Ebay item paid for but not collected

r111yun

Was selling a large item last year which was too heavy and expensive to post so clearly stated on the listing it would need to be collected. The item was sold on ebay and I immediately tried to begin communication with the buyer who ignored all messages through eBay. After a week of not paying I informed the buyer that I would be relisting unless paid for and collected. Within hours the item was paid for but still no communication about collecting. Weeks went by and I sent another message reminding the buyer to collect. Gave mobile numbers and address etc etc... but still nothing. At this point now it's too late to claim back fee's etc.. After 4 months I relisted the item with still no communication from the original buyer. It's now nearly 10 months since the auction date and I've had my first email, a very snotty one at that, threatening me with small claims court unless I refund within 48hrs. Quoting funds that I have "failed" to reimburse. Unbelievable or what? I have no quibble about refunding but I'll now be out of pocket having been messed about for so long. Ebay is no help In these circumstances. The item was £130 and paid via PayPal. Can I refund minus fees? Can I get proof from eBay of all contact made/not made incase I go to court?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Contains_Mild_Peril

I don't know why you didn't refund earlier. Unfortunately I think being out of pocket is now unavoidable. Best to refund the full payment and (if you haven't already done so) block the buyer. I don't think eBay or Paypal will intervene after all this time, but legally you owe the buyer a refund even though they've messed you around. If you did deduct eBay fees and refund the remainder of the payment, it's highly unlikely the buyer would pursue you for such a small amount.

forgotmyname

You can refund minus fees but they may take you to court or hassle you constantly for the rest. Is it worth the hassle?

Refund them or give them the item they bought. You sold their item. It was not yours to sell.

theonlywayisup

You will have to telephone Paypal to refund the original amount - do not be tempted to send a gift payment. You will not be able to refund it yourself online.

Paypal will adjust their fees so you will only lose 20p on the transaction.

Likewise, if you ring Ebay, they may credit your fees but don't bank on it.

pinkshoes

You don't have to refund. You could tell them to come collect their item...

(But as you sold it, then you will now need to refund)

Norman_Castle

It's now nearly 10 months since the auction date and I've had my first email, a very snotty one at that, threatening me with small claims court unless I refund within 48hrs.

They do nothing for 10 months then demand a refund within 48 hours. Whatever you choose to do, do it slowly.

usefulmale

Refund, minus fees and four months storage.

soolin

usefulmale wrote: »

Refund, minus fees and four months storage.

As above, a refund can no longer be made- all the OP can do is send a new payment. Whilst it is generally acknowledged that a claim can only be made against a paypal payment for 180 days there is a possibility that a claim via the courts could still be made on that initial payment as a new payment will not of course be linked to that old one. here is a serious potential scam here, I think it is unlikely, but it does need to be considered.

For others reading this and in case the OP does not return- a paypal payment can only be easily refunded by the recipient for 60 days, after that a basic repayment cannot be made .

r111yun

soolin wrote: »

Whilst it is generally acknowledged that a claim can only be made against a paypal payment for 180 days there is a possibility that a claim via the courts could still be made on that initial payment as a new payment will not of course be linked to that old one. here is a serious potential scam here, I think it is unlikely, but it does need to be considered.

Thanks hadn't thought of that. I have managed to find the original transaction on paypal with a confirmed address for the guy so there is always another avenue that could be taken should the above be the case.

Brooker_Dave

r111yun wrote: »

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Call his bluff, ask him when he intends to collect it?

tykesi

Brooker_Dave wrote: »

Call his bluff, ask him when he intends to collect it?

What if he then returns the favour and says he'll collect it this week?