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I am going to post transcript of my case dispute here. Also, at the end I will copy and paste what seller is saying.
This is my email to Paypal dispute resolution team.
I ordered Nikon D750 24.3 MP DSLR Camera Black (Body) - Brand New with 2-year Warranty on 30th July 2018 from this eBay seller store called Digital_oz_e. This store was opened on 19th July 2018 (according to the information available on eBay.com.au)
The seller once made a request quoting "Perfect. If you could place the bid of the amount on the item, I can end the listing right away and sell it to the highest bidder (you).
Would a bank transfer be possible? If not, PayPal is alright, but sometimes what happens is that as we are a new seller, the PayPal payment gets held by eBay which can cause problems for us at times. So, if a bank transfer could work for you, that would be great. Otherwise, PayPal is all good" (see Evidence 5)
Before the item was posted by the seller.
On their listing on eBay, the Item's location was Melbourne but it was posted from from New South Wales (different state) (see evidence 1 and 4 in attachment)
Before the item was posted I messaged the seller and requested to recheck my name, address and phone number and also advised strictly not to use safe dropping option because its a high value item. Also, requested to send a photo of the package with address if possible as I was a bit suspicious about the seller because PayPal details of the seller shows an Indian retail website and email address and that website doesn't sell cameras etc. (See evidence 2 and 6 in attachment)
I also asked seller to tell me about DealsNshop (this is an Indian website which doesn't sell any camera gear, I asked this because some suspicion was forming in my head about the seller) but I never got any info on that (See evidence 9)
The item was posted on 01/08/2018 using Australia Post and I was given this tracking number <removed>.
After the item was posted
1) Today on 03/08/2018 at 0810 I got an email from Australia Post that a delivery is coming (no time frame was mentioned)
2) at 0932 I got an email saying shipment has been delivered.
3) At 0943, I called Australia Post and told them who signed for this shipment because we husband and wife, both start work early in the morning and no one was at 0930 when the package got delivered. Operator suggested to open an investigation case as this is a high value item and provided me with a case number # <removed>
4) Called PayPal and requested to hold the payment to the seller because of suspicion of fraud or scam. Also, messaged Digital_oz_e on eBay to look into this matter at around 1020
5) Called Australia Post again at 1027 to get some more information and got told that seller choose safe delivery option at the time of posting the package (See what seller said in evidence 2 and 8). I requested if the delivery man can go back to collect the item from the address (by that time both myself and operator could only see the suburb it was delivered in which was Hadfield 3046 and not the full address) and take it to the local Post Office where I can collect it from after work. They lodged this request but couldn't give any guarantee that this will happen today. I was also informed by the operator that the package has been sent using a 500 gram sachet (See attached evidence 7) and while she (operator) was on call I looked for the weight of the camera on Google and it turned out to be 750 grams (just the camera body with out the box and its accessories) so how can the whole box fit in smaller size sachet (See evidence 10) Such fragile and expensive items are sent in Postage Boxes not sachets.
6) I rushed back home by requesting an early day off to collect the package from the door steps and recorded my self on video from Glenroy station to my home (its a continuous video of myself talking about the matter and showing the property and mailbox) There was nothing there outside or around the Unit number 2 (where I live) and I also checked Unit 1 and 3 and the mailbox had no card or anything left in it. I know people in my neighbourhood and they are all from my community so I know they won't steal a parcel. (happy to send you the video upon request)
7) I called Australia Post again at 1336 and got some further information from them. They told me that they don't know the exact location where the package was dropped off but all they can see are the GPS coordinates which are showing that it was delivered somewhere on North Street, Hadfield (I live on <removed> Street). The operator tried to call the delivery head office three times but they didn't pickup his call. However, he sent them an email about the matter. I requested the delivery address but they wouldn't provide me the address as this is against their policies and they don't encourage people to go the addresses themselves anyway.
8) Its 1605 and the seller has failed to update me on this issue. (All it takes is a call to Australia Post Office)
These are a few indications of eBay store scams. Please hold my money back until this matter gets resolved.
What I am going to do next?
1) I will happily cooperate with eBay and Paypal and If I have been scammed or tricked in to a fraud then,
2) I will also go to Police station to file a report and
3) request Australia post to send me a report of their investigationPS: Please do not ignore the attached files as I am attaching them to support my case.
Best regards,
(All the evidences are image of our conversation on ebay and images from other resources)
SELLER RESPONDS AT 2100 ON EBAY
Hi,
Alright, I've heard back and this is the current situation:
What has happened is that the company has shipped the item with a hold on delivery as your PayPal payment has been held from us. The item is still within the AU post system and has not been "delivered". It has been marked as delivered in the tracking as it has reached the destination city/post office. The post office will send out the item to your delivery address as soon as PayPal releases our funds - which is expected to happen in 2 business days.We understand that this is not your fault and the payment has already been made and deducted from your side, but I hope you understand the situation. We are trying to get our PayPal funds released ASAP. It would really help if you could take back your PayPal request as this would allow us to access the funds and send out your item for delivery quicker. If you do so, we hope to receive the payments within 2 business days and you should receive your order a day after that.
We sincerely apologize for this. I hope you understand!
Regards
Please don't start that I should have asked the seller to get an insurance. I didn't expect all this. In his reply whatever he is saying was never communicated or agreed upon.
Update
- Seller's eBay account has been suspended and all items have been taken off except the ones currently being processed.
- Seller has approached me on FB saying he is a young University student who recently started this sales job for this company https://photo-specialists.net/ He is sorry for whatever happened and also thinks this company is scamming him too.
- Seller then strikes back in response to the eBay's dispute quoting "Please bear with us for the weekend. We aim to clear this issue by Monday and get your order to you as soon as possible."
As an ozbargainer I am surprised you even purchased from this seller in the first place