as soon as a buyer has left positive feedback, that is the end of the case. They have no comeback as they are basically confirming they are happy with the purchase.

  • zambuck on 26/02/2014 - 10:04
    +2

    Just out of interest, what sort of reason would the buyer have to take the phone into Telstra in a way that would cause them to be examining the OS version?

    • ctrlaltdel on 26/02/2014 - 12:02
      -2

      i have no idea what his issue is.

  • skillet on 26/02/2014 - 10:57
    +2

    Obviously the buyer changed his mind after getting the phone and trying his luck to get his money back by using the buyers leverage from Paypal. He should get an official letter signed from Telstra stating that it is a grey import and rooted, so Paypal will believe anything the buyer says without proof???!

    Does the buyer even know what's a grey import or root? I wonder how hard is it for the Telstra guy to check the IMEI on the system for verification. I doubt the buyer even step into a telstra shop.

    • ctrlaltdel on 26/02/2014 - 12:04
      +1

      sounds about right. i spend 1/2 hr at T-Life store today trying to get a duplicate receipt, and i quesion them regarding imei searching. they did told me that they can search their imei db to verify the unit.

    • cheng2008 on 26/02/2014 - 18:14
      +3

      Given that the guy left positive feedback, I doubt he was trying to screw with the OP, as it can be seen as proof that he is happy with the phone. What might have happened however is that he was unfamiliar with the phone and took it to the Telstra store for help, and a lazy salesman decided to make up an excuse to avoid having to help him. If it's indeed a Telstra unit then I doubt that he would've confused it for grey import, had he checked the serial number. The buyer probably believed him and blamed the OP.

      If that's the situation, then it's a bit of a grey area. The buyer has the right to demand proof that the phone is indeed Telstra stock, but asking for a full refund might be a bit drastic. Providing the receipt so the Telstra store helps him is the best bet. That or help the guy restore the Telstra rom so the store stops complaining.

    • DrStinge on 26/02/2014 - 22:17

      Galaxy S5 was announced today ;)

      • leonheart1 on 26/02/2014 - 22:28
        +4

        So now he wants to change his mind? Inconceivable!

        • DrStinge on 26/02/2014 - 22:57

          Haha <3

  • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 12:41

    Has the KNOX warranty been VOID on the mobile? It is my understanding that this happens, even if you flash a different stock firmware in Odin, after Android 4.3.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/02/2014 - 15:35
    +2

    Look 'technically' you are correct that it did not need rooting to put on the non-stock ROM.

    However, I think that it was misleading to mention that it had 'never been rooted' as saying that you have never rooted the phone infers that the system hasn't been tampered with and therefore still carries warranty.

    Regardless of what was advertised or sneakily avoided, Putting on a non-stock ROM voids the warranty and also as the DE ROM is not designed to work in Australia there will be compatibility issues on the Telstra network as it doesn't have the right modem files. If it is a 4G version I would not be surprised if 4G doesn't work at all, and if it is 3G that the signal is very weak all the time.

    On that basis that the product has (1) Has been tampered with (Non-stock ROM) (2) Warranty has been voided (Non-stock ROM) (3) Advertised as being from Telstra, but the Telstra software has been removed and (4) Modem doesn't work properly and is not certified by Telstra (who was advertised as being bought from) they will have more than enough reason for a return and Paypal always sides with the buyer.

    Your best bet is to explain the situation that it IS physically from Telstra but you replaced the ROM without rooting. Offer A. A refund (and advertise more honest to cover yourself from these defects next time) B. To take the phone back for free and restore the ROM to it's factory condition from Telstra (with Telstra ROM), also provide copy of FULL receipt for warranty purposes in case it is not void after restoring it back C. Offer a discount. If he takes it to Paypal you will probably lose, you pay fees and you might not get the phone back either.

    • Marrk on 26/02/2014 - 15:44

      "Regardless of what was advertised or sneakily avoided, Putting on a non-stock ROM voids the warranty and also as the DE ROM is not designed to work in Australia there will be compatibility issues on the Telstra network as it doesn't have the right modem files. If it is a 4G version I would not be surprised if 4G doesn't work at all, and if it is 3G that the signal is very weak all the time."

      It is a stock ROM, just from a different region. This may however still void the warranty though. As someone who works for a mobile grey importer, and has flashed hundreds of mobiles over the years, I can assure you that flashing a ROM from a different region, will have no negative impact in terms of mobile network connectivity and performance, 99% of the time.

      • [Deactivated] on 26/02/2014 - 19:16

        No it is NOT a Stock from FOR THIS PHONE. The phone is NOT intended by design to freely swap between regions on a ROM level by the user, it is an official ROM for another phone sold in that region - not official for THIS phone!

        The Telstra version also has some specific antenna tuning on a hardware level to work best with their network (Telstra usually sell "T" variants of Samsungs) even though the ROMs are interchangeable and the international versions (Non "T") support Telstra's network on a basic level.

        The only conceivable reason to change between official ROMs of different regions without losing network performance would be because you intend to use that phone in that region.

        In the seller's case they made a tradeoff between getting 4.4 early and network performance/warranty, and this is not made aware to the buyer, who was probably not aware that 4.4 hadn't been released by Telstra yet.

        This is the reason why Telstra take so long to roll out updated ROMs, it's not because it takes such a long time to add all the bloat (That is easy), it's because they retest everything in their RF chambers to make sure that the radios are tuned properly - hardware and software.

        • Marrk on 27/02/2014 - 00:39

          EASY WITH THE CAPS MATE. If the OP has the i9505T (which I didn't know existed), then I partially agree with you. I do not agree, if the OP has the i9505 though.

          "The only conceivable reason to change between official ROMs of different regions without losing network performance would be because you intend to use that phone in that region."

          Using an i9505 in Australia with a UK ROM is no different than using the same model with an AU ROM. The mobile either has the required network frequencies or it doesn't.

        • skillet on 27/02/2014 - 10:39
          -1

          Smeg - Mate study Radio Rom before you bla bla bla.

        • cuteseal on 28/02/2014 - 12:56

          Not entirely correct. Telstra and providers actually tune network parameters for the local region. It will still work, but may not be optimal.

        • Marrk on 28/02/2014 - 14:06

          The Telstra AU ROM may have some minimal optimisations, though these would be very insignificant at the end of the day. I have a UK ROM on my N9002, have managed to get close to 100Mbps over Telstra 4G, and doubt that the download speed would be any faster with a Telstra ROM.

          Have never had a single issue relating to network reception, with all of my grey import mobiles (Galaxy S3, Note 2, Xperia Z, Galaxy S4, Note 3).

    • KBZ on 26/02/2014 - 17:44
      +3

      Smeg has hit it right on the head to cover yourself in the future.

      In defence of the buyer expecting warranty for a second hand device maybe he just wanted to save a bit of money and the phone isn't even 1 year old (from release date) so the initial warranty would be valid and we could take into the account of consumer guarantee.
      I'm not condoning what the buyer is doing at all just my experience since i bought an ipod nano second hand and knew I'd be able to get warranty support from apple (which I did! Got it replaced for free due to some major fault I experienced).

      I'm not on anyone's side with this issue cause its quite half and half. But definitely cover yourself better even if it means putting the stupid bloatware back on.

    • pippin88 on 27/02/2014 - 10:17
      +2

      Modem is separate from actual ROM. You can run a foreign ROM with a local modem

      • [Deactivated] on 27/02/2014 - 21:34

        But to do so requires rooting, supposedly it has never been rooted.

  • dlakers3peat on 26/02/2014 - 16:15

    did he pay with paypal? If so he can raise a dispute and will probably win as they normally take the side of the buyer.
    If not ignore him

  • ilostnemo on 26/02/2014 - 18:15
    -5

    I ordered an iPhone 5s cable for my car from a reputable seller. ($15)
    A week later a iPhone 4s cable came and I sent the seller a question.
    He didn't reply so I disputed the item claiming item differed to that advertised.
    I claimed full amount, he advised refund would be nil and said he'd send a new one.
    2 weeks larer, I hadn't received anything and I raised it as a claim, 24 hours later paypal awarded me.

  • Lancerx on 26/02/2014 - 18:56

    this is why gumtree is better, everything cash and done

    • scrimshaw on 26/02/2014 - 19:04
      +4

      No it is not… Gumtree has a whole different set of issues. Like idiots who low ball offers, and people who promise to come pick it up and end up being a no-show etc.

      I get so many ridiculous questions in Gumtree from people who generally have too much time on their hands, when I don't. I just want to sell the item and not have to entertain the buyer.

      • [Deactivated] on 26/02/2014 - 19:18

        And idiots to flash their phones with ROMs and lose their warranty and then sell it like it is not tampered with.

      • sleepyowl on 27/02/2014 - 14:28
        +1

        Gumtree: "All good I'll bring $80 for it"

        shows up with $60 in wallet

        • scrimshaw on 28/02/2014 - 16:41

          Then I'll drive them to the nearest ATM machine. Free service.

          And if they conveniently "forgot" their PIN number, I will just kick them out of the car and drive off.

  • kzrocky on 26/02/2014 - 21:46
    +12

    Charge him an extra $20 because there is a german rom on it.
    All things German are better arent they?

    • Jesmond on 27/02/2014 - 08:41
      -1

      This.

  • wukachuka on 26/02/2014 - 23:38
    +1

    The money has cleared after 10 days right?
    Take it out of the paypal account, in fact, clear that sh*t out completely and de-authorise any kind of direct debit on paypals end.

    • No ONE on 27/02/2014 - 09:53

      More like my style for using Debit Card:

      Always have a second account and use that for purchasing and selling stuffs and have balance of no more than $20. When you buy something just transfer that amount from other account to make up the balance of transaction. This could give you a little peace of mind that no one over charge you and will prevent unauthorised transaction.

      As for selling stuff, transfer the amount into other account and paypal debit would be declined due to insuffient amount. This method would help any op to stay on safe shore most of the time either buying or selling stuff from anywhere using only one account.

  • whodidthat on 27/02/2014 - 10:40

    The mobile was 2nd hand? Was it sold as BIN or auction.

    If auction, it is an "as is" item.

    In any case, if you have the receipt and a claim is opened via Paypal you can upload the receipt.

    If Paypal still decide against you (buyer will have to return for refund) then you simply file a claim with FOS http://www.fos.org.au/ to have the funds returned to you.

  • onlyletters on 27/02/2014 - 11:07
    +3

    i am too busy to go to T-store to get a duplicate receipt

    You lost the battle already..

  • shopshopshop on 27/02/2014 - 16:33

    My experience with ebay and items buyers claim to be fake is that paypal/ebay require the buyer to get written proof from the relevant professional people -to say it is fake. (The buyer would need to pay for this. Not talking just a salesman opinion here.) But I do not deal with phones they may be a different kettle of fish -but this is just my experience with cosmetics and such.
    The ebay boards would have more info for you.

  • crentist on 27/02/2014 - 17:20
    +2

    do you have the IMEI,or can you ask him to check it on https://www.telstra-online.net/ePOW/

    I believe this has a record of every phone sold through telstra, in case people lose their receipt

    • No ONE on 27/02/2014 - 23:59
      +1

      Op has posted this IMEI # 357635050255910 on ebay listing and Telstra system does not verify it.

  • jason101 on 27/02/2014 - 18:54

    You can read all of the above or you can simply take a hit below the belt - accept the return and return his funds - If he paid by Paypal (and is a pr%ck) you've lost before you've even started.

    After selling for 12 years on eBay and accruing some 5,000 feedback I have learned - if you are a seller, either right or wrong - if paypal is involved - YOU AS SELLER are deemed to be in the wrong, argument over.

    Fight it or don't fight it - if the buyer has paid by paypal and is demanding a refund, he will receive this - whether you cooperate or not.

    • whodidthat on 27/02/2014 - 20:37

      All very true but if handled correctly then funds will be returned after complaining to FOS.

      I say this out of experience too, one case just this month.

      I have been selling on there since 2000.

  • t_c on 27/02/2014 - 22:26
    +3

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-GT-i9505-As-new…

    Not everyone is a tech savvy android guru,

    Why didn't you mention it had German ROM in the ebay listing? (to try and get a higher price?)

    I'd be pissed too if I bought a phone from ebay and it didn't have the standard Aussie rom and it wasn't made abundantly clear in the listing.

    You misled the buyer refund him with return postage, and reword your listing or restore the phone to factory rom.

    • EnALup on 28/02/2014 - 08:31

      True, if I was one of the buyer, I would think the phone is the standard Operating system.
      "This phone has never been rooted or dropped on the floor. Also, I got this phone from Telstra, so it's no some grey import."

      OP never mentioned he had Gernam ROM. He got a very good price for the phone and person buying bought a 3 month old phone thinking he will get the Manf. warranty for 21 months.

      So either give him proof or return the money will be the best option. Also enquire why your mobile is not coming in Telstra's website.

  • netsurfer on 28/02/2014 - 00:31

    My experience so far… Even though we may feel putting KitKat (4.4.2), Cyanogenmod, or some cool custom firmware on a mobile phone really makes the phone nicer, general public (i.e. most feeBay buyers) don't feel the same.

    My suggestion is that if there is a way to rollback the ROM to proper Telstra/AU ROM, send the instruction (in detail) to the buyer. Explained that Telstra is slow releasing firmware update, so you upgraded the phone to KitKat using a ROM from a different phone network provider. Telstra receipt would be good. You need to try to be as helpful as possible. Another possibility is suggest a partial refund.

    Personally, if the buyer is unhappy, I would offer a full refund (buyer will need to send the item back though). Or, if the buyer is in the same city, I would arrange to meet up, pick up the item and refund the money.

  • garetz on 28/02/2014 - 00:39
    +1

    As the seller you are in the wrong here, you should just advise the buyer that you will take it back and pay for return postage, then restore it to factory defaults, while also including a receipt. Then send it back to him.

    As people have said, not everyone is tech savvy, btw you can also remove any personal information on the receipt, and it still can be used for warranty purposes.

  • netsurfer on 28/02/2014 - 00:56
    +3

    What I would do:

    • Ask the buyer to raise a Paypal case (or eBay case - if not paid by Paypal) for item not as described.
    • Once the case is raised, you will put in a comment saying once buyer sent back the item, you will provide a full refund.
    • You will also use Australia Post Click and Send and pay for the return postage (send the label PDF to the buyer). However, buyer must go to a Post Office, buy a Bx1 box and ensure the item is placed in the box securely. Optional: offer to pay the buyer an extra $2 for the box first (via PayPal payment).
    • Ask the buyer to get a postage confirmation from his/her local Post Office - to protect him/her.
    • Once the item is received, provide a full refund (via Paypal) which closes the dispute automatically.
    • Re-list the S4 on eBay, but this time, provide all details.
    • (Optional) Ban / block the buyer from bidding on your future eBay listings.

    You will lose about $20 on postage (your initial postage to the buyer + return postage), but S4 is still quite popular so you should be able to re-sell it for a good price.

    • onlyletters on 28/02/2014 - 13:16
      +3

      Additionally; the customer can send you back a banana with a tracking number and you will be screwed over completely, PayPal will consider you a liar and PayPal will refund the buyer in full, they will end up keeping the phone and will also keep the money.

      My method;
      If you can, make a video showing you opening the unopened box without any editing (pause) showing the condition it arrived in, this way, you protect yourself from the scum buyer.

      Records of all tracking numbers and all tracking slips is important, the more evidence you have, the more chance you will come out on-top.

      • shmahoo on 01/03/2014 - 14:43

        Oh I hope it doesn't come to this!

  • TheMoDz on 28/02/2014 - 06:32
    +1

    Ahole must have liked it and perfect on 18/2, tried to Root it,
    (Rooting experience with Samsung devices, Its hell, so delicate)
    Root it, failed.

    What to do, complain to seller,

    Shouldn't have brought up Rooting on Ebay Page, turn a blind eye and say, "what is rooted?"

  • MikeKulls on 28/02/2014 - 08:41
    -1

    I don't think you provided full details in the ad, you didn't exactly point out it has a custom ROM. Do the right thing and give him a refund.

    • matt_will_fix_it on 28/02/2014 - 09:14
      -1

      I agree

    • Marrk on 28/02/2014 - 14:08
      -2

      The mobile does not have a custom ROM, it has a stock ROM from a different region. There is a big difference.

  • ctrlaltdel on 28/02/2014 - 09:58
    +2

    i got the duplicate receipt (emailed) and told the buyer to send the phone back to me, i got the feeling that this will not end even with the proof of purchase. like what netsurfer says, i take it back, restore it back to official 4.3 rom, and perhaps even can sell more that what it was sold.

    • ozhunter on 28/02/2014 - 10:13

      He still doesn't want the phone even though you emailed him proof that it is an Australian model?

      • onlyletters on 28/02/2014 - 21:04

        yep, sounds more like a complete change of mind and he is using any reason to return it.

        • cheng2008 on 01/03/2014 - 15:27

          Let's not jump to conclusions, we've only heard one side of the story so far.

    • exc3113nce on 28/02/2014 - 22:32

      Using the Telstra tool provided above I got, "We cannot find an entry for this IMEI number."

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join