Dispute help with Seller

[2harves]

I have purchased an Iphone on Ebay Australia marked "Brand New". When delivered, it was found to be over 12 months old, modified and locked to USA company. Seller will refund my money but wants the phone back first.

I feel that the seller has been fradulent in the first place so i have asked for refund before i post back. He has refused.  Item has been confirmed by Apple store to be modified and locked and not usable in Australia.

As a 10 year seller on Ebay, i do not post items without payment so i feel that i am within my rights to ask for my refund before posting the item back.

I feel if item is posted back first, i will still be fighting to get my money.

Comments?

[digital*ghost]

The reason why you don't post items without payment is that it's almost impossible (or at least a very convoluted process), to get payment for an item the buyer already has - there's nothing to impel them to pay of their own will other than decency and honesty etc.

Sellers are in a similar situation when refunding for returns - without the product being received back first, all they are doing is giving over the money and crossing their fingers the buyer is honest. If they're not, the buyer has goods + money and the seller has nothing. So almost all sellers will require return before refunding - it's not to be taken personally.

I would not generally advise this with an obviously good, honest seller, but if you want peace of mind and paid with PayPal, open an Item Not As Described dispute. PayPal will provide you with a return address, you'll have to return  the item by registered mail and provide the documentation.

[davewil1964]

There's an echo in here.

Some things, ESPECIALLY iPhones, don't lend themselves to online purchasing.

Go to a REAL shop, buy a REAL phone and get a REAL warranty.

[leader-of-the-band]

you may have difficulty returning the phone as it has a battery and most likely is not permittted to be sent via Aust Post.

I got a discussion board posting violation a couple of weeks ago for saying something similar to dave, so I wont say it again.

[digital*ghost]

you may have difficulty returning the phone as it has a battery and most likely is not permittted to be sent via Aust Post.

You can post within Australia but the parcel has to go by road only. You wouldn't be able to post it overseas, but the seller is located in NSW.

[***super_nova***]

As a 10 year seller on Ebay, i do not post items without payment so i feel that i am within my rights to ask for my refund before posting the item back.

After 10 years you do not know the correct protocol for refunds?

Open PP dispute, escalate to claim, wait for the correct address to post to, send it registered.

Under no circumstances close the dispute unless you have your refund, regardless what the seller promises.

Once you provide PP with the proof of posting it back, they will refund you the original payment, but not the return postage.

[2106greencat]

I agree 'super' but OP states too much time has passed for claiming??

[2106greencat]

Ignore me 'super' and all others - replied to the wrong thread! Sorry :^O