OT: First BAD eBay experience

[OSusannah]

It was bound to happen eventually, right? I purchased an AG item for $22 and paid with a money order. The auction is marked "payment received" by the seller but I received an email from him that he accidentally listed the item twice and would I want to substitute something else or get a refund. I chose the refund and have not heard from him again. That was 4 weeks ago.

I filed a dispute with eBay but seller has not responded and apparently eBay does nothing to the seller for stealing. And since it is only a $22 item, it isn't enough for their reimbursement program.

I keep telling myself that "at least it was only $22" and not a fake doll or something but it shouldn't be that way-grateful that I lost "only" $XX!

I am more saddened by the negative personal aspect than the monetary loss. [img]frown.gif[/img]

[alliesunshine]

So sorry. But at least you reported the seller.

[Mary Kate]

Did you happen to purchase the money order at the post office? If so, check into whether it can be considered "postal fraud" which is a federal offence. I have heard this is the case, but I haven't experienced it personally.

If it was a postal money order, just the thought of problems with the government may get the seller to do the right thing.

[OSusannah]

Yes, it was a postal money order. Even if nothing comes of it I will feel better if I can make the seller squirm a little. [img]graemlins/devil.gif[/img]

[AG Seamstress]

I'd request his personal info from Ebay, and give him a call.
I do believe it is postal fraud, because I understand that even if someone mails you a check that bounces, it's postal fraud since it went through the mail.
I've only had 2 bounced checks since I've been selling on Ebay, and I politely informed those buyers that I "think" it's considered postal fraud to mail a bad check, and received payment right away.
Always be sweet and polite, even though you're angry with them.

[Melissa*Olivia]

I rarely pay for auctions with a money order anymore -- I will only do it if the seller has really positive, really HIGH feedback. It's just too easy for people to take the money and run. Unfortunately, sometimes I have to pass on a very attractive auction because the seller only takes money orders (and doesn't have much feedback). I know that most of the sellers who don't accept PayPal mainly do so because they feel that PayPal's fees are too high, but I think that there are a select few out there who prefer money orders because there is no recourse for the buyer.

Sorry you had a bad experience. That did happen to me one time -- years ago I won a little set of Disney beanies for like $2. I sent a money order and never received anything (including a response from the seller). My guess was that she was unhappy with the ending price and decided it wasn't worth it to follow through. Fortunately it was for such a small amount, but it still made me mad!

[MapleLeaf]

I am so sorry to hear about this.
I did pay once by money order but now I prefer to use Paypal just in case something goes wrong.

Nia

[Janie3082]

Hubby doesn't like to use money orders on ebay, and I don't blame him. It's sort of like you're just sending out cash, and you don't really know what happens to it after you send it out. We prefer Paypal, and I don't even bid unless the seller accepts that. I, too have passed on some very wonderful looking AG items because the seller only takes money orders.

I am so sorry that you had a bad experience with ebay! I guess the good side to it is that it was a smallish amount of money, and you did report the seller. I hope the next time around is better for you. [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]

[American_Mommy]

This is so sad. [img]frown.gif[/img] I am sorry you are going through this.

I am glad it was such a small amount, but in some ways, that almost makes it seem worse.It seems like an amount of money that should be readily available for refund.

Once, my Hubby bought me a special gift from Ebay- My A.I. Teddy Bear.I LOVE my bear- A.I. the movie- Supertoy Teddy!

Anyhow, he paid a fair price for it, and weeks later it had not arrived.
When we called the people.Yes- called.They said they did not have the bear, and they had already spent the money. They asked if we could wait till payday for a refund.We said yes.

Over the next week, they came up with a Bear, though not MIB as the auction said. They asked how much we would be willing to give for one in mint condition, out of the box.They refunded the difference, and we recieved the bear.

It took a lot of talking, and they had good reasons for everything.There was just a HUGE lack of communication through email. A phone call did the trick.

We have had to call a couple of sellers and a buyer.We save it for very extreme cases, but if it comes to the point where someone is going to be looking at negative feedback, we call.

I hope things work out. I know how it can really crush your spirit to see someone behave like that. [img]frown.gif[/img]

[kymmy3]

I am nervous with money orders too. I was relieved when the post office told me they were traceable. Which means they can find out if, when and who cashed it.

Maybe they are just slow and will eventually get around to paying you back.