Hmm..Slightly Concerned About My Buyer...

MyUserNamesTaken

OK, call me paranoid. I've just sold something through a buy it now on Ebay. My buyer has 100% feedback and has been a member for almost 2 years. He only has a 9 feedback, though. Anyway, he initially asked me a question about sending the item to his folks, as he's off on holiday tomorrow. I said I was only able to send to the Paypal and Ebay registered address. He then bought my item and asked me to post it to him when he gets back from his holiday, in October. He's paid, as the auction had immediate payment only. I've agreed to send it out the day before he gets back via Special Delivery. OK, so you're wondering why I am concerned. Well...

I checked his feedback just now and noticed that the last item he bought was a cheapo replica of the item he's just bought from me. He bought the replica on the 16th and received it yesterday (he left positive feedback for the seller yesterday). So, here's why I am concerned. I'm worried that he'll swap my genuine and more expensive item for the cheapo replica he bought a few days back and file a paypal claim stating that the item was not as described. I've sent him a message asking him if he definitely wants my item, pointing out that I've noticed he bought a fake on a few days back. What should I do?

smashed

Well, the ebay history would definitely show against him in this case.
Do something very simple... video yourself wrapping up the genuine article and then taking it to the post office.
100% proof.

Obviously its best to get everything ready in advance, (i.e. the address label filled out, stamps done etc...)

FloFlo

If this was an expensive item I think I'd probably not send it and risk a neg.

MyUserNamesTaken

FloFlo wrote:

If this was an expensive item I think I'd probably not send it and risk a neg.

He paid £23 inclusive for the fake. He's just forked out £42 inclusive for mine. He hasn't replied to my last email yet, though. I've sent and responded to all messages via Ebay. I still have the receipt for the item he has just bought, too.

wigginsmum

What feedback did he leave for the fake? Could it be he simply wants the genuine article now?

Whatever it is, does it have a serial number you can record?

MyUserNamesTaken

wigginsmum wrote:

What feedback did he leave for the fake? Could it be he simply wants the genuine article now?

Whatever it is, does it have a serial number you can record?

He left positive feedback for the seller of the fake ("received with thanks"). Can't really get the serial number, as it's been sold as new and sealed, which it is. Also, there's not much point having the serial number if he says I've sent him a fake. He has a fake which he can claim is the item I've sent him.

If he genuinely wants my item, he can respond to my query about him purchasing a fake - I asked if he was certain that he wanted mine in light of the fact that he bought a replica a few days back. I can't really drop a bigger hint that that to him. He hasn't responded yet, so we will wait and see.

Hmm...the more I think about it, the more dodgy it looks. Do you think a call to Paypal will help? If I explain my concerns before sending out the item, Paypal can give me advice on how to protect myself against him saying I sent him a fake.

GeDink

Is there no way you could mark the item with one of those security-type pens that only show up under ultra-violet? If you can I would do so and take a picture!

MyUserNamesTaken

Just spoke to Paypal. They said if I feel the buyer is dodgy, pull out of the sale. They said there's not a lot I can do to protect myself against him saying I've sent him a fake. Apparently, it does help that I have the original purchase receipt for the item. They would also look at his recently purchased items. The fact that he bought a fake 5 days before he bought mine would be taken into consideration, along with length of time on Ebay, etc. Marking the box won't make a difference, as I can't prove anything. They said, however, ultimately the decision is mine.

Think I'll wait to see what he says if he decides to respond to my last email.

culpepper

if its small enough you could photograph it with its serial number in evidence alongside the daily paper (for proof you had the item on that date and its serial number) you could also mark it with a UV pen ,then if he claimed you've sent a fake,you can say ,you have proof of the serial number you sent ,you dont have to tell him what the proof is.

anewman

smashed wrote:

Well, the ebay history would definitely show against him in this case.

And for what reason do you think Ebay or Paypal would care or take the time to be bothered to get off their !!!!!! and spend less than a minute to look and check?!!

I would be *extremely* cautious - but remember if you refuse to sell the buyer can complain to ebay.

wigan_rl_till_i_die

He might have bought yours (the real thing) and sell the fake as the real one?
Make a bit of cash