Got eBay Refund Left A Negative Review - Item Now Received

manity on 08/12/2023 - 09:24
Last edited 08/12/2023 - 10:23 by 1 other user

So some weeks ago I ordered a refurbished older mini PC. The eBay retailer seems to have good reviews. The item did not arrive by the expected delivery date. Two days later I did an eBay "where's my item". The reply was it's still in transit and they extended the expected delivery date to Dec 3. It was ordered Nov2. Then it still didn't arrive and 3 days later I got a complete refund automatically without asking or doing anything under the eBay guarantee.

Feel annoyed I left a negative review and sent a stroppy message to the eBay merchant. They replied it was now due to be delivered that very morning and in fact arrived hours later. So, I have not opened it. What do I do now? I've got the item it's unopened and a full refund.

Should I contact the merchant and offer to pay for it again? What do I do?

Update: here is the email from eBay. Does it change anyone's opinion as to what I should do?

We’re sorry, but your item is delayed and may be lost in transit. We understand this is disappointing. Your order is covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee, and so we’ve issued you a full refund. If you still receive the item, there’s nothing else you need to do. You may keep the refund and the item.

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Comments

  • bigbadboogieman on 10/12/2023 - 08:06
    +1

    Start by deleting the negative review.

  • Roe Jogan on 10/12/2023 - 09:26
    +1

    very unfair, delete the neg review at least or make it positive, karma will come around

  • 2025 on 10/12/2023 - 10:41

    If it took a while to get from the seller to the courier, then blast them on eBay. I despise that sort of behaviour. If I pay for next day delivery it’s disappointing to see my order stuck with the merchant for days.

    Don’t feel bad about the money - after all the guarantee is there for a reason.

    You have done nothing wrong. You’re simply holding the other parties accountable to their promises and guarantees.

  • DiscoJango on 10/12/2023 - 10:50

    Ozmoron strikes again

  • Cluster on 10/12/2023 - 11:25
    +3

    I sell on ebay, and I must say almost all customers are understanding that the delivery estimates are just that: estimates. Once I submit the package to AP I have no control how long it takes.

    I've actually had people message me to see if I can get Australia Post to speed up delivery. Yes, really.

    I had one package to Israel spend 3 weeks in Customs before it was processed (not recently). Again, nothing I can do.

    Negative reviews should only be left after contacting the seller, and only if nothing can be worked out between the two parties.

  • Cluster on 10/12/2023 - 11:39
    +5

    People seem to have the impression that eBay refunds customers from eBay's money. Nope. The seller loses the item and the money.
    If you request a refund you have to be sure there's a good reason. This isn't like getting a refund from a billion dollar corporation that won't feel the cost.

  • Dack Smith on 10/12/2023 - 13:03
    +1

    Wow OP is behaving like a scummy animal in this, what if you were the small business seller?

    I feel sorry for your parents and partner, it’s shameful and this just goes to show what kind of a lowlife you are.

  • Empharand on 10/12/2023 - 15:10
    +2

    @manity (OP) can you please share your eBay username, I think there's a fair few people on this site that would love to add you to their blocked buyers list

  • netsurfer on 10/12/2023 - 16:19

    It comes down to whether you still want the refurbished mini PC or not. If you still want it, then test it and make sure everything is as advertised. Then, contact the seller and ask whether you can make a payment of some sort (i.e. PayPal). You probably want to ask for a discount as the item on eBay is now in refunded status, you do lose out on item not as described (basically no warranty).

    If you don't want it anymore, ask to see if the seller can provide a return label so you can send the item back.

    My suggestion is try to do what's right. It's going to be a bad overall experience (to you) if you go through the return path (since you wasted so much time already and will need to arrange to get it sent back). If you cannot decide on keeping it or returning it, then open the package to see if it is just the delivery that's subpar or everything is subpar then decide on what to do. Obviously, try not to break the outer packaging cardboard box in case you need to return it.

    • ginormousgiraffe on 11/12/2023 - 15:44

      But at the same time, ebay will be difficult to support the OP if there is a warranty issue as in their system they have already received a full refund.

      • netsurfer on 12/12/2023 - 15:30

        I thought I mentioned it?

        You probably want to ask for a discount as the item on eBay is now in refunded status, you do lose out on item not as described (basically no warranty).

        A way around it is to ask the seller to issue a PayPal payment request for the product so it will be covered through PayPal.

  • The Value on 10/12/2023 - 16:34
    +1

    Feel annoyed I left a negative review and sent a stroppy message to the eBay merchant.

    Douche move, dude.You got your refund, ffs.
    Like the seller has any control on how long it takes to get delivered.

    • maverickjohn on 12/12/2023 - 12:23

      Sometimes they do… A bunch of us bought the global knives on black friday.. it's meant to be part of the eBay 4 day delivery guarantee. We still haven't received it.. I called the courier and they said it was still at the sellers place ( 10 days laters.) So some sellers are crappy and don't send it straight away.

  • Bluto Mindpretzel on 10/12/2023 - 16:47
    +1

    Honestly this is why ebay SUCKS for sellers these days.

    The answer to your question is morally obvious. Do you really need to ask?

  • onceupon8 on 10/12/2023 - 20:34

    At a minimum:
    * Remove the negative feedback. Try to chat to eBay and ask to remove your negative feedback. If that doesn't work, send a simple message to the seller saying that you left a negative feedback but have now worked out it was an Australia Post issue and would like to revise it to positive and ask if they can send you a feedback revision request.

    Be a good person:
    * Remove the negative feedback (as per above)
    * Let the seller know that you have received the item and ask if they were compensated by eBay.
    - If the seller replies that they are out of money, let them know that you would like to compensate them as the item is now received, but you would like a discount for the inconvenience of such a late delivery.

  • idonotknowwhy on 10/12/2023 - 23:01
    +1

    Could you send me your ebay id, so I can add it to my block list please? Cheers.

  • paulojr on 10/12/2023 - 23:18

    yeh ebay lacks adequate controls to deal with even this basic scenario, removing feedback very difficult and ebay forces premature feedback rather than allowing you to come back after you'd had a proper chance to use the item and provide experienced feedback which is probably how you ended up here.

    Also they don't really part refunds as the people staffing the return process, just like paypal or amazon are the lowest paid people who run a script and even if you try this they will just ignore the details nowadays. As such if you start messing around here you'll probably cause more pain for yourself and the seller.

    One thing is if you bought the item with an expected delivery date and that date was revised after you put down money, then the price should have also been adjusted (down) as the speed of delivery is usually a key factor in decisions. In fact if the seller sends you a parcel say after Christmas but you ordered it as a gift for someone at Christmas then you would expect a full refund even if it arrives as its worthless at this point.

    Alipay has I believe built this concept into their process, something like get it now or get it for less idea putting a formula behind the idea.

    My only advise is always wait as long as you can before lodging feedback.

  • mungas on 10/12/2023 - 23:22

    If you typed this up I think you’re after confirmation bias to side with your actions, but I think you regret it. At least remove the negative review, or send the item back.

    Is the vendor out of pocket in an eBay guarantee scenario? Ie do they fund it with no recourse, or claim against the vendor?

  • SpicyStew on 11/12/2023 - 01:32

    you didn't open the package yet so you already know the answer

  • Kranbone on 11/12/2023 - 03:25
    +2

    I had a similar experience but in my case I didn't leave a negative review. Whilst the seller chose the courier, the delay was entirely with the courier. I was refunded and the item arrived some time after the refund. Also went to eBay help who just said keep the item and the refund (felt uneasy about it).

    I ended up contacting the seller and just said, I'll "buy" another item, just don't post it which is what I did (so kind of worked out, except I suppose they had to pay a fee twice).

    I suppose I could've double dipped but felt so uneasy with it.

  • camMMM on 11/12/2023 - 08:35

    From your latest update op, keep the item and keep the refund as per the message. But remove the neg review. Done.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/12/2023 - 10:07

    Many overseas based sellers, have extended handling times in ebay. This is as they use third party freight forwarders who send their item air freight in bulk on weekend from china to local warehouses, who break down the cargo then either send with auspost to areas they dont cover, or have chinese students deliver in their cars in sydney/melbourne.

    There is also have a Chinese govenment backed company called WINIT, who are are in Regents Park and Granville and use a Granville PO box who store chinese based sellers good locally and act as a third party warehouse (3PL) for them whilst they are in china sitting on a computer. You cant get a Invoice and returns/warranty will be complicated, if not impossible, as they get charged per return and disposal fees.

    You will see five stores selling same item with names like happyplace5632 etc. Whilst its no guarantee, if you see "OZ stock" or imperial measurements, or broken/misspelt English its usually China sellers. You can also select "About" in sellers location and see where account was registered. Most of the time you will see China in sellers profile, if they haven't lied on account application.

    Ps You cant leave bad feedback, keep the item as well, then post on OZB as to what I should do with item as if you need validation what needs to be done. If i was the seller i would issue a letter of demand and give the debt to collectors or small claims court dependent on value. Maybe they wont get the money back but being harassed by phone every day might teach you a lesson on being a civilised member of society.

  • uNoWhO on 11/12/2023 - 12:08
    +2

    If you still receive the item, there’s nothing else you need to do. You may keep the refund and the item.

    Ebay literally tells you what you should do in this situation, maybe edit/remove your negative feedback or at least make it truthful

  • 6000SUX on 11/12/2023 - 13:15

    Got to feel for the seller here. That would be a big blow to a small business both emotionally and financially.
    I think you know what the right thing to do is before you made this post.
    Contact the seller - pay them privately. Contact ebay - fix the feedback. Sit back - feel good.

  • Frozensage on 11/12/2023 - 13:48

    I would remove the feedback and let the seller know. There are many times the seller sent the item and the rest is outside of their control. If there is tracking then they have done everything they can and the fact you have received the item shows they have sent it. And the delivery date is just some arbitrary guesstimate ebay places on the listing.

    Whether you choose to keep the item or not is your choice. You basically got something for nothing and sounds like you will be able to use it regardless it arrived late or not so it was never a deal breaker. Put urself in the sellers shoe and how would they feel?

    Also chances r ebay will put seller through process of proving they have posted and even then they can still take money out of the sellers account.

    Just remember what goes around comes around in this world.

  • Protractor on 11/12/2023 - 13:56

    Re the update, yes retract the feedback, keep the item as per ebays message and the refund, (because they will likely compensate seller,too) and do a truthful review of APOst. Email the CEO.

    • 6000SUX on 11/12/2023 - 18:09

      They wont compensate the seller

      Source - been a seller in the same scenario

      • Protractor on 11/12/2023 - 18:41

        In that case I'd repay and retract feedback.Karma

  • Morphio25 on 11/12/2023 - 16:56

    Open it up and make sure it works etc. Then contact the merchant and offer to pay for the item.

    Do the right thing and pay for the item that you intended to buy rather than keeping them out of their money due to shitty postal service.

  • mrjk on 11/12/2023 - 22:10

    Do what you think is right man. Exact same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I contacted the seller and offered to pay him direct via PayID. He really appreciated the honesty.

  • m0tyrider on 11/12/2023 - 22:58
    +1

    Its a tough gig selling on eBay. I feel bad for sellers having to deal with this rubbish.

    Seller is down the item and postage costs.

    • Protractor on 11/12/2023 - 23:28
      +1

      Pretty one eyed take. Ebay is happily protecting some pretty dodgy practises and dubious sellers in order to print money. Sure, I feel for the ethical,'high feedback rating', genuine ( and often high turnover sellers) ,as well, but if ebay want to enable toxic shit to line their pockets there will always be collateral damage to good sellers. The thing is though, buyers have a right to expect consistent rules that reward doing the right thing, not the current free for all sewer. ebays mutual whoring with APost creates most of the problems experienced in Straya. If the ACCC actually did their job we could see a far fairer more honourable market place.The govt waffles about making big online players accountable, but ebay seems to be untouchable. That's unacceptable IMHO.Because it involves peoples 'hard earned'..

      Why should ebay allow one individual to operate multiple shops, to dilute their 'dodgy-ness', ? It's a (yet another) fkn ebay scam

      • m0tyrider on 12/12/2023 - 08:01
        +2

        So it's ok for a seller to loose but not a buyer?

        Not really one eyed at all, there are risks for both parties and neither party should get scammed.

        But when push comes to shove, eBay/PayPal does heavily favour the buyer.

        Just stating a fact.

        • Protractor on 12/12/2023 - 09:23

          I'm pointing out that ebays greed makes it harder for good sellers. They enable practises that should be outlawed.
          This thread is a perfect example of how regular bad experiences make buyers react negatively , so common is the scenario. The ACCC should stop allowing APost to sell pkgs that sellers can activate tracking on for a start. Only authorised employees in the transit of post should be doing it.Period.

          When push comes to shove ebay seem untouchable under retail law. But that doesn't explain or justify how APost can get away with the scanning rort in broad daylight, and the ACCC does squat

          • Cluster on 12/12/2023 - 10:06
            +1

            @Protractor: It seems your main complain is sellers making a package look like it's sent as soon as the label is purchased.

            I sell on eBay and I almost never buy postage via eBay. I use Australia Post's MyPost, which automatically imports eBay sales and lets me buy labels a little cheaper. Well, it too reports the package as 'sent' on eBay as soon as the label is purchased. What you're suggesting isn't really an eBay problem, but a problem with how the whole tracking system works.

            Perhaps eBay/Australia Post should split the 'sent' status into 'postage purchased' and 'first scan detected'.

            Even the 'first scan' doctrine has problems, as I have left parcels with my AP branch and sometimes not all get scanned. Some parcels don't even have scanning events until they near their destination, many days later. So under a 'if it's not scanned, it hasn't been sent' system it would look like some of my packages haven't been sent for a week after I dropped them off with AP.

            • Protractor on 12/12/2023 - 12:53

              @Cluster: TLDR^ The system as preferred by APost is broken. The ACCC could fix it, but it seems that it's broken, too.

          • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2023 - 10:42

            @Protractor: Sellers cant activate tracking,you can only print label and create a manifest.

            The only time tracking shows its in their possession is when they scan item with a Australia post handheld/mobile device or desktop device in post office.

  • GafanhotoB on 12/12/2023 - 11:42
    +1

    Send us you eBay account so we never interact

    • Vita85 on 12/12/2023 - 16:36

      This ^

      The seller sent the item. Why would OP leave negative feedback? Ridiculous.

  • TheBean on 12/12/2023 - 16:13

    Better than what's happened to me now.

    Got a reverse osmosis system, the R.O. filter didn't work seals leaking, etc. they said they would send a replacement after three weeks back and forth of them trying to determine what was wrong through photos and questioning their supplier. Said they would then send a replacement parts, but 2 months down the track still nothing, ghosted on the messages and emailing ebay does sweet F all, can't even leave a review anymore.

  • Vita85 on 12/12/2023 - 16:35

    A few months ago I sold something on ebay for a $100, popped it in the red street posting box instead of the PO. Auspost never scanned it. After 3 weeks, the buyer wanted a refund (understandably). I thought it was lost/stolen since it was never scanned. About 8 weeks later, the buyer contacted me that they received it (still wasn't scanned by Auspost) and that they had already bought an alternative. They sent it back to me after I provided a postage label. I was grateful. Buyer was friendly and never blamed me for the incident.

    It's the one time Auspost let me down in recent memory. I now go to the post office to at least get it scanned as having been dropped off.

    • Windows7forever on 24/12/2023 - 19:41

      This is why i only use the red post boxes for letters. I want to see the worker physically scan all of my precious parcels.

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