Unresponsive seller problem!

deaththecat

Hi,

Before I start rambling, a big thank you for all the invaluable advice I've so far gleaned from these boards!

So....my problem is that I bought an item from a seller and paid by pesonal cheque (£42) on the 21st of march. Have heard nothing from the seller apart from initial confirmation of name to make cheque out to and address to send to. The cheque was cashed on the 29th of March.
I have contacted the seller several times with no reply and she is no longer a registered user on E-Bay!
I have also written to the seller, confirming the details of the sale and saying that I know the cheque was cashed. Have heard nothing.
Have started a dispute on E-Bay, but can't think that they will actually be able to do anything.
Any suggestions? Please?

Merlin-the-hound

I had that problem, still had their snail mail address so after four weeks, sent them a letter by registered post informing them I was prepared to take them to the small claims court - item arrived three days later.

It's an option.

Chalky87

Hi, if you start a NPS through eBay they may be able to help out in collecting the funds, but I know they do take a fee for this service...because you sent a cheque to the persons address then get a home phone number for the address...and give them a call. It will usually spur people into action. Hope that helps.

morveryn

I highly recommend phoning them. I have only had to do this myself 2 or 3 times in 6 years but the astonishment in the sellers voices is great! They seem so amazed that you have gone to so much trouble (well, mine did anyway;)) that your item will arrive very swiftly.

black-saturn

If you dont want to speak to them in person you could try ringing them during the day. Most people have BT answer now so you can leave a message. It has the same effect as speaking to them.

Also sometimes just retrieving their phone number from ebay is enough as it sends them an email to say you have requested their contact telephone number.

deaththecat

Thank you for all your responses. I will def request the phone number AND write another letter as suggested.
Seller must be nuts to rip-off someone who already has their address!

soolin

The fact that the seller is no longer registered means it is likely that other people had problems as well. As for having the address, it won't necessarily help as a true scammer will often use a relative or even a work mate to collect post for them, and that third party has no liability (I saw that on a Childrens TV programme!).

Definitely phone and if that doesn't help then your only recourse is via the ebay system that will cost you and may well not get you any of your money back.

Soo

F&L

I used ebay to make a claim and they charged a £15 "admin" fee. They did however deal with the claim very quickly and I received a refund within a fortnight. They don't refund postage charges. I initially tried ringing the seller but it was a mobile number which went straight to voicemail every time. I may be wrong but I didn't think you could request the member's contact details once they were no longer a registered member?

soolin

It should still be possible to get contact details of a NARUD user, definitely worth a try.

As for the amount that ebay get back, I had forgotten that ebay only reimburse item cost and not post and packing, I only use paypal so am more used to the whole lot being refunded. However even after the £15 charge getting something back is better than nothing.

Soo

deaththecat

Thanks very much for all your advice. I have requested the contact details and received the phone number straight away....haven't worked up the courage to call yet, having a girlie-moment!
Will be foloowing through with e-bay regardless. The P&P was only £2, so even without the £15 admin fee, I may get half back.
Lesson learned about paying by cheque though!!