Returning an item

Mestup2000miles

This is probably going to sound like a silly question but as it has never happened to me before I'm quite wary.

I recently bought an electrical item on eBay that when received was not as described. Contacted the seller immediately who eventually agreed to refund me, but not until they get paid (apparently even though it has only been 2 days they've already spent all the money I sent via paypal) I'm just wondering whether I should return the item signed for/recorded delivery now, or does the seller have to refund me first?

This is the first time that I've received an item not as described so I'm not sure on how to solve this or what will make sure I am most protected? In case the seller receives my item and then does not refund me?


Is it safer to open a dispute so eBay are aware of the situation? Or will that have big repercussions for the seller?

HONEYMONSTER

Well you could agree to wait if they agree to cover the return postage?

Alternatively, open a dispute in the resolution centre under the 'item received not as described category', outline why the item is not as described and state the seller has said you can return it for a full refund. In the dispute ask the seller for the full return address and then send it back by recorded delivery. Enter the tracking info to the system and once you can see it has been delivered (using the Royal Mail Track and trace facility) prompt the seller for the refund. If he does not pay up within so many days, you can ask Ebay to intercede and if they can see the dispute and the agreement, they will probably find in your favour and take the money from him whether he agrees or not. If he does cough up without a fight, you can close the dispute without any issue.

QuackQuackOops

I personally would open a SNAD dispute now as it sounds as though the seller is trying to make you wait until he has withdrawn the money from Paypal. (He probably isnt aware that Paypal will still take the money anyway leaving his paypal account with a negative balance.)

If you open the dispute then the money in his account will be put on hold whilst you send back the item. Make sure you do so with recorded delivery.
Dont worry that he may refuse to sign for the item. You will be refunded when Ebay can see that a delivery attempt was made.

Dont let him talk you into waiting any longer for a refund.

Meadows

You are better to return tracked (at your cost - unless you have a good seller then they do not have to refund the return postage) and then when it has been received contact them to ask them to refund and if not you will open a dispute, then you can chose to escalate straight away (I open disputes in PayPal as it seems that is a better / quicker/ more straightforward process - others have written that the system seems less cut & dry / efficient if you open in eBay).

It really is not your fault that they have sent goods not as described and have then spent the money.

I had to do a dispute some time back and the seller was less than impressed that PayPal put their account on hold even though the dispute was not escalated, the item was refunded instantly as there was no way the could buy from eBay while their account was on hold.

freddysmith

What is the value of your item?
This may have some bearing on what method of tracked/signed for service you require.

Mestup2000miles

It's quite an old item now but only around £60.

Thank you all for the advice, its never happened to me before so its quite confusing what to do. I'm just worried I'll sent it back tracked/signed for and I'll never get a refund..

Does the SNAD route effect me getting a refund in any way? And what does it mean for the seller? Cause the thing that has upset me the most with this is that I don't think the seller even realises how misleading the listing was, and how even though the damage is plainly obvious they're claiming they never noticed it when packaging it up and sending it to me.

sharpy2010

Mestup2000miles wrote: »

Cause the thing that has upset me the most with this is that I don't think the seller even realises how misleading the listing was, and how even though the damage is plainly obvious they're claiming they never noticed it when packaging it up and sending it to me.

Don't concern yourself with whether the seller has a moral compass or not (they don't), simply worry about getting your money back.

Mestup2000miles

How do I find out the sellers address to return the item?

montymud

ask them, and open a SNAD. Don't leave yourself open to anything, follow the proper channels through ebay to protect yourself.

shaun_from_Africa

How do I find out the sellers address to return the item?

montymud wrote: »

ask them, and open a SNAD.

The problem with asking for an address is that if the seller knows the dispute system and doesn't want to refund, they may well give you a different address to their paypal registered one for you to return the item to.
If they were to do this, you would lose the dispute even if the item was shown as being delivered.

Their address should be visible on the paypal invoice (if you received one), and if not, Paypal themselves should give you the address if you ask for it during the dispute.

Mestup2000miles

Okay. I opened a case yesterday which the seller hasn't responded to yet and has until 4th November to do so.

I also looked at the paypal invoice and it says "Dispatch details
The seller hasn’t provided any dispatch details yet."

So it doesn't show their address. I'll try and contact paypal to find out the address of the seller.