Ordered Item From eBay, Got an Empty Packaging with No Item in It

Rukiata on 16/08/2016 - 10:54
Last edited 22/08/2016 - 12:45

Do not buy from cueball-147 he is a scammer.

I have been scammed by a seller. AU post my express post bag came the other day, I opened it up and nothing was inside it. so I contracted the seller and right away he blamed me for scamming him and was very unhelpful he is not willing to refund me as well. Also noticed after opening there is a cut on top of the bag as if they knew where to cut and it was trapped almost perfect which is so hard to notice it was open before i got it.

So reported to AU Post, they also said it could have been dropped off in a post box and not in a store due to the tracking info as there is hardly any only when it was on board for delivery…..

cost me over $1000, Now how damn long do I have to wait for this? also I opened up a paypal claim to get my money back. im wondering how long that will take as well.

the seller had 100% feedback and sold before, also his phone number is fake on ebay and on the express bag he never gave his name, number or address only his PO BOX.

SOMETHING SEEMS FISHY!

If I could get some tips please because not fully sure what to do, this has never happened to me before

UPDATE: THANKS FOR THE HELP GUYS! Ebay cant do anything as I had already open a case with paypal, Paypal deliced it due to they dont cover gift cards, they didnt bother to look into it.

I am giving up as no one seems to want to help AKA Paypal/Ebay/AUPost
nothing can be done my lesson is learnt that dont buy gift cards on Ebay your not covered if they say you are their lying. You wont get your money back also my bank was hopeless they said for me to go to Paypal.

I reported the seller to EBay

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Comments

        • BargainCowboy on 16/08/2016 - 20:33
          +2

          @shadowrukia: The problem is that he's just as suspicious of you as you are of him. But maybe you're barking up the wrong tree.

        • Brick50 on 16/08/2016 - 20:48
          +2

          @shadowrukia:

          Thats true, I would be upset. But if you accused him of scamming you then of course he is not going to go out of his way to assist you.
          As you have pointed out the package was opened. It is an issue with the courier, not him.
          How old are you?

        • Dan_ on 17/08/2016 - 00:30
          +2

          @shadowrukia: The reason he doesn't openly share his personal details is most likely because there are people out there who would jump to conclusions (when there are clearly a number of possibilities/suspects) and might try to take matters into there own hands to resolve their grievance.

        • ronnknee on 17/08/2016 - 09:25
          +4

          @shadowrukia:

          why would you post a +1000 item in a post box???

          Why did you want a $1000+ item posted to you?

        • BartholemewH on 17/08/2016 - 12:28

          @Mattwilko:
          No return address on a $1000 item though? Ummmmmm…… It's not a screen protector, what if the buyers address is wrong?

        • goodcopbadcop on 17/08/2016 - 14:57
          +1

          @Mattwilko: Do you sell items that have a value of $1000? Doesn't sound like you have you ever bought something for a $1000 and the packaging only was delivered and you feared that you were done by a scammer? Your points above are irrelevant to this situation. From what you've stated it doesn't appear that you go the extra mile for your customers…..

        • spaij on 18/08/2016 - 09:34
          +1

          @BartholemewH:
          There was a return address (PO Box):
          From OP:

          on the express bag he never gave his name, number or address only his PO BOX.

        • BartholemewH on 19/08/2016 - 19:34
          +1

          @spaij:
          I was referring to Mattwilko as my post stated. He said he often didn't bother at all with return addresses. I bet he would if they were worth $1000.

        • Randxyz123 on 21/08/2016 - 02:38

          @Mattwilko: Agreed. I don't have 2000 sales but I have a bit of experience with eBay. I find it really stupid that they don't scan packages when you drop them off in normal post boxes. I even posted something at the Melbourne main post office and it wasn't scanned.

          I always post stuff at the actual post office. That way if Australia Post bugger something up I have proof of postage.

        • spaij on 22/08/2016 - 11:45

          @BartholemewH: Right. Good call. 👍

    • whodidthat on 16/08/2016 - 18:26

      I also think it was stolen in transit, given the cut packaging.
      That should have been shown to Australia Post.

      Yes, the seller MAY be bad and/or a scammer but why do people assume just because the seller is on ebay that they are?
      Yes, he has handled the query badly, but it also depends on how the query was written.

  • RockyRaccoon on 16/08/2016 - 15:17

    BTW

    Express post only refunds the postage should the item be lost etc.

    You need extra insurance to get any financial cover

    Sending something valuable or important? Extra Cover provides you with cover for the specified value of your item (up to $5,000) if your item is lost or damaged while being carried by Australia Post

    Price

    $1.50 per $100 of your item's value (or part thereof); and
    You must add $2.95 for Signature on Delivery if your item is valued above $300.
    Please note: the Signature on Delivery fee does not apply to Courier Post, as this feature is included in the Courier Post service.

    • Rukiata on 16/08/2016 - 15:18

      that is the sellers fault/problem right?

      • RockyRaccoon on 16/08/2016 - 15:24
        +1

        Depends on the listing if it was sold as being registered and insured then they are at fault. If it just says express postage, you cant fault them on that score

        • JetLi on 16/08/2016 - 16:40
          +4

          no one in their right mind would send $1,400 in gift cards via Aust Post and not 1) pay for "registered mail", 2) pay for insurance in case it's lost in transit and 3) take photos of everything as proof in case you get a dodgy buyer. Just don't smell right…

        • smashed on 17/08/2016 - 08:44
          +1

          It is 100% seller responsibility to ensure it is adequately covered until received. What they put in the listing is totally irrelevant

        • lplau on 17/08/2016 - 14:15

          @smashed: But with Paypal if you have a tracking number then they assume it is delivered. Its a he say / she say situation now. Paypal will not do anything because it was a gift card, their protection doesn't cover that.

          It actually doesn't matter who's responsibility it is to get the item to the destination successfully in this case. Its a Gift Card, you aren't protected by Paypal at all for them….

          You can raise a case against the guy, but if he answers it within like 10 days then there is nothing you can do. If he ignores the case then paypal will most likely automatically close the case in your favor and you get a refund. Just pray he did a runner then you will get your money back, but if he is a douche and didn't do a runner then you are screwed.

  • andyken on 16/08/2016 - 16:28
    +1

    Open a dispute via eBay first, and tell what you write above, if the seller write "you are a liar, blblal" thats okay, because eBay will decide based on his reply. if the seller do not want to provide the serial no, thats good because it will help ebay staff to decide the case.

  • spacecowboy on 16/08/2016 - 17:09

    Was anything inside the satchel. An opened envelope, a piece(s) of cardboard, etc. Anything to support sellers claim they put the card in there. Anything that the gift card could have been put inside, sticky-taped to, etc.

    How big is the cut in the bag. Big enough to get your hand in. Surely the seller would not have just put a gift card in the satchel with nothing around it. FFS!

    • Rukiata on 16/08/2016 - 17:18

      empty envelope was inside it. also we took a picture of the bag and empty envelope before we had to hand it to AU Post to look into it. the cut wasnt that big, size of a gift card cut so they knew what was in it.

  • spacecowboy on 16/08/2016 - 17:19
    +2

    I see the same eBayer is selling a Ken Duncan print worth 15K for 8K (wow, bargain), local pickup only. Maybe you should get a friend to email him & ask a few questions about it, including where to pick up from.

    • Rukiata on 16/08/2016 - 17:21

      Then what would we do if we had his address? lol. he also might lie and not be his address , Yeah I dont trust this dude anymore.

    • EmCKay on 16/08/2016 - 18:58
      +5

      Pick up is from Ken Duncan Gallery

  • EmCKay on 16/08/2016 - 18:10
    +12

    Why on earth would you buy from this bloke? Every fourth or fifth transaction seems to have been an issue and he has changed his ebay name several times!

    I note that he says gift cardS not card but only shows a single card in the photo. It seems that he has already sold it. Who has two separate JB gift vouchers/voucher/store credits that are exactly $1400? Also when you click to view the transaction (#272235425153)it has been removed even though the one below it is viewable.

    He is also selling pearl earrings with a value (he says) of $1000 but then has them sitting in plastic ziploc bags which is well known to emit a chemical that will cause the surface of the Pearl to deteriorate.

    His pearl pendant comes with an insurance valuation from 2003 in the name of Richard Perec.

    Doesn't sound good and tbh there really is very little you can do.

    • Third_Gear on 16/08/2016 - 19:49
      +4

      I think the op has learned a very expensive lesson here… I always find it interesting what people are will to gamble to save a few bucks.

      • Rukiata on 16/08/2016 - 19:58

        I didnt know, nor know how to view changed ebay names

        • EmCKay on 16/08/2016 - 20:06
          +10

          For future reference when you click on their feedback rating it takes you to a page with all the comments. One the right hand side under the Member quick links heading is 'View ID history'.

    • spacecowboy on 16/08/2016 - 20:41
      -1

      The feedback below is for a later eBay listing #272245302448. Buyer feedback for that item must have been left before the feedback for the sellers previous JB voucher. Item information is no longer viewable after about 90 days, which means JB voucher #272235425153 transaction is now older than 90 days.

  • Hotpotcorn on 16/08/2016 - 21:29
    +3

    this sucks man hope u get ur money back

  • snappy1234 on 16/08/2016 - 21:50
    +2

    SOMETHING SEEMS FISHY!

    I resemble that ;)

  • EvilElle on 17/08/2016 - 07:22
    +1

    shadowrukia

    Sorry this has happened to you. I was looking at ebay's Gift Cards policy and I'm wondering if it might help you. It would be best to call ebay and explain to them what happened. Remain calm. Ask to speak to Trust & Safety department. The cards dollar value must be $500, or less. This gift card was started at $750. There is no mention in the policy of auction sales. That might be enough to get some action.

    http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/gift.html

    Phone paypal and see if there is anything they can do.

    What's happened with the tracking information?

    • Rukiata on 17/08/2016 - 08:15
      +1

      they cant do anything and paypal is useless on the phone was told just open a claim which i did

  • EvilElle on 17/08/2016 - 07:49
    +1

    @shadowrukia

    The bidding history looks a bit funny. New bidder with 1 feedback. iii The buyer was going up in increments of $50 when there were no other bids. hmmmm….

    http://offer.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=2723…

    • highdealer on 20/08/2016 - 11:35

      Click on show automatic bids.

  • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 08:17
    +1

    This is ridiculous - 1st sellers have no obligation to give you a rundown of their life. Sellers pay PayPal and eBay fees so they don't have to deal with crazies like you rolling up on their doorstep every time someone has buyers remorse or has a claim filed in the sellers favour. Yes this is a thing that actually happens.

    Also selling gift cards on eBay, particularly quasi cash, very fraught. Most sellers don't bother. Easily the most scammed item on eBay, and often scammed using similar methods to which you are saying your issue arose (gift card packaging just miraculously arrives empty… happens all the time for sellers when selling gift cards on ebay, funny that huh!). This is why PayPal don't offer any protection for them. They are a liability by virtue of being a CC chargeback magnet and that's it.

    You acknowledge several times that packaging arrived tampered with, and the more reasonable or more likely possibility was it was stolen during transit. And you're right it makes sense. You then go on to acknowledge that you chose to select a method of postage which did not require receipt on delivery. Then, you said you didn't notice the tear on the package until after acceptance. Who's fault is this chain of events other than your own? Full props to the seller there though for being the A Grade idiot he is to even send them off unregistered. Just why…

    But anywa, considering what you've said already, How is the scammer in all of this not actually you? Because to the casual observer just flipping through, it seems you've formed a pretty reasonable conclusion on the whereabouts of your gift card - with AP - which makes rational sense - but because you went full povo and skipped insurance on the $1000 item with "treat me like cash!" written all over it - you know there's no recourse with AP.

    Rather than accept your mistake, instead you're going to exploit a method others have suggested, a dispute with eBay. At best, its a loophole in the wording of their postage guidelines, at worst, it provides an avenue for a frivolous claim from a buyer to be overturned even if PayPal has already given a fair judgement to a dispute. So I see you as knowingly dudding the seller out of $1000, even though you've provided no actual evidence and have absolutely no reason to suggest he didn't act in good faith. You entrusted shipping $1000 in cash in a $1 envelope and you lost the gamble, and now want someone else to pay for your mistake. The scammer is you.

    The seller has probably already long lost his meagre profit margin entertaining whatever the equivalent is of an electronic tantrum from calling him a scammer and whatever else. I'd tell you to bugger off too. He has nothing to gain. Seller will walk away with half a day of wasted for $0, or he'll lose the dispute you've lodged, or both. Either way he's getting bad feedback from you if he hasn't already. Seller loses all round through no fault

    • Rukiata on 17/08/2016 - 08:28
      -1

      I was scammed, or never got my item meaning I should get a refund. the seller can go to AU post why do I have to do it? i didnt package it poorly and send an $1000+ item in a post box. im not the sender so I couldn't get it on insurance. this has never happened to me before nor did I think this would happen to me as i buy a lot online and never has someone stolen something from my orders . this is the first., you need to clam down.

      • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 08:41

        Lots of conclusions being drawn with not much actual substance behind them..

        • You were not scammed and have no evidence to suggest such
        • Because you were stupid enough to send a $1000 parcel uninsured when the seller had several postage options available - the seller did not check the "standard post" box for you, that was all on your own.
        • You're making a pretty wild guess it was put in a post box. A lazy clerk at the counter might have just thrown it into a box with no scan over the counter. The same AP service standards apply be it lodged in person or via box so it's a moot point anyway, it doesn't make an iota of difference. An uninsured package is uninsured for the entire journey whether that begins in a post box or in store.
        • I am calm! I just don't quite understand why you expect the seller to absolve you of all personal responsibility. Its a high value item, you rolled the dice on having posted on the cheap, and lost. There are insured options in that postage list! If the seller can provide evidence that item was sent using the method you paid for then as far as I'm concerned (and PayPal is concerned too), the seller has done nothing wrong. Why shouldn't you be the one doing the ringing around and chasing up? It's your mistake…
        • Chef-Johnson on 17/08/2016 - 08:46
          +4

          you're off chops pal, get a grip

        • smashed on 17/08/2016 - 08:46
          +2

          Totally wrong. The buyer can choose the cheapest postage option..the seller has to have adequate cover. You are naive to believe otherwise.

        • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 08:55
          +3

          @smashed: If the buyer were confident that he/she were to win their dispute, they wouldn't be here asking for alternative avenues of obtaining a refund. I think were being given selective pieces of the story. Anyone who sells or has ever sold gift cards on eBay will attest that for every legitimate gift card dispute, there are 10 that aren't. That's why PayPal don't cover them. At all. The combination of buying a virtual currency with a real cash value over the internet is a target for obvious reasons.

          Earlier comments suggest the seller has receipt of both postage and delivery to the buyer. On that basis PayPal will rule in favour of the buyer. Perhaps one could suggest the seller should have bourne the insurance cost himself, but that's $15 for a $1000 insured value. Why should he front that cost? I'd love a source to a PayPal guideline saying a quasi-cash gift card that's buyer protection ineligible anyway also needs to be insured? To serve what purpose exactly?

        • smashed on 17/08/2016 - 08:58
          +2

          @jackary:

          Why should he cover the cost?

          If I bought a TV for 6000 from JBHIFI it would no doubt come with free delivery. If the TV arrived smashed, or not at all, would you SERIOUSLY expect the buyer to take the hit because the seller didn't have adequate insurance?

          Very simple.

        • jollyjohns on 17/08/2016 - 09:02
          +1

          If this is the correct listing I believe that the seller only provided one postage option. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JB-HI-FI-Gift-Voucher-Expiry-Marc…

          I think it's a good idea to contact a seller, especially with a pricey item, and ask if they could send you a revised invoice with postage insurance before paying. I also noticed it was supposed to be registered post. Did it come with signature on delivery?

          I do believe the listing breached the policies on ebay as gift cards are to be $500 or less, and this one started at $750.

          I hope you get your money back, and if the seller did actually send it I hope they can get covered as well.

          Best of luck mate.

        • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 09:27

          @smashed:
          Having taken aforementioned hit on a $1200 DOA car part purchased new off eBay, I learnt the hard way. I was unable to prove that the part i received was a dud from the start so judgement dafaulted sellers favour. 12 months later I watched Super Amart drop my brand new couch straight off the edge of their tilt tray into my driveway. Needless to say it split into a million pieces. The two muppets stood looking at the pile of rubble saying shrugging their shoulders "hope you bought delivery insurance!" And left. Was i angry? Absolutely, almost frothing at the mouth angry!! But who was the person who ignored the insurance checkbox? Me! It was MY fault! I didn't want to pay the insurance so I risked it and lost.

          FWIW last time I bought a TV at JB they did charge a delivery fee. As do Harvey Norman. As do the good guys etc. I don't buy a whole lot of $6000 TVs if I'm totally honest, but I wouldn't expect they get any more care than my 55" poverty pack Samsung would have, it sure isn't any cheaper to move.

          Neither of these are like for like examples. A physical item is vastly different to a virtual card that can easily be exchanged for near 100% face value in cash.

          Aren't lots of our Australian consumer guarantees based on "what a reasonable customer would expect to be reasonable"? If you are presented with 3 options, 2 of which clearly include noted insurance - the third which doesn't and is clearly cheaper - surely it would be fair to conclude that no reasonable consumer would expect it to also come accompanying insurance too? In this one sale alone, it would cost 7 postage + additional 15 to insure, 200% of the money collected for postage. Which you are expecting the seller to absorb, in a single sale Why? I would argue that OP pretty clearly knew she was getting no delivery insurance. I suppose seller could have messaged the seller and said pay up for insurance or no dice, why should he? Seemed like a pretty clearly made decision on buyers part.

          I appreciate that it is a massive hit for the buyer, and I know I'm being harsh. But could you imagine copping a $1000 judgement against you for doing exactly as the customer asked and paid you to do? Let's not forget the purchase was made at the customers will, accepting of the inherent risk that PayPals usual protections did not apply.

        • smashed on 17/08/2016 - 09:40
          +5

          @jackary:

          I am sorry but you let that go way too easily.
          It does not matter whether you checked a box for extra insurance. If the courier breaks your sofa then it is THEIR mistake and their responsibility.

          Is Australia really backwards? (I made a similar related comment in the recent customer service thread).

          You could easily have claimed that back at worst via a chargeback on your card. You don't sign for delivery as you havent received a new sofa, rather a broken one.

          —

          Ebay, I have never heard of Ebay siding with the seller over a DOA item. Their standard response is to side with the buyer even when you send something pristine and they smash it up and ask for a refund.

          You genuinely require somebody to help you next time you experience an issue like this because there is no way that I would have settled as the loser in either scenario because neitehr are your fault. Similarly, I sell on ebay with free delivery and ensure adequate cover.
          If an item was received damaged or broken then I would refund it and ask them to return it (and pay the return fee too).

        • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 09:43

          @jollyjohns: That listing looks the same as the one posted earlier but it appears to have changed a tad since I looked at it last. Perhaps I am just completely blind. I can see what you're saying with only 1 postage option being available on that page though.

          So hang on a second - we're talking about the purchase of an item that doesn't meet eBay posting guidelines anyway, didnt/doesn't quality for PP buyer protection…

          I appreciate the villanous picture being drawn thus far of the seller, but wow, really? Max $500 gift cards? I've learnt something new today. But all of this alludes to the overall picture that this was never going to end well. Even if it were hand delivered on a friggin unicorn by Jesus Christ himself!

          Edit: Just in response to the couch - the insurance was clearly offered to me verbally and in writing to which I declined. It is that simple. We aren't talking about extra insurance, there was no insurance to begin with. Have you ever actually insured something in transit before? Insurance doesn't just come with every parcel you send… it's not a bloody entitlement. And in the case of Super A Mart, a smart accounant is already a step ahead of you - transfer of good occurs when the item is paid for in full and I can walk it ouaround of the store if I do desired. Not when it comes off the truck a few days later. It was 100% my fault. Thank you for the subtle dig though! Maybe I'll give you a call to hold my hand next time I go and play in the big boy shops? Sarcasm aside, why is it so hard for us to accept that were a bunch of human beings that with the vision of hindsight make really piss poor decisions sometimes? Better yet, when did the outcomes of a those poor decisions become the responsibility of someone else by default?

          TLDR:
          Both OP and seller flaunted eBay/PayPal rules and then stand by scratching their heads blaming each other as it turns into an inevitable shit fight that could be by anyone else a bloody mile off!

          This is definitely way too involved of a conversation for what I kinda bargained for this morning haha, I might tap out of this one. Apologies if I've ruffled any feathers and for my horrendous morning grammar. Definitely appreciate all the different options and have learnt a thing or 2 as well. Have a great day everyone.

        • EmCKay on 17/08/2016 - 10:21
          +2

          As I work at a returns counter I truly agree with you that on the most part people have stopped taking responsibility for themselves and blame the world instead. Talk about a warped sense of entitlement.

        • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 10:48
          +3

          @fiza1981: Returns are the worst mate! Definitely feel your pain. My coping mehanism for returns is to be that really annoying overtly nice one… and just a little bit underhanded and sarcastic to keep the day broken up :P

          I think we need to stop referring to this as if it's an intrinsic item of some sort. It isn't. For the sake of an argument, it's cash. OP could have swapped those $1000 cards in for $950 cash the day they arrived. If it goes missing and cant be found, like cash, it's gone.

          I'm not suggesting in the case of this thread, that either buyer or seller are more responsible than another, because on the face of it it looks like both buyer and seller have either a) done absolutely no due diligence which is just insane on a $1000 purchase of any type.. or b) both were/are aware the rules aren't being followed and are being wilfully complicit. I'm beginning to think the latter.

          The obviously glaring omission is why he didn't just send you a photo of the damn card. I will admit that's a bit of a concern.

        • ronnknee on 17/08/2016 - 11:29

          @jackary:

          @smashed:

          You both have very valid points.

          If I bought a TV for 6000 from JBHIFI it would no doubt come with free delivery. If the TV arrived smashed, or not at all, would you SERIOUSLY expect the buyer to take the hit because the seller didn't have adequate insurance?

          No, because it's part of the seller's responsibility to make sure the item is delivered safely to the buyer.

          However this would not be applicable to OP's gift card's case because like jackary said "Neither of these are like for like examples. A physical item is vastly different to a virtual card that can easily be exchanged for near 100% face value in cash."

          Earlier comments suggest the seller has receipt of both postage and delivery to the buyer. On that basis PayPal will rule in favour of the buyer. Perhaps one could suggest the seller should have bourne the insurance cost himself, but that's $15 for a $1000 insured value. Why should he front that cost? I'd love a source to a PayPal guideline saying a quasi-cash gift card that's buyer protection ineligible anyway also needs to be insured? To serve what purpose exactly?

          Exactly, gift cards aren't covered by PayPal's buyer/seller protection. The seller has no obligation to insure the gift card.

          it looks like both buyer and seller have either a) done absolutely no due diligence which is just insane on a $1000 purchase of any type.. or b) both were/are aware the rules aren't being followed and are being wilfully complicit. I'm beginning to think the latter.

          Absolutely.

          The obviously glaring omission is why he didn't just send you a photo of the damn card. I will admit that's a bit of a concern.

          Again, it's not the seller's obligation. Maybe he could've and should've but it's makes no difference for himself.

        • jackary on 18/08/2016 - 08:14

          @Chef-Johnson: Hey, I'm not the idiot who just pissed $1000 up the wall. Do you actually have anything of relevance to contribute?

          Want to know what's really off chops? The concept that OP thinks there should be any recourse in their favour at all. Umm.. for what? OP broke eBay and PayPal guidelines… now, after doing so, wants to try and utilise a loophole in the exact same guidelines to obtain a refund? Talk about having your cake and eating it too!

          Fast forward days later, and there is still not a shred of evidence, from anyone, to suggest ANY foul play on behalf of the seller. Of course seller doesn't get an opportunity to defend themselves, but rather a borderline slanderous whinge post, cached in perpetuity, full of links to his items. Hope he wasn't too attached to his username. Is that fotally fair? It doesn't matter! Because the OzB commuity in all of its mob justice glory will do everything in their power to help OP take his gift card AND his $1000 with absolutely no basis anyway. Reason #473728474 why sellers hate PayPal.

          @smashed: No, it is you who is wrong. Adequate insurance coverage is merely one prerequisite of PayPal Buyer/seller protection. This purchase for many reasons was never eligible, and so never required insurance. Would OP have to be a complete moron not to insure it? Shit yes. But that's sort of the point. the OP assumed a risk, knowing 100% that no protections existed and no insurance was provided for the package. Unless OP were coerced or misled i don't see why it should be a sellers responsibilty to cop a loss for buyer stupidity. Buyer stupidity.

        • ronnknee on 18/08/2016 - 12:08
          +1

          @jackary:

          Buyer stupidity.

          Agreed.

        • NotAMoodle on 18/08/2016 - 15:06

          @jackary: Amex cards cover your couch dropping nightmare "Purchase Protection repairs or refunds eligible items if they are accidentally broken or stolen within 90 days of purchase"

        • jackary on 18/08/2016 - 15:17
          +1

          @dazzywazzy: Yup, a lot of rewards/FF style MC/Visa also offer similar… alas :(

        • j5ive on 19/08/2016 - 07:20

          @smashed: A private ebayer and JB hifi, are not the same thing, nor do they have the same responsibility to the buyer.

        • smashed on 19/08/2016 - 08:45

          @jackary:

          So what you are saying is…

          The item was not eligible for Paypal / Ebay protection and therefore he didn't need to follow the same rules that would otherwise apply.
          If that is the case then why bother even posting at all (after all, it is not covered and the buyer is stupid).

        • ronnknee on 19/08/2016 - 09:26
          +1

          @smashed:

          That is a good point, but the very least the seller could do to cover his ass is have a tracking number that proves delivery (which he did).

        • jackary on 19/08/2016 - 11:46

          @smashed: Yep that's what I'm saying… but will concede you make a very fair point.

        • dins on 29/08/2016 - 17:19

          @smashed:

          Yup it's the seller's responsibility to insure an item. That's what happened to me long time back. The item went missing (no tracking records) and Paypal/eBay took the money and told me that insuring an item is the seller's responsibility. It does not matter whether the buyer chooses that option or not. Not sure why eBay has an insurance option in that case but those are their rules.

  • smashed on 17/08/2016 - 08:53
    +5

    Ok,
    My parents had a similar issue a few years ago with Ebay UK.
    Originally they said that they did not cover cards etc and refused to do anything. After some persistence Paypal / Ebay eventually refunded the full amount (it was about 500GBP I think so similar value).

    The seller has to provide adequate insurance cover for the item. It doesn't matter what the buyer selects, the onus is 100% on the seller. Failure to do so will leave the seller open to losing a Paypal dispute.

    I haven't checked the rules regarding gift cards but I would assume that you would at least be covered if the seller cannot prove that it was received. Did you have to sign for it? It is conjecture as to whether the seller didn't post it or whether it was stolen en route but either way this is not your responsibility. You need to just concentrate on the fact that it arrived empty.

    A proactive seller would be checking the gift card number with JB HIFI ASAP to have the card blocked (if it has suddenly gone missing). Failure to help does not sound like a good seller and I would be doing things like this ASAP if I sent an expensive card and the buyer claimed it was missing. (It would stop him from using it too).

    As others said, it is strange that he had an identical listing and yet that item can no longer be viewed, yet older items can. I would speak to Ebay on the phone or chat and ask these questions proactively.

    • snook on 17/08/2016 - 10:56

      The older item IS the card. Look at the numbers for the listings.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 09:19

    Did you order an Action Man Deserter?

  • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 09:27

    Sorry again!
    I've replied in the wrong place about this topic…..Sigh
    Ain't writing my comments again, except open a resolution case through eBay and they will handle this issue for you.
    Sorry again for another mistake

  • crazyj on 17/08/2016 - 09:33
    +4

    As an occasional ebay seller myself (though not of gift cards!), if a buyer doesn't opt for registered mail, and the item is worth more than $50, I'll always just pay the extra to insure it.

  • anonymous01 on 17/08/2016 - 09:35
    +3

    If the police doesn't help you, send a tracker to his PO box and see where it ends. Keep sending him rubbish in his PO box.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 09:39

    Also says he's been a member since 2001?

  • spacecowboy on 17/08/2016 - 09:39
    +2

    I did a successful chargeback on a credit card for a dodgy gift vouchers deal from eBay a few years ago. The vouchers had been purchased using stolen credit card details. The merchant refused to honour them, citing this problem.

    I had to send my credit card provider all the info relating to the eBay & Paypal transactions, as well as all emails between myself & the seller. I also provided the contact details of Security Manager at the merchant, who I had also given all info I had relating to the person who'd sold me vouchers. The merchant was trying to track the prick down from their end, as they had been scammed also I suppose.

    My bank refunded the amount after several weeks. The seller was deregistered from eBay also.

    Critically, PayPal would not assist because the purchase was an intangible item, ie. a gift card. They were excluded under PayPals t&cs at the time. Don't know what current policy is.

    However, this taught me to always pay by credit card option with PayPal, as you can go to your card provider for chargeback if eBay / PayPal don't want to help.

  • ChillBro on 17/08/2016 - 09:44

    It sucks that this happened to you, mate. Unfortunately there are douchebags pulling this sort of crap. Do what you can but here's hoping karma will come back to them.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 10:19
    +2

    What are the chances that a random thief would open up an envelope to look for a gift card?

    Sounds like you've been scammed.

    -paid by direct debit.
    -no name contact info on envelope from sender.
    -phone number on ebay doesn't work.

    I've had a phone from Ebay stolen by a delivery driver (of a private courier company) and I've also been scammed by a fake pair of shoes.
    Unfortunately the gift card route is a pro scammer's bread and butter.

    • spacecowboy on 17/08/2016 - 10:47
      +4

      Postal system worker:

      "Hmmm, this bag doesn't have much in it. Let's see"

      Feels shape through thin plastic bag. Bends object to test materials.

      "Feels like a plastic card. Could be gift card :) I'll try the old slice open trick. If it's not a gift card just tape her up again, & no-ones hurt"

      Slices bag, takes out envelope.

      "$1,400 JB card. Winning!"

      Logs onto AP tracking page

      "No tracking data loaded yet. Perfect"

      Slips gift card into pocket, reaches for sticky tape dispenser. Goes back to normal duties.

      • snook on 17/08/2016 - 10:59
        +2

        haha, I know a few postal sorters and somehow I don't think they have time for this sort of thing. Absolutely.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 17/08/2016 - 11:00

        finger print may be recorded on the sticky tape.

        • pandas on 17/08/2016 - 11:30

          I'd probably be wearing gloves.

        • cashews on 17/08/2016 - 17:57

          Quick call the Feds!

  • jackofspade on 17/08/2016 - 12:09
    +2

    Why don't ebay just ban gift cards? I guess they just collect the fees and turn a blind eye.

    • jackary on 17/08/2016 - 13:41
      +2

      It really does make you wonder, huh! Logic says it'd never a good idea to allow the purchase of an often unrecoverable virtual currency, by means of a reversible one like CC, be it under $500 or not. There's a reason why so few online vendors sell Bitcoins and the like for Credit Card/PayPal, there is very little viability in such small margins when some vendors have reported chargeback rates as high as 15%.

      Besides, it's a win for eBay either way, the owners of gumtree. They'll go back to local cash sales.. really how it probably should be. Gift cards are the only thing I would never buy unless collecting in hand after checking balance, paying cash - I just can't envisage a pay off large enough to warrant such a risk. Bugger that!

    • whodidthat on 17/08/2016 - 16:17

      Same reason why they won't do anything about all the fake gear being sold on ebay - they get the $$$.

  • jackofspade on 17/08/2016 - 12:25
    +2

    It seems odd that the seller would send it via an Express Post Satchel when it is much cheaper via Registered Post Envelope with Proof of Post + Tracking + Signature + $100 cover.

  • enzioFirenze on 17/08/2016 - 16:23

    looks like he's from Liverpool, bikies? on a general note, I tend to avoid liverpool, smithfield etc when I buy cars, none of the experiences I've had in the surrounding suburbs have been good, dodgy as shit!

    • shaiguy on 17/08/2016 - 17:33

      Agree re cars. Looked at a few around there and so much dodginess (even mates who live around there say same thing). Actually purchased a car from around there for brother-in-law and seemed like a price too good to be true - got a few people to look at it who cleared it.. bargained from about 8k down to 6k (online comparable was 11k (should have smelt something). Lo and behold the engine conked out about 6 mths later… spent 4k for a new engine and about half a year later when he wanted a new car he sold it for 11k.. lucky fella somehow made a profit.

      • enzioFirenze on 17/08/2016 - 21:29

        that's actually a good story, I've heard of a lot of horror stories from selling stolen cars to stolen logbooks. There was this one car I went to see which had three logbooks, all of them had different VINs which were different to cars actual VIN, I said thanks and left! Recently though, this suburb profiling is failing as well because I've checked out a couple of cars from better reputed suburbs and they all turned out to be these fellas taking their dodgy cars to those suburbs just to let the buyer see without them actually living in those suburbs, everything evolves I guess?

  • apey2000 on 17/08/2016 - 16:33
    +2

    The eBay seller in question sure sells a lot of gift vouchers!

  • whodidthat on 17/08/2016 - 17:26

    A comment made elsewhere:

    We once had a parcel arrive which the buyer refused to accept as they could tell part of the contents were missing. It was returned back to me with a perfectly neat slit across the top which had been neatly taped over. Eparcel showed that it had left with the correct weight for two items but when it arrived back the weight had halved. Somewhere within the AP system that parcel had been damaged or opened, retaped and sent on it's merry way. The cut was so neat it didn't appear to be damage but rather theft within the AP system.

  • shaiguy on 17/08/2016 - 17:28
    +1

    This is a very old scam. It happened to me a long time ago when I purchased a laptop through the old sold.com.au website. They sent something but never received it. The police were reluctant to pursue as they could see something was sent but never received anything. It was so frustrating.

  • Aceboy884 on 17/08/2016 - 18:05

    we had a recent situation where the delivery scan show it's delivered, but customer claims it is not.

    still in the works.. but who do you believe?

    • jackary on 18/08/2016 - 08:30

      Get the Buyer to make quick call to his Local Post office or Aus Post parcel drop off location (not always necessarily the closest PO… sometimes can jump suburbs too!) - We often have similar dramas, parcel appears completely delivered but is nowhere to be found.

      I think it's because if the driver is in a rush he'll scan the parcel delivered in the van before coming and knocking etc… which is all fine unless you're not at home…

  • smartazz104 on 17/08/2016 - 19:47

    Am I the only one wondering why OP would spend $1000 buying a JB gift card from eBay, when he could have just gone to JB instead?

    • Save 50 Cent on 17/08/2016 - 20:03
      +2

      Ebay discount code? Seller selling for less than face value?

      • froodh on 17/08/2016 - 21:50

        Maybe the 10% off deal for purchases over $75 on Paypal, last week. Paypal pay the 10% to the seller.

  • LittleKatie on 17/08/2016 - 21:44
    +1

    The seller has scammed you.
    1. Feedback shows the same $1,400 gift card sold a few months before.
    2. Liverpool.
    3. Other items for sale - Tahitian pearls, ken duncan prints.
    4. Feedback at 95%. They once sent gift cards with no value on them.
    http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&f…

    eBay and Paypal won't help you. Neither will your bank. You need to track the person down and go to the police.
    This is what i would do:
    - google their PayPal email address and see what comes up.
    - contact the 8 followers. Chances are they have also been scammed but have not left negative feedback. http://www.ebay.com.au/usr/cueball-147/followers
    - set up a fake account and buy their other item - say you need to pick up the item and request an address.

  • EvilElle on 18/08/2016 - 08:35

    @shadowrukia

    Do you have any updates?

    • Rukiata on 18/08/2016 - 09:49

      none, paypal taking long time.

  • Rukiata on 18/08/2016 - 10:16

    Noticed he has sold the same JB gift card before, same value same expiry date

    the ID for this is 272235425153 how do i find the listing i cant seem to find it! only on his feedback page

    • spacecowboy on 18/08/2016 - 13:25

      You can't view it now, it must be more than 90 days since that listing ended. After ~90 days the details are removed. You will find the dead 'view item' link will be removed shortly also.

      If you look at link below for feedback on #272245302448 that listing ended May 27th, so not 90 days yet. Still viewable.

      272235425153 is around 10 million listings before 272245302448, so is older.

  • mick123 on 18/08/2016 - 11:18

    Question - how does this person get his hands on varied retailers gift cards?
    That has to raise alarm bells as a buyer
    I can see he previously sold a gift card with no value on it

    • Rukiata on 18/08/2016 - 11:26

      I messaged that to paypal hopefully that helps with my case.

  • Rukiata on 18/08/2016 - 12:25

    talked to paypal im stuck, they are not covering gift cards I lost the money awesome. paid with bank account so not sure if I will be able to get the money back at all. some people are truly heartless

    • unitato on 18/08/2016 - 12:44

      Please refer to my last comment. I had the same thing happen to me. It may help you get your money back.

  • unitato on 18/08/2016 - 12:40
    +7

    Thought I might let you know that I had a similar thing happen to me. I bought a $750 Westfield gift card on eBay and it never arrived. The tracking number however shows that it was delivered.

    The seller was unhelpful in resolving and PayPal would not assist as their buyer protection does not cover gift cards.

    I then escalated the issue to the Financial Industry Ombudsman claiming that eBay advertises on all their listing that you will be covered for 'buyer protection' and that they should perhaps remove this advertising from the gift card category if that is not the case as it is somewhat misleading.

    PayPal eventually agreed to reimburse me for the full amount as a gesture of 'good will' only after getting the Ombudsman involved. Sounds like you will need to do the same thing.

    • Rukiata on 18/08/2016 - 12:53

      i dont think that would help since i think they fixed that. no buyer protection

      • jackofspade on 18/08/2016 - 13:36

        It's definitely worth trying. The 'ebay money back guarantee' still shows up for gift cards.

        • spacecowboy on 18/08/2016 - 13:47

          "Exclusions

          Vehicles, Real Estate, Websites & Business for Sale, Classified Ads and services, Tickets, Digital Goods, Intangibles and Gift Cards are not covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee. Read the eBay Money Back Guarantee policy."

          http://pages2.ebay.com.au/eBay_Money_Back_Guarantee

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