Ebay Item Not as Described - Paypal Refund?

jazzy

I ordered some computer ram modules from an ebay seller in the states (business seller). I checked first with the seller if these modules were compatible with my computer, he said yes therefore I purchased the item.

Took a few weeks to arrive to the UK but when I fitted the modules found out they were not compatible, computer would not start. Seller informed me to return them for a replacement, took another few weeks for the replacement to arrive. Same problem not compatible.

I have returned the item, and have requested paypal for a refund because the "item was not as described" the seller requested a tracked service to be used for the return, but the expense of this service is more or less the cost of the item. I opted to use the standard airmail service with a post office receipt of proof of postage.

Seller is stating that he will make the refund when he receives the returned item, but I have a bad feeling that he will probably just state that he never received the item.

Can I at this stage escalate the paypal claim for a refund? I do have proof of postage if required. I am just worried that the deadline for giving ebay feedback will run out.

Oliver14

Proof of postage is not proof of delivery. If you cannot prove the item has been returned via online tracking Paypal wont refund. So if the seller refuse i'm afraid you're stuck.

i_love_freestuff

You could try to find out what the sellers local postal service is and send them a email, i'm guessing you put a return address sticker on. It's a long shot but they may help if you tell them some details. As Oliver said there is not much you can do if the seller says they have not recieved anything BUT go for the paypal option, 9/10 they favour for the buyer so you may be in luck. Especially that you had to send it back twice, if you can scan your proof of postage and add that to the claim. Good luck, I hope you get your money back.

theonlywayisup

As Oliver says - paypal will not refund you but if the seller hasn't got the item then you will have to claim from Royal Mail for loss.

jazzy

Bit of an update. I reported the problem to paypal because the item was not as described. Paypal are stating that I am entitled to a refund although they want tracking evidence before a refund can be issued.

I contacted the seller because I have not received a refund, the seller informed me to close the dispute with Paypal and a refund will be made. The seller also informed me that the dispute won't let him do anything because it is still waiting your response.

So should I close the paypal dispute? Sounds a bit dodgy to me?

bris

If you don't have proof of delivery then the claim will fail, so you have nothing to lose. By closing the claim the seller will not be in as much trouble with ebay as these disputes go against sellers, he is trying to limit the damage to his reputation.

essex1990

jazzy wrote: »

Bit of an update. I reported the problem to paypal because the item was not as described. Paypal are stating that I am entitled to a refund although they want tracking evidence before a refund can be issued.

I contacted the seller because I have not received a refund, the seller informed me to close the dispute with Paypal and a refund will be made. The seller also informed me that the dispute won't let him do anything because it is still waiting your response.

So should I close the paypal dispute? Sounds a bit dodgy to me?

do NOT close the dispute! Its a trick for him to keep his product and the money. He can at any time refund your money in the dispute process.

Savvy_sewing

Surely if he is in contact he can refund your money, then you can close the dispute? If he is worried about his reputation he should refund you ASAP. He sounds like he is trying it on.

soolin

essex1990 wrote: »

do NOT close the dispute! Its a trick for him to keep his product and the money. He can at any time refund your money in the dispute process.

OP can't win a dispute though without sellers co operation as he has no proof of delivery.

jazzy

soolin wrote: »

OP can't win a dispute though without sellers co operation as he has no proof of delivery.

I do have proof of postage from the royal mail and the ebay message stating that seller wishes to make a refund, but cannot because the item is in dispute. Perhaps this is sufficient information for a refund to be made? or am I clutching at straws..

soolin

jazzy wrote: »

I do have proof of postage from the royal mail and the ebay message stating that seller wishes to make a refund, but cannot because the item is in dispute. Perhaps this is sufficient information for a refund to be made? or am I clutching at straws..

Paypal will not refund with proof of postage, they need proof of delivery (or at least proof that item had an attempted delivery). So you are now reliant on the sellers goodwill to refund, so whilst I would normally always warn a buyer not to close the dispute, in this instance you may have to take the gamble.