eBay debt collectors

anna_1977

Hi, after a bit of advice please.
In July I sold a Tiffany necklace on eBay, the buyer chose to pay for the cheaper proof of posting postage only. I contacted them and asked them to confirm they didn't want recorded but heard nothing. So I posted and got the proof. Buyer reported item not received, I provided with proof.. it escalated, eBay got involved and refunded the money, I cancelled my bank account from eBay so they couldn't reclaim from me. i was cross as I felt they chose that postage method and I could prove I'd sent it (anyway that's irrelevant now).
So this morning I have received a letter from a debt collection agency saying I owe eBay £80.00
How enforceable are eBay debts? I'm happy to pay debts if they are justified but i don't think this is

lindze

I am sure more knowledgeable folks will be along soon but I think you may have fallen victim of a scam. Ebay always seems to side on the buyer so the scammer orders item and says it has not arrived, knowing that Ebay will refund their money.....upshot is they have the item and their money back.

thriftylass

I think there is not much you can do, agree ebay will more often side with buyer. Lesson leant, don't sell a valuable item (or any item really) with anything else than recorded delivery.

anna_1977

Yes, it's funny how my other 20 odd items all arrived with their buyers. I may contact the collectors and work out a repayment plan...

TonyMMM

The method of postage you choose is to protect you. It should have nothing to do with the buyer (they are covered by eBay policies if it doesn't arrive, as you have now discovered).

You can submit a claim for loss to Royal Mail, but whether you get anything will depend on the service you chose ( and their T&Cs).

JasX

Yes you need to use tracked postage on ebay, this is for YOUR protection within the ebay eco-system as anything less than a signature on delivery is considered worthless.

Interestingly however you might well find should it reach court you have a much stronger case where the proof of postage is accepted and I believe it's not unknown for the claimant to come out on top however it can go either way.

It's basically ebay's Ts&Cs which you've agreed to vs common sense the judge may well be willing to inject into the process. This is a penalty fee ebay has imposed for your non-performance as a seller, you have evidence that will satisfy a court of law you have performed (where proof of postage is acceptable).

Lesson for next time -> Buyer should not be given the option to pay for anything less than TRACKED postage.

This time you need to decide if you want to take your chance in court and if you do frame your argument concisely and carefully as there are pitfalls (plus higher fees if the case goes against you). However there is a chance of success. If taking this route your best response to the debt collector is along the lines of "you dispute this debt and will see them in court". It's probably pointless to get into discussion with them as you risk undermining your case with something they may then produce in the courtroom.

sourcrates

Sounds like a scam to me, I have been a victim to many similar scams myself.
The last one, was about 5 years ago, similar circumstances to yours, the amount was about £48, eBay refunded the buyer, didn't want to know my side of things.


That was the last time I sold on eBay, I had been a seller on there for 10 years, with over 15000 satisfied customers, but a series of events like this lost me a good deal of money, so I quit eBay for good.


The good news for you, is that these type of debts are not chased for long, they will send one or two letters, they will try to ring you, but after a few weeks, it will be forgotten about, as the debts are not enforceable in court.


Nothing will appear on your credit file either, as these type of accounts are not reported to the CRA`s.
I ignored them completely, and never heard another peep, you wont of course be able to use eBay though.

anna_1977

I've already opened a new Ebay account and am buying/selling through that so thankfully that's not an issue.
I just wanted to check that they aren't enforceable nor will they drag me to court
Thanks

Jagraf

anna_m wrote: »

Hi, after a bit of advice please.
In July I sold a Tiffany necklace on eBay, the buyer chose to pay for the cheaper proof of posting postage only. I contacted them and asked them to confirm they didn't want recorded but heard nothing. So I posted and got the proof. Buyer reported item not received, I provided with proof.. it escalated, eBay got involved and refunded the money, I cancelled my bank account from eBay so they couldn't reclaim from me. i was cross as I felt they chose that postage method and I could prove I'd sent it (anyway that's irrelevant now).
So this morning I have received a letter from a debt collection agency saying I owe eBay £80.00
How enforceable are eBay debts? I'm happy to pay debts if they are justified but i don't think this is

When you say cheaper proof of postage, wht do you mean? Do you just mean a receipt from the post office? Did you not include the method of delivery on your listing ? The proof is for you, not them.

rizla_king

anna_m wrote: »

II just wanted to check that they aren't enforceable nor will they drag me to court
Thanks

They are not and they wont

mcjordi

jewellery is always sent special delivery any other method and you wont get paid out off royal mail
unfortunatley its likely they have it and say they dont.
as for ebay youve lost your account now, unlikely they will take you to court your credit file is safe for now (unless they you to court and you dont pay)