Right Way to Return Stuff on eBay

Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 16:31
Last edited 14/03/2024 - 16:44

I bought some fitted car mats on ebay, and they might be fitted but definitely not for my car. They fit so badly that the front two mats are connected making them impossible to fit, as my car has a centre console.

I advised the seller and they asked for my PayPal account so they could provide me with the cost of return postage. Does anyone know if this could be an issue/scam in any way? I have not yet opened a case with ebay advising of the need to return.

The item and seller is based in China.

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Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2024 - 16:34
    +1

    So they going to PayPal you the fee to return it?
    Unless it’s being returned in a prepaid satchel or exactly what it was sent in how do they know the cost?

    If its via Australia post tell them you can give them the size and they can issue you a prepaid parcel post label and you will help them to deposit it to the post office as a courtesy.

    • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 16:38

      I guess they are relying on me to advise them of the cost. I could try that but who knows how useful these people in China are?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2024 - 16:54

        china

        as per below, international purchase changes everything.

        surprised they replied you at all.

        id just get the ball rolling with filing a case.

  • Switchblade88 on 14/03/2024 - 16:36
    +1

    I have not yet opened a case with ebay

    …So do that? Ebay should generate the prepaid return label, no funds should change hands.

    • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 16:39

      So the returns overseas for eBay are free? I thought only PayPal provided that

      • Switchblade88 on 14/03/2024 - 16:43

        You didn't say anything in the post about being an international purchase. Would have been useful.

        Does the listing state free returns? Was postage separate or included? Any other missing relevant info?

        ACL is basically unenforceable for international items, so who knows what might happen

        • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 16:50

          No worries, updated the post. Listing doesn't state free returns, but it has been changed since I bought it, the model of my car has been taken off the ad, but fair enough if he doesn't want others with my car to have the same issue.

          My main concern is I was wondering specifically if providing your PayPal account details could be part of a scam, and if I should be opening an ebay return before trying to sort things out with the seller directly

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2024 - 16:53

            @Jackson: just open the case and file a 'not as described'

            hopefully ebay support wont stooge you since the listing has changed now to not show compatible with your vechicle

            • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 17:01

              @Jimothy Wongingtons: You would think that they can see logs of changes like that, at least one would hope

              • Jimothy Wongingtons on 14/03/2024 - 17:02

                @Jackson: i really dont assume anything with ebay anymore - customer service agent quality been going downhill for years.

                • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 17:08

                  @Jimothy Wongingtons: Is there a chance though that the seller might realise he doesn't have to pay return shipping somehow and I am better off getting that from him first? Or is it always covered by paypal/ebay?

  • Mumbles on 14/03/2024 - 18:06
    +2

    You'r right to be worried. International sellers assume the price of international postage is the same as in their home country. Their not expecting Australia Post to cost 10x their home country.

    For peace of mind just contact eBay, they have a decent online customer support chat service.

    My experience when I bought a defective kite to an eBay seller in China was ask eBay what to do. I was directed to message seller and tell them my concerns. The seller didn't believe product was defective (unable to steer straight and rusting handles). Seller wanted to examine the product ($140 kite) and to price enquire the cheapest return postage and get back to them (repeatedly begging for cheapest postage). I visited Australia Post and got a price ($37AUD). Messaged the seller the price of postage. They agreed and Paypal me the dollars for postage. I posted the kite. Seller examined the kite and confirmed all of my issues plus gave explanation. Offered full refund and begged not to leave negative feedback on eBay.

    As long as you are communicating to the seller via the eBay platform then customer support can follow your efforts and will usually side with the buyer.

    eBay tends to be one of the better platforms for buyers (but not sellers). Ebay charge heaps of fees so put those dollars to work and make use of the eBay customer support.

  • JimmyF on 14/03/2024 - 18:45

    Right way to return stuff on eBay

    Oh sure, its this

    I have not yet opened a case with ebay advising of the need to return.

    Open a return case!!! They handle all the return shipping etc.

  • Postal Dude on 14/03/2024 - 20:01

    Free returns are only available if both parties are in Aus. Read the eligibility part here: https://pages.ebay.com.au/returns/ You could see how much they paypal you but I really doubt it would cover much of the actual value.

  • Dave Bowman on 14/03/2024 - 20:35

    Open a return case in eBay and select item not as described.

    • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 23:29

      Have done this also, have not heard back yet

      • Dave Bowman on 15/03/2024 - 07:18

        All good, just escalate with eBay after the specified date and they'll handle the return.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 14/03/2024 - 22:28

    File thru PayPal. Day you have contacted seller , and worry its a scam
    .
    Freight from aus to China is not viable. Cheaper for them to write it off. Accept a partial refund in your favour and move on if need be.

    • Jackson on 14/03/2024 - 23:26

      I assume by Day you mean Say?

      Freight for this item is being estimated by Australia post to be 75 bucks, but realistically the materials are not worth that at all. Seller is insisting to have the return but I don't see how it would make any sense. I will try paypal

  • foxmulder on 15/03/2024 - 07:30

    Did you buy the correct product for your car?

    • Jackson on 15/03/2024 - 12:41

      Yes, and I was explicit by putting the exact year and model in every note and message, and even messaged them straight after to say the exact name and model

      • foxmulder on 15/03/2024 - 13:00

        Putting notes after ordering - something is not right here. What's the listing link and what you write in the order note if you don't mind.

        • Jackson on 15/03/2024 - 13:08

          The listing link specified the vehicle, and then in the notes on the order I specified the vehicle, and then in a separate message as soon as the order was complete I specified the vehicle again. The ad has been changed to not include the vehicle anymore, but as mentioned above that's a fair course of action if the seller actually can't make good on anything for my vehicle.

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