How can I make eBay aware of a seller who reneges on warranty?

[s.nej]

I bought an inverter on eBay ($600) which died after 4 weeks. The seller asked for photos of the failed components, which I duely sent, and then there was just silence for weeks despite several messages from myself. Since the eBay resolution process does not deal with purchases more than 60 days old and the seller just let me hanging well after that time limit, I turned to PayPal in desperation. They contacted the seller who then insisted on the item being returned to China (>$200 shipping) even though the item was advertised as being located in NSW, Australia.

Obviously the seller has never had any intention of honouring their advertised 1 year warranty.

I would like to make eBay aware of this seller and their false advertising, both location and warranty, but I cannot find anywhere to do that. Any hints would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance, Jen

[sandypebbles]

If the seller is not registered in Australia, and /or they are not an authorised seller or re-seller of the brand, there is no warranty (no matter what the listing says)

This is the case with every and all items

[tazzieterror]

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@s.nej wrote:

I bought an inverter on eBay ($600) which died after 4 weeks. The seller asked for photos of the failed components, which I duely sent, and then there was just silence for weeks despite several messages from myself. Since the eBay resolution process does not deal with purchases more than 60 days old and the seller just let me hanging well after that time limit, I turned to PayPal in desperation. They contacted the seller who then insisted on the item being returned to China (>$200 shipping) even though the item was advertised as being located in NSW, Australia.

Obviously the seller has never had any intention of honouring their advertised 1 year warranty.

I would like to make eBay aware of this seller and their false advertising, both location and warranty, but I cannot find anywhere to do that. Any hints would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance, Jen

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Did PayPal say anything about the the seller's request to have the item sent to China despite being delivered from an Australian address?

[offroad7400]

The pitfalls of buying expensive electronics from Chinese sellers. No doubt a seller using a Consolidation service for 'local' delivery. <$600> what were you thinking...

[audistarelectronics]

Just go for the throat on this one, item not as described should get the ball rolling. If they want it returned to China, they will have to cough up, which they wont. Probably build 10 units for that cost. If the listing stated item was to be shipped from Aust, you will win the case. They are just stalling you to wait out the timeframe for a dispute to end, don't fall for that one. Go hard, go now.

[4channel]

Yes, what you say is probably the best way to go. Getting caught in the stalling game caan happen when there are distractions. Good reminder too thanks. I have to take care of something myself.

[s.nej]

They said it was unfortunate but there's nothing they can do about that since they only deal with the payment side of things

[countessalmirena]

Contact PayPal and explain that you purchased on the basis of the item location being in Australia.

Explain that the cost of returning the item is not commensurate with the cost of the item.

Ask that you be excused from returning the item, as the seller misled you about where the item was located (and hence to where the item should be returned in the event of a problem).

If the communication is still not leaning towards a discretionary refund on the basis outlined above, you may want to mention (but very politely) that your next step would then need to be the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (formerly FOS - i.e., Financial Ombudsman). But you cannot do this before going through the required steps with PayPal. Quoting from another post:

❝Complaint to Australian Financial Complaints Authority (formerly FOS).

Finally, another option is to make a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) (formerly the Financial Ombdusman Serivce (FOS). You should only start such a complaint if you've tried and failed to achieve a resolution through PayPal or whatever financial institution was involved in the transaction. (They will ask you about this!)

You can read more about contacting PayPal before making a complaint with AFCA in this post. (Please keep in mind that where I referred to the FOS/Financial Ombudsman, that is now AFCA - as of the beginning of November 2018.)❞

However, it is best if you can reach a resolution by contacting PayPal. It's a pain that their phones are not currently manned (COVID-19 restrictions). However...

      Re contacting PayPal...

You can message PayPal. It's a little convoluted to get to the right screen; you need to log in to PayPal, then use the contact link (direct link is https://www.paypal.com/au/smarthelp/contact-us).

Then head to the bottom of the screen, and click onto the Message Us link.

   

    Message us

    It's like texting, send us a note!

A message text box will pop up (bottom right of your screen).