How should ebay refunds work

[decrot]

I am currently having a problem with an ebay seller. I ordered a digital camera almost 4 weeks ago and never received it. He told me he shipped it and sent me a tracking number through usps that shows that only shows that shipping info was received from the seller to expect an item for shipping. Not really sure what that means, can anyone explain? Anywho, he told me that he sent the item almost 4 weeks ago. I told him that I would wait until Wednesday for the item to get here. Well I am not really expecting the item anymore and I need to ask for a refund. I am not sure how getting a refund works through ebay. Should the seller refund the entire amount including shipping? He charged me more on shipping than the actual item. I also purchased insurance since I thought there might be a problem with his auction. Just need some advice on what to do from a fellow CAGer.

[FeNoM91]

I am currently having a problem with an ebay seller. I ordered a digital camera almost 4 weeks ago and never received it. He told me he shipped it and sent me a tracking number through usps that shows that only shows that shipping info was received from the seller to expect an item for shipping. Not really sure what that means, can anyone explain?

Means he used PayPal shipping to purchase a label but hasn't sent the item or just a fake #. May also be USPS not updating the item, which I highly doubt since you haven't recieved.

Anywho, he told me that he sent the item almost 4 weeks ago. I told him that I would wait until Wednesday for the item to get here. Well I am not really expecting the item anymore and I need to ask for a refund. I am not sure how getting a refund works through ebay. Should the seller refund the entire amount including shipping? He charged me more on shipping than the actual item. I also purchased insurance since I thought there might be a problem with his auction. Just need some advice on what to do from a fellow CAGer.

For this, you can do an item not recieved dispute via PayPal. If you used another method, you have to take it up with eBay. Not sure how to do it on the eBay portion though.

[hec204]

Did the seller have good reputation? If he didn't it could be that he's scamming you by saying the package got lost, File a report on paypal if you don't get it this week.

[eclisis]

If the tracking info says what you described, it either means that a) the seller never dropped the package off, b) the package is lost, or c) the package has managed to avoid getting scanned this entire time and is onroute (highly unlikely but possible).

If it's been more than 30 days and you purchased insurance for the item, ask the seller to open a claim with the post office. Be aware that you may be asked to fill out some paper work stating that you, the intended recipient, never received said package, blah blah blah. If this goes on another week though, I would definitely open up a dispute with eBay as you don't want the filing period to expire (it's 45 days with Paypal, looks like eBay is 60 days). The seller is technically not obligated to refund shipping costs or the cost of insurance as far as eBay is concerned (Paypal may hold them liable, I'm not sure), so it's really up to him/her; when I was the seller though in a similar situation (item was delivered to the wrong address...the zip wasn't even the same!:bomb:), I refunded everything (bid for the item, shipping, and the cost of insurance) since the bidder was very understanding.

Just in case you need it, to file a dispute through eBay, go to my eBay-->Dispute Console (it's all the way on the bottom of the column off to the left side)-->report a problem w/ an item-->put in item number-->I think it asks you why you're filing the dispute on the next page, but it should be pretty self-explanatory from here.
Good luck with settling this though.

[wubb]

I'd file with PayPal after the mail comes today if you don't have the package - since you said you'd wait until today. You could file the dispute now and wait a bit to escalate it.

I'd probably file the dispute, then give it a day or two checking the DC # to see if it magically updates as in transit - which would mean he finally got off his ass and mailed the thing. If not and no offer of a refund, escalate.

If PayPal finds in your favor you'll get your full amount refunded including shipping (and I believe insurace too) paid. If he offers to refund less than the full amount I'd consider following through with PayPal as with no DC# showing delivery you should win the dispute.

FYI, the DC # needs to show as Delivered XX/XX/XX the generic 'Shipping info received' is not good enough for PayPal.

I wouldn't fool with disputing this on eBay, PayPal is more likely to recover money for you. If PP can't get the money then go to your CC company next, if you paid from a CC.

[YoshiFan1]

If insurance would purchased wouldn't the first step to be to try to file a claim?

[wubb]

I'd get my money from PayPal and let the seller get his money back from the insurance claim.

[decrot]

yea, im not sure how that works with usps. do i have to claim the loss or does he?
anyways, i dont even think he sent the item, therefore he probably didnt get the insurance.

I never had a problem with usps before. they are slow but at least the item comes.

[Drnick]

just file a paypal dispute... now if he is out to scam you and theres no money in his paypal account, you won't have much luck. but its at least a start,

if that doesn't work you can always file a claim with ebay through their "free" insurance (although they do charge a deductible)

[dragonjud]

yea, im not sure how that works with usps. do i have to claim the loss or does he?
anyways, i dont even think he sent the item, therefore he probably didnt get the insurance.

I never had a problem with usps before. they are slow but at least the item comes.

I'll agree with others saying that you should get your money the quickest way. The seller may still need you to fill out paperwork for him to get his money back.

That said, I've had one package misrouted for an entire month, and then finally show up correctly on the 31st day after it was sent Priority Mail. Yes, the USPS does screw up once in a while. Not saying that it happened in this case, but it has happened to me.