Crazy seller ranting about PayPal fees and cancelling sale

SammyFace

I won an item last night that was collection only. Before I placed a bid I contacted the seller to enquire whether he would consider allowing me to arrange and pay for a courier to collect to which he agreed if I paid quickly. Auction was won, paid for immediately and agreed that I would call tonight to get sizes, weight, etc.

He's sent an email through ranting about PayPay fees and how they hung on to his money for 21 days when he sold a car, etc, etc, how they're based in Luxembourg, blah, blah. He's quite new and only has a few feedback - I think he's checked his PayPal and got a bit of a shock (the winning price was much less than the value of the items and he had no reserve).

I've sent an email asking him to send the money back but was wondering if I need to raise a dispute. Had a couple of sellers changing their minds in the past but not after I had paid.

Crowqueen

Don't raise a dispute unless he refuses to sell. Although it is often problematic for sellers if buyers ask their own couriers to collect (because if something goes wrong in transit they are still liable but do not have the contract with the courier in order to make a claim or tracking details to defend a not-received dispute) they did agree to it.

Personally I would wait until the seller responds. You have 45 days to raise a dispute, so there is plenty of time for him either to calm down and arrange the specifics with you (personally I would, in future, ask for a postage cost and get them to arrange any couriers), be refunded, or open a dispute.

Good luck.

SammyFace

Thanks CQ. He's already emailed me to tell me he's not going through with the sale due to the fees and that he's cancelled his PayPal and eBay accounts.

The amount was just over £100 so I'm keen to get it back ASAP.

RFW

It sounds like more than just Paypal fees, as on £100 they wouldn't be more than £4 on any account(?). Probably worth contacting Ebay, especially if he's closed his account, if that is true then they may be able to sort it quicker for you.

SammyFace

I've just checked and his account is still active.

Crowqueen

Wait for a response then open a dispute. What a cheek to keep that amount of money but not want to follow through with the sale - he at least should immediately refund it.

He can't close either of his accounts with a transaction like that still live, so don't panic on that score.

forgotmyname

If he offers a mutual cancellation then dont do it. Refuse it, Dont ignore it or he wins i think?

So he gets to pay his fees for not selling you the item.

Keep an eye open for it to get relisted on his account or another one.