Gutted and need help :(

[pickapresent13]

Hi All

I recently put my trust in someone, and sold some stuff on their behalf to help them out. I was advised by them that all items had been posted, and I transferred the payments over to them (via withdrawing from Paypal to my account, then bank transfer to theirs).

Recently, it has become apparent that the items were infact not posted, and people have been putting in Paypal disputes, and in some instances going straight ahead and leaving negative feedback. I take full responsibility as it was me that listed and sold the items on my eBay account, and have started refunding money to people, and contacting everyone letting them know what has happened. Unfortunately as it was well over $1000 that I have effectively "given away" to this person, as well as eBay fees, its left me in a predicament that I have been unable to pay my eBay fees, and risk being de-registered by eBay in the next few days. Bottom line is, I need to be able to continue selling, in able to pay thoes fees, and refund the money to people.

Any suggestions ? I know talking to eBay is the most important thing to do, and I will be ringing them this morning, just thoughtt someone might have ideas on the best way to go about it.

I don`t want to be de-registered, as then I have NO way of contacting and refunding the people that have paid for items they didn`t receive

[bjmonty28]

Wow, thats a sad lesson learned. Nobody should ever sell for others. Get them to do their own dirty work. Also, its illegal to sell something you dont own.

ebay is not going to be of help as they simply wont undesrtand.

it is more of a police matter.

[pickapresent13]

Yes I understand its a police matter, which I am following up on. My post here was more in regards to stopping the stem of flow of the Negatives I will/may receive, and also with regards to the account being de-activated

As for being illegal to sell something you don`t own, I doubt thats the case. Quite alot of account invoices from wholesalers have "remains the property of (insert name) until goods are paid for", but shops are obviously able to sell those goods before paying their monthly account. There is also "drop shipping" which is allowed by eBay, and essentially the person is selling something they don`t physically have in their possession, and then off course, there is the eBay "Trade Assistant" which is set up to sell on other peoples behalf. Which I have just signed up to become.

But yes, hard lesson learnt, one part of me says I was stupid, the other part says I put trust in that person in the same way 1000`s of people put trust in eBay sellers everyday by paying for goods before they receive them

[bjmonty28]

yes i can see what you mean. i dont know of any way to help reduce the number of negatives. I guess you have tried calling the buyers and letting them know? Even though you have refunded most of them or are refunding it is not nice for them to leave negatives.

[digital*ghost]

Wow, sorry to hear about this. 

The only thing I can suggest is (if you haven't already) to contact any remaining buyers that have not queried or disputed yet and let them know what is happening. Most will probably want an immediate refund, I know, but you could try negotiating a refund date that will give you some time to pay eBay and continue to trade, and at least they will be informed. 

Other than that, the only thing I can think of is whether it's possible or feasible to gain a short term loan, just to be able to get the most important things sorted and allow you to recover by continuing to trade. 

[haolove13]

With the change to ebay FVF as announced today it will not be much good selling on ebay anyway. It is unfortuneate with the problem you have experienced.

[ffrokk]

Hi, you poor thing. Last thing you need is a lecture, I'm sure you feel bad enough as it is. Definitely speak to ebay in person, contrary to some people's opinion of them they will be sympathetic, and be upfront about the whole situation, you don't know until you ask for help what they will do. Yes, I am speaking from personal experience. Also, make sure you follow up on feedback left for you, at least you can counter the comments already left by that one buyer (which only counts as 1 neg on your total score) and def communicate with the other buyers. An explanation with the promise of a full refund will almost certainly satisfy most,  As far as your financial situation is concerned, tricky, make sure you contact paypal as well by phone, communication is important as it puts more of a personal spin on things and most people will try and help out someone if asked. Good luck and I hope it resolves without too much more distress. xx

[*crikey*mate*]

I'm so sorry this has happened to you.

see your messages

[found-in-australia]

Quote: "Also, its illegal to sell something you dont own."

Selling on consignment for commission is not illegal, but there *may* be licensing requirements in some states.

I sold a bit on consignment in my early days of Ebay (and was previously an auctioneer by trade), but I don't feel it is viable to list for commission only on Ebay - others certainly see that differently, and have businesses based around doing so.

Two general recommendations when listing for somebody else:

Always have the item with you when listing so that you know that you are accurately describing it (and in the context of the problems that have arisen here - also so that you have control of what happens to the item).

Always handle the packing and shipping or delivery yourself, as it is your reputation and possibly your livelihood or credit rating that is on the line, on the transactions that you handle.