eBay Wrong Item Sent, Need Return, Is eBay or PayPal The Right Forum to Raise Issue

Hi Fellow OzBargainers,

Lots of savvy ebayers here, so hope someone can provide me some advice.

I bought some memory cards from an ebay seller from China, but received the wrong items (a wrong model) today. Making it not workable. So I need to return them (first time having to return something).

I could immediately raise an EBAY return - Item Not As Described. But wonder if I take this course of action, will I be able to use the PAYPAL free return shipping? Or must I raise the issue via PayPal to qualify for this?

I know there are many intricacies and gotchas with this kind of thing, hence seeking your advice.

Many thanks in advance.

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Comments

  • +1

    Raise dispute via eBay first, then use the Paypal returns to cover postage.

    • Thanks, I asked another question below, if you can help.

  • +2

    I've done a warranty claim (1yr) on an LG G4 - raised the return in ebay, so just go through ebay first.

    Then filled the paypal returns form - the form is stupid in that they asked for paypal transaction ID but actually requires a pdf/screenshot of the paypal transaction whether from email or showing in the paypal transactions when logged in - delayed my refund over 2 weeks (keep in mind this was 1 year ago):

    The form steps were:

    1. provide the Paypal Transaction ID: ###############

    2. attach the 2 required documents:
      A copy/photo of the shipping cost receipt that shows the amount you paid (1 document).
      A document proving that the item was sent to the seller: a copy of the courier receipt with the receiver's address visible or a photo of the package with the receiver’s address visible (1 document).

    They actually do not accept just the paypal transaction ID, they contacted me to and I had to manually follow up with a copy of my email, in PDF with paypal transaction or paypal transaction screenshot showing the paypal transaction ID.

    All you have to have done is paid in full by Paypal to claim all or part (up to $45) return shipping (mine was $88 courier for the phone to HK)

    Looks like previously there was no 150 days cap , now there is;

    https://web.archive.org/web/20160510222905/https://www.paypa…

    https://www.paypal.com/au/webapps/mpp/returns

    • Thank you for your detailed reply, which is very helpful.
      I have another newbie question below, if you can help, would be great.

  • Another NOOB question (please excuse - trying to learn proper ebay ethics).

    So suppose I raise a return in ebay. Do I wait first for seller to refund, then return the item? Or do I go ahead with returning it? Item is clearly a wrong model, have photos to show it.

    • +1

      Assuming this is seller fault, you ask seller to provide return shipment lable, in the case of seller ask you to do postage yourself, give seller estimate postage cost and once seller pay for return cost, you can return the item and once received, seller do full refund.

      • Oh I see. I may not even have to rely on PayPal return shipping then, if seller offer to pay for return cost.

        If full refund is provided upon seller receiving the item, what kind of postage is best to use to return items? Presumably, must be trackable. Does it have to be registered as well?

        Would not want any issues about seller not receiving the items (then no refund). Any pointers? Thanks.
        (As someone who hardly post anything, a bit clueless on this, especially posting to China).

        • +2

          Yes, you just use PayPal free shipping if the fault in the case is yours, but in seller's fault - they pay for return shipping.

          In case of returning item, use only registered/trackable postage type, one that can provide you proof of shipment address, not a must but better if you have it.

          International Registered does give you a sender copy of the shipment, and $100 insurance, however somewhat it's not trackable in AusPost. Item only can be tracked once in China post network.

          Pack and Track doesn't have insurance, but it provides better trackign in AusPost website.

          Haha, I wrote lots of stuff and not realizing that you only returning a memory card. If it's just memory card itself, not with fancy packaging - you can buy a prepaid INternational Express Post envelope for around $10-$15. As you don't get a copy of the shipment address, get photo of the envelope before lodging. Put some empty A4 paper in it as even it's usually allowed, AusPost can make faces when they know there is an item in it.

          I recently trying to return 2.5kg of items to USA, seller doesn't want to pay, I escalate the case and eBay ends up pay for return shipping. How generous of eBay.

        • @foxmulder: Appreciate the detailed reply. They are 6 pieces, around 120g. And as currentfad said, I might as well use the best available shipping as long as less than $45.
          That being the case, would you have a suggestion as to what to use? You seemed knowledgeable with the types of shipping :-)

          You also mention the drawback with International Registered, and Pack and Track above.
          Can I combine things, e.g use Pack and Track, and add insurance?
          Basically trying to get as much in as possible (express, insurance, tracking, signature on delivery etc) to be safe :-)

          Thanks.

        • +2

          @bluesky: I have accounts with carrier here and there, as business I guess it's much easier for me to do compared with individuals.

          You know what, if I'm you, I buy this one from Auspost: https://shop.auspost.com.au/product/international-standard-s…

          If not mistaken, Auspost on 1 Nov changes those pack and track and international standard to just one service called International Standard.

          $21.64 is the postage cost for 500g, proper way to send parcel back to China. Don't forget you ask this first from seller, you can also inform seller the link for AP product page to proof the cost.

          How much you pay for the items originally?

        • @foxmulder: Thanks heaps for the info. Not very expensive, I paid $24 for them. I assume if seller has to bear this postage, he probably would not agree to it. But PayPal will, I suppose.

        • +1

          @bluesky: ok then. just Use this $21.64 postage type. If seller know this cost, I'm pretty sure seller will not want it return and just give you full refund without product return.

        • @foxmulder: I'll talk to seller and see. I also feel bad that seller lose money from the goods, even though it is seller's carelessless. If the seller feels OK about it, then fine.

          Thanks for all the tips, very helpful indeed.

    • +1

      I believe the seller usually issues a refund first once they accept the return for Item not as Described. The funds will be held on Pending for a while, however. In terms of postal service, I recommend using the best service you can <$45 (which is the limit for Paypal returns). Given it is a memory card, you should have no problem getting express, insurance, tracking, signature on delivery etc.

      • Given it is a memory card, you should have no problem getting express, insurance, tracking, signature on delivery etc.

        Yes, 6 pieces, around 120g. Yeah, think I will go for the best service I can get, if within the $45.

        • +1

          Just remember to take a photo of the package with all addresses filled in before you send it off. Mine was approved within a day when I used the service.

        • @currentfad: Thanks, yeap, will do.

      • Does paypal pay for the packaging materials also? The satchel/box, bubble wrap, etc.

        • +1

          Not sure sorry. When I returned my item, I used the bubble wrap they sent it with, and I bought a pre-paid express post satchel to post it in, so I claimed the express satchel + signature on delivery.

        • @currentfad: Good idea, re-use the original packaging as wrap.

  • +1

    Did you contact the seller? I bought something cheap locally from ebay, completely wrong item (UV flashlight, got a scarf instead). Seller said they'll simply refund, and asked for non-negative reviews. I got my refund, and a cheap scarf…

    • I haven't contacted seller yet. Thought I will get some advice first. But given that it is not just a few dollars, I would not expect seller to just forget about it.

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