Close the loop on a scam.

[12407622]

eBay needs to close the loop on a seller scam, one that I've been burned by twice in recent months.

I bought 2 items recently, that were both faulty. The first, a charge controller, went up in smoke the first time it was connected, and the second, a bicycle light, was of just such poor quality.

Each time I contacted the seller, in order to arrange for the goods to be returned. Both sellers immediately promised to replace the unsatisfactory item, at no cost, and without requiring a return. The catch - that it would take much longer than the original delivery, and up to 6-weeks.

Well, guess how long it takes for an eBay order to be archived, and for the opportunity to provide feedback, either good or bad, takes? That's right, just under the 6-weeks that you have been asked to patiently wait. Once you realise that the promised delivery will not be forthcoming, there's pretty much nothing you can do about alerting others to a bad eBay seller's dirty tricks.

I'd suggest that eBay now extend the period that a seller's feedback be available for comment. 3-months leaves the buyer vulnerable to this type of fraud, whilst 6-months would give you the opportunity to do something about being ripped off so blatantly.

Okay, so I've been screwed...twice. Who can I contact at eBay to get my money back?

[imastawka]

Both Chinese sellers I bet.

Typical of their behaviour, string you out until it's too late.

Ebay's Money Back Guarantee is only good for 30 days.

Open a case in Paypal for item not as described - they give you 180 days

I'd suggest not buying electrical goods from a Chinese seller.  Their items do not pass Australian Standards and could get you electrocuted or get your house burned down.

Ebay will do nothing about these sellers.

Fool me once, shame on them.

Fool me twice, shame on me.

[kopenhagen5]

You open a case for INAD. If it's too late in eBay then open one in PayPal.

And feedback deadline is 60 days.

If you were to leave a neg or neut before the deadline, you can always revise to a pos once the seller has rectified the situation.

[shoppingbag*]

You need to expect that items from China will not be good quality. I buy lots of small items from them, but generally avoid anything electrical or that can go bung. These sorts of items are better bought from a store here in Australia.

[countessalmirena]

If you are buying electrical/electronic items from Chinese eBay sellers, in my view you're risking your life and the life of anyone around you. It isn't worth it. (Reinforcing the advice of shoppingbag* on this!)

These posts address various issues that are relevant as background and context, plus detailing how to open a dispute. If you want what I hope is relevant and useful information, please do read these!

1. Thread/post concerning this.
2. Another thread/post concerning this.
3. Reply to Answer Centre question.
4. Another thread/post of interest.
5. Still another thread/post of interest.
6. Yet another thread/post of interest.
7. Answer Centre reply: Summarising eBay Money Back Guarantee and PayPal Buyer Protection timeframes.

A simple rule that you could follow if you do continue to buy from Chinese sellers: if the item doesn't arrive or if it arrives but is defectgive or in some way significantly not as described, the risk of compounding the first disappointing experience is too high if you agree to a replacement. Hence asking for a full refund (rather than agreeing to a replacement) is probably your best course. Bear in mind that under eBay's MBG the full cost of your purchase (including postage to you) is probably covered.

But also bear in mind that neither eBay's Money Back Guarantee nor PayPal's Buyer Protection are to serve as a warranty. That is neither their purpose nor how the process works. With anything electrical or electronic, I consider the potentially catastrophic and even lethal consequences of sub-standard manufacture and not being made to Australian standards a reason absolutely not to buy such items from eBay Chinese sellers. I'm glad that it didn't turn out worse for you in those terms than a going up in smoke situation.

PRACTICAL ADVICE: Exactly as imastawka and kopenhagen have said, you probably still have time to open a claim for a full refund in PayPal. Check links for details - esp. link 7.