Issues with eBay 15% off Gift Cards Deal

Luke256 on 14/12/2016 - 08:30
Last edited 15/12/2016 - 19:26 by 2 other users

MOD: title updated. We have independently received communication from eBay that it is not a scam, and cwongtech has explained why the eBay account might be suspended. More official response coming later.

15/12:

Update from Gift Card Store/Blackhawk Network:

  • Their store has now been relisted on eBay.
  • They will send a notification out to buyers to let them know.
  • Their warehouse is going through the backlog of orders and is almost caught up.
  • They are getting a huge amount of customer queries but they are replying within 1 day. Feel free to contact them to confirm.
  • They have opened up an OzBargain account and are monitoring this thread.

The recent Ebay front page deal for 15% off gift cards is a scam as confirmed by Ebay.
Link to deal on OzBargain https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/280273

The seller giftcardstore_au (http://www.ebay.com.au/usr/giftcardstore_au) is no longer a user and the majority of feedback is negative.

I started an online chat with ebay this morning to cancel my order made 10 Dec 2016. They confirmed it was a scam (i said i think it was a scam due to XYZ and they said "Yes.It is a scam.") but then they said:

"I tried to open a refund request for you, but get the message"Unfortunately, this item isn't in a category covered by eBay Buyer Protection.We don't offer buyer protection on items listed in the Real Estate category," This message indicates that the seller has listed the item in a wrong category."

I am now trying to sort this out with ebay over the phone.
On the phone they told me they are experiencing a large number of calls and then told me to wait and the phone hung up.
So still ongoing but i think ultimately i will get my $42.50 back.

Warning to others that bought these cards!

Edit: Also informed by eBay that they dont cover protection for gift cards.
I.e. They will do nothing to help.

General Discussion

Related Stores

Blackhawk Network
Blackhawk Network

Comments

        • cwongtech on 15/12/2016 - 16:45
          -1

          Your response doesn't address what I wrote in any way, but I'd expect nothing else having read some of your comments on Ozbargain.

          Oh you've read my comments! I'm so touched!
          I've read yours too! They're mostly about calling everyone kiddies (???) and belittling anyone against your view points!

          Unfortunately, because some kiddie called in a mod, I was banned from reporting same

          Banned from reporting what..?

          Irrespective, if you haven't learned a lesson about Ebay's rules and attitudes - no matter where it appears on the site, then more fool you

          I learnt a lot more about the pitchforks on Ozbargain than ebay in this experience

        • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2016 - 17:08

          @cwongtech: Note I said SOME. Most are sycophantic dribble, just my opinion of course. Just by the by - there's no need for "forensic" dissection of people's comments, especially where the intent is obvious.

          My apologies though, I thought it was obvious from the context what I was banned from - ie this site, which meant that I couldn't report what I'd done and what various Blackhawk people had said in response to my query.

        • bargainshunter on 15/12/2016 - 17:10
          +1

          @cwongtech: I am sure the next pitchfork deal will be the top deal of the year ;)

        • Luke256 on 15/12/2016 - 19:36
          +1

          @bargainshunter:

          https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/30-Pcs-Pitchfork-Lo…

          Everybody grab your pitchforks!

          A lovely summer blooming succulent plant that can be planted in a pot.

          As an added bonus the fruit from these pitchfork loquat seeds are beautifully heart shaped.
          Perfect addition to those who may have cashed in on this Rear Bike Light deal a couple months ago: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/269895

          Dont forget the 11% cash back from cashrewards!
          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/282442

        • cwongtech on 15/12/2016 - 19:40

          @Luke256:
          Those look like buttocks to me :p
          Yay we finally got a response and everyone can lay down the Pitchforks!

          On a more serious note:
          Just be careful of importing seeds due to Australian customs.. Might end up on border security :(

        • Luke256 on 15/12/2016 - 19:40

          @cwongtech:

          Haha i join you in that concern about customs

    • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2016 - 15:10
      +2

      My big lesson here is that eBay have absolutely zero regard for their users.

      How or Why they would front page an offer they refuse to stand behind is extremely bad form.

      I bought 4 x $50 gift cards and while I will most likely receive them - who knows when. It has still left a bad taste in my mouth.

      • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2016 - 18:26

        Dead right. That's what Ebay's small print clearly says, so take assurances by certain OzBargainers on on the original thread with a grain of salt (or less) - because in the case of a dispute they have zero influence and these Ozbs will certainly not guarantee your purchases.

  • Tvsupaguru on 15/12/2016 - 19:19

    I agree with cwongtech in almost every regard. I purchased these giftcards, and being a high volume ebay seller myself, who has gone thru the same initial teething problems when I did my first deal (caught out on volume vs resources to handle), I tried to help people understand what has most likely happened (which I think we all now totally understand what happened).

    and for trying to give people some insight into what happens with ebay, I also got attacked by other users. People are very quick to as cwongtech says, pull out the pitchfork. I see the ones to blame as ebay. Blackhawk could not respond to anyone because of the automatic account suspension by ebay. So Ebay immediately should have posted something up here, on or ebay explaining the situation, AND informing all their customer service staff so mis information would not be handed out.

    Ebay watches this forum like hawks. I know that factually. So they saw the treads, and they should have responded immediately with answers to the situation, but still now, days after, there is no official comment from ebay. the the giftcard store is back up and running on ebay, and has active listing as at today.

    All this happenned, due to a few impatient people, who as cwongtech says, pulled the pitchfork out too early, and put negative feedback against the seller, rather than sit tight for 2 or 3 days.

  • Moderatorneil on 15/12/2016 - 19:26

    Update from Gift Card Store/Blackhawk Network:

    • Their store has now been relisted on eBay.
    • They will send a notification out to buyers to let them know.
    • Their warehouse is going through the backlog of orders and is almost caught up.
    • They are getting a huge amount of customer queries but they are replying within 1 day. Feel free to contact them to confirm.
    • They have opened up an OzBargain account and are monitoring this thread.

    So let's stay calm and put down the pitchforks at least for the next couple of days.

    • bargainshunter on 15/12/2016 - 20:14

      Lovely! They learn about the power of OzBargain in a hard way and now is part of our community ;)

    • Luke256 on 19/12/2016 - 17:41

      "Replying within 1 day"….
      Been waiting a few days for a reply on what is happening with my order.

      Only reply I got was the pre-written message at first which didn't answer my questions. Asked again and nothing….

  • noshopping on 15/12/2016 - 22:25

    I received my gift cards today but I'm not exactly 100% happy. My credit card statement shows a 2.5% CASH ADVANCE FEE on what was suppose to be a simple PayPal purchase. Called up Westpac and was told that Blackhawk is regarded as a gift store. Westpac would not remove it. Really disappointing as I bought $500 worth of gift cards, so total CASH ADVANCE FEES were: $10.62, PLUS daily interest if my credit card was not paid in full, as CASH ADVANCES do not have interest free period.

    • Tvsupaguru on 15/12/2016 - 23:11

      so to be clear …………………you are not 100% happy with your credit card company's classification of the merchant's business.

      I used my westpac branded black amex earth card via paypal - No surcharge on $500 face value of gift cards purchased.

      To be technical, a gift card purchase by tax law is a cash EXCHANGE. (not technically a cash advance). Gift card sales carry no GST on them. They are merely an exchange of legal tender, for non legal tender. GST is imposed when the gift card is redeemed for a physical good or service.

      • noshopping on 16/12/2016 - 00:43
        +1

        Very odd how your Westpac issued card was NOT CHARGED a cash advanced fee, yet my Westpac Platinum card WAS charged a cash advance fee, just shows you the policy is all over the place.

        I shouldn't have been charged a cash advance fee because the payment was made via PayPal as a normal credit purchase. When I asked the rep why I don't get charged a CASH ADVANCE FEE when buying $500 worth of Woolworths Wish cards or a $100 Bunnings gift card, Westpac responded that they were labeled as Food or Hardware, so don't get charged such fee. Thought I had a hard rep, so called again and was told the same thing. Told them I wanted to dispute the transaction, lady spoke to supervisor and said "You can't dispute it". My mum bought $200 gift card during the sale as well on her Citibank Platinum — no cash advance fee. BUT, according to some other posts, some people had the "cash advance fee" added to their statement at the end of the month, along with a big fat interest charge.

        Cash advance fee when buying gift cards?
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/150255

        "Gift cards and prepaid cards. Most issuers consider the purchasing or loading value onto a gift card or other prepaid card as a “cash equivalent” transaction that is subject to the cash advance fee and interest rate." - https://www.finder.com.au/what-is-defined-as-a-cash-advance

        Wish I knew that earlier, would of used DEBIT.

        • zrmx on 16/12/2016 - 09:32

          The fees and charges may vary depending on institutions, and also the credit card's own fees and charges rules.

          For example, the Citibank Platinum that you've mentioned (or all of Citibank's cards according to the source page), the Cash Advance Local fee is only charged when:

          This fee applies only if you withdraw cash from your credit card.

          Source: https://www.citibank.com.au/aus/static/feesandcharges.htm

          Thanks for the above finder link, I also wasn't aware previously. I guess the lesson here is that we need to be more aware of our card's fees and charges. It'd be nice if it may let other fellow OzBargainers be aware also.

        • cwongtech on 16/12/2016 - 09:44

          @zrmx:

          It'd be nice if it may let other fellow OzBargainers be aware also.

          Yeah, I had no problems with a debit card for purchasing one GC.. guess it's the only positive of a debit card over a credit card hey?

        • zrmx on 05/01/2017 - 11:55

          I got my credit card statement today (also Citi card), while no cash advance fee was charged, but the interest was not avoidable =/ (but ah well, it is still a bargain considering the 15% discount of gift cards)

          @overshopper: You might want to check and see if your mum's Citi Platinum charged her interests too.

          Cheers.

      • kawinuyo on 16/12/2016 - 13:01

        On my second call to 28degrees a more knowledgeable customer service picked up and asked me if the product in question was related to gambling. Then told me it was due to an incorrect code they had in putted for when PayPal requests money from the bank, they don't charge unless it is cash withdrawal or gambling related. He reversed the cash advanced. I am assuming since others have said the gift cards were classified under real estate in error that another mistake had been made in the PayPal codes for then

    • cwongtech on 15/12/2016 - 23:31

      Got charged 3% cash advance fee as well on $300 worth of GC.
      Coles No-Annual fee mastercard.
      Check your statements D:

      • zrmx on 16/12/2016 - 09:29
        +1

        Yup, Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard's Cash advance fee includes "cash equivalent transaction"

        Cash advance fee
        3% of the cash advance/cash equivalent transaction or $1.95 - whichever is greater
        A cash advance fee will be charged to your account on each occasion you obtain a cash advance or carry out a cash equivalent transaction. Some ATMs may charge an additional usage fee. This usage fee can be avoided by using Westpac ATMs.

        source: https://financialservices.coles.com.au/credit-cards/no-annua…

        Some credit cards don't charge fees for cash equivalent transaction, so need to check your own credit card issuing institution for more information.

  • chillwok on 16/12/2016 - 11:19

    i've been patiently waiting and finally got an email from ebay saying my cards were shipped today. haven't seen any kind of credit card fees on my visa debit card yet.
    hopefully they will arrive NBD like they did for others in this thread.

  • dan76n on 16/12/2016 - 15:21

    Bit disappointed as I'd planned to buy 2 Rola roof bike carriers while they were 20% off but that catalogue finishes today and no sign of my SCA gift cards.
    Guess I'll be waiting for their 20% or 25% off store wide deal. Hopefully Boxing Day or at worst Australia Day.

  • congo on 16/12/2016 - 16:40

    Paid using my 28degrees card, the payment was treated as a cash advance and 28degrees charged a cash advance fee as well :-(
    Talked to 28degrees, they won't reverse the fee :-(

    • zrmx on 16/12/2016 - 18:47

      From https://www.28degreescard.com.au/faqs/cash-advance-fee.html

      Does this fee only apply to withdrawing cash from ATMs?
      This fee will apply to over the counter cash advances, withdrawals from ATMs or when a customer makes a cash equivalent transaction (e.g direct transfer to a bank account).

      What is a cash equivalent transaction?
      A cash equivalent transaction means:
      - a purchase of traveller’s cheques or money orders;
      - a purchase of casino gambling chips or tokens;
      - a funds transfer debited to your account (except balance transfers);
      - a purchase of, or loading of value on, a pre-paid or stored-value card or facility; or
      - a transaction made through bill payment facilities where the supplier or financial institution does not accept direct payment by credit card (for example payment of bills through a third party or over the counter at a financial institution); or
      - other transactions that we notify you will be treated as cash equivalent transactions.

      It looks like they get to say what is treated as cash equivalent transactions as final…

  • imp on 16/12/2016 - 17:46
    +1

    Interesting looking at the feedback on Ebay about the seller. All Neg feedback is being responded to by the Seller with Snide comments !!! Not exactly the way to address what all would have to admit is a disasterous launch to a new Ebay store.

    BTW - still waiting on the cards I ordered. 2 estimated delivery dates have come and gone. Currently says they have been shipped but I am not holding my breath for them arriving in time to buy Xmas presents. Post to Perth takes a week normally, but with the increased volume over Xmas it will probably take longer.

    • cwongtech on 16/12/2016 - 18:47
      -2

      All Neg feedback is being responded to by the Seller with Snide comments !!!

      They're all along the lines of:
      - Sorry you didnt get our emails
      - Your order is on the way

      Not sure how thats snide haha

      • imp on 16/12/2016 - 19:44
        +2

        Or:
        really bad!!!scam!
        -We miss our numerous chats over email :) Good news - you're order has shipped!

        HAVEN'T RECEIVED CARD. NO COMMUNICATION OR TRACKING. NO BUYER PROTECTION.
        -We're hurt you didn't enjoy our many emails :( Cards are on their way

        NOTHING YET… how can these people be allowed to operate!
        -Your order has shipped - as we promised it would in our email to you!

        ITS A (profanity) SCAM PEOPLE! No buyer protection offered by EBay no delivery!!!!
        -Your order has shipped - we hope you enjoy your non-scam cards!

        • spackbace on 16/12/2016 - 19:56
          +5

          I dunno, those are pretty good responses lol

  • Bratam on 17/12/2016 - 13:15

    I just checked my 28 degrees card and I have been charged $18.37 in total cash advance fees. What a disgrace. I paid by PayPal. Not sure how they can do this. Will probably need to cancel my order as I am not paying these ludicrous fees.

    • tobi3421 on 18/12/2016 - 21:22

      Commbank told me that it's because PayPal withdraws money out of the card to make a payment, hence why there's a cash advance fee.

  • neil on 19/12/2016 - 19:31

    Got a shipping notification today:

    Estimated delivery : Tue. Dec. 13

    Anyone else get a ETA of a past date?

    • cwongtech on 19/12/2016 - 19:41

      Yeah I got that, ETA of Dec 16th for my last package, looks like the ETA is for when you actually purchased it off ebay.

      The two received gift card letters had:
      9th of Dec as the invoice date.
      Item sent email both on the 15th (thursday)
      Both received today 19th. (probably because of weekend)

      I have one more coming, the sent email came today.
      Looks like they're really sending them only now…

      I guess the sent email is really when they're sending it out and we can expect to receive it between 1-2 business days.

      • neil on 21/12/2016 - 13:15
        +1

        Still haven't received the cards. Given they are Christmas gifts, this hasn't ended well.

        • cwongtech on 21/12/2016 - 13:49

          Got a spare pitchfork lying around somewhere Neil? xD
          2 working days left for auspost to deliver them out

        • neil on 21/12/2016 - 14:00
          +2

          @cwongtech:

          Yeah, well either way, they are getting a neg on the deal and a neg eBay feedback, not like it will make a difference to them. You would have thought they'd have the common sense to at least express post after delaying for so long.

          If I don't get them by Friday, I'll just buy the Good Food Cards at full price for the gift and use the discounted ones at a later point.

        • spackbace on 21/12/2016 - 14:20

          @neil:

          eGift cards are on special if that helps at all?

        • cwongtech on 21/12/2016 - 14:38

          @neil:
          True about the delay..
          Seems like they didn't even send any out until after the deal was finished.
          Calling them scammers was unwarranted but damn blackhawk are slow
          =(

        • cwongtech on 22/12/2016 - 11:43

          @neil:
          Received my last gift card today (purchased on the last day of the deal).
          Talk about cutting it close to Christmas eh…

        • neil on 22/12/2016 - 12:42

          @cwongtech:

          Nothing here yet. My order was on the 6th estimated to be delivered on 14th. They sent out the 20th and Aus Post/Gift Card Store state 4 business days which puts it around the 27th with the holidays. Pretty incompetent on their part so let's hope for a Christmas miracle.

        • spackbace on 22/12/2016 - 13:29

          @neil:

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/283675

          Code is having issues at the mo, but could be a good backup plan

        • neil on 22/12/2016 - 13:33
          +1

          @Spackbace:

          Thanks, will have to buy that tomorrow if they don't show up. Need to find a printer as well!

        • spackbace on 22/12/2016 - 13:33

          @neil:

          Need to find a printer as well!

          Really? All the $9 and $19 printer deals and you need to find one? Neil…

        • neil on 22/12/2016 - 13:35
          +1

          @Spackbace:

          I have a $19 cheap scanner/printer but ran out of ink.

        • bargainshunter on 22/12/2016 - 23:34

          @neil: That's why I suggested buying 10 of them for 9 refills!

    • bargainshunter on 20/12/2016 - 22:14

      They said they sent out all orders over the weekend.

    • neil on 23/12/2016 - 12:51
      +4

      Received the cards today! Crisis averted.

  • peter_mcc on 20/12/2016 - 11:52
    +1

    Got mine yesterday (in Sydney). Well after the ETA but at least they turned up!

  • ntt on 20/12/2016 - 12:18

    I haven't received anything yet so sad. The eBay listing was removed and listed as wrong category so that we cannot claim back money. So annoying

    • cwongtech on 20/12/2016 - 13:17

      Did you get the SENT email yet?
      :(

      • ntt on 21/12/2016 - 13:06

        I did. Weeks ago. Anyway I received it today after spent hours of phone calls to eBay (they are useless though). Never experienced something bad lile this since I buy things online.

        • cwongtech on 21/12/2016 - 13:52
          +1

          Never experienced something bad lile this since I buy things online.

          Definitely the sending out time has a lot of room for improvement.
          Luckily all my Xmas gifts dont consist of gift cards.. And most were purchased in advance.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/12/2016 - 17:45

    bought this on the 5th, received an email that it was sent on 15th, it is now the end of 21st and still nothing. I am based in Sydney and its taking a surprisingly long time to receive a mail from their Sydney Warehouse (what they have claimed from my corresp with them)

    • Luke256 on 21/12/2016 - 18:36

      Similar to me. They said mine was sent on the 17th. Nothing received by end of today (21st). I'm only 2 hours away from Sydney.

    • Toddy311 on 22/12/2016 - 15:16
      +2

      Same with me. I ordered on 5th Dec. On 13 Dec I sent them message following up, Blackhawk responded that gift card had been shipped. On 17 Dec I received ebay item shipped notification so their earlier message that it had been shipped was clearly untrue.

      Postie has come today 22 Dec and still nothing. The initial delay is one thing but the Numpty's at Blackhawk are obviously so dimwitted to know that we have a 2 class letter mail system now and have obviously sent the gift cards out 2nd Class Regular mail which is 6 Business days interstate - fine if you live in NSW but not if you live interstate. Given the inordinate delay at their end in sending out the cards in the first place you would think they would have realised that sending the cards 2nd class mail would mean many people interstate will not receive the gift cards before Xmas and they would have spent the extra 25cents and sent the cards out 1st Class mail.

      I checked with the post office who said if it was only mailed in NSW on 17 Dec 2nd class there is not much chance of it being delivered by tomorrow in Victoria.

      • Luke256 on 22/12/2016 - 17:24

        Yep still nothing here on the 22nd and i am in the same state only 2-3 hours away as i said before.
        Auspost site says "up to 4 business days" for same state delivery around christmas. Already missed that mark.

        Good luck to you. I will update tomorrow if i get anything.

  • tobi3421 on 21/12/2016 - 18:18

    finally received my david jones gift cards today… took their time…
    How do i check if they're activated already?

    • ntt on 22/12/2016 - 12:27
      -4

      You can give me the number plus secure code, I'll check for you.

  • GreenVine on 04/01/2017 - 13:39
    +1

    Still didn't receive the cards yet in 2017 :( guys did your cards come as parcel or letter?

    • cwongtech on 04/01/2017 - 17:39

      Normal letter. Did you get the "item has been sent" email from ebay yet?
      It's time to pick up the pitchfork and contact them!
      Paypal dispute in this case is obviously justified!

      P.s. Hope this email helps you. Try shooting off an email to:
      [email protected]

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