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Original poster

Feeling sad that I have got "stung" on ebay - how do I get my money back?

15 replies

lisalisa · 20/12/2011 18:11

I paid for an item that I won on ebay on November 29th. After I paid I noticed that the posting time was exceptionally long at 12 working days estimated arrival time but thought oh well, maybe she's abroad , can't get out much etc. Settled down to wait for item to arrive......

After about a week I got a bit jittery and sent her an email reiterating what a lovely item it was and wondering if there was any way it could be sent a bit earlier than the listing said.

I received no reply.

After another week went by ( this was now 12 december) I sent another email asking if my item had been posted yet - it was supposed to arrive 14 - 15 December. Again no response.

I thikn by now I guessed that my item was not going to arrive. The Seller only has 3 feedback rating. That should perhpas have rung alarm bells other than the fact that I am new on ebay myself and have only just started buying and selling.

Ebay told me I can only start a case today which I have done. I have just worked out that the 21 day period that paypal hold on to the money for with new sellers expired a few days ago so they will have released it to her account. Does that mean paypal won't refund me?

Is it better to start a dispute on ebay or paypal or both ? Ebay say I must wait 4 days now I have opened a case to see how the seller responds. Obviously I doubt she will respond as she hasn't responded to my emails.

I just want my money back and feel very sad that in only 4 or so weeks of ebaying I have got caught like this

OP posts:
fergoose · 20/12/2011 18:37

If you have opened an eBay case just escalate when you can and you will get your money back

there is no need to open a case with both

And make sure you leave neg feedback for the seller to warn other buyers

Don't lose heart though - there are some bad eBayers - but please don't be put off

Original poster
lisalisa · 20/12/2011 18:40

Thanks fergoose _ I have just worked out that where paypal hold on to a seller's money for 21 days if you are new ( I know this as I am new and having my selling money held onto too) the 21 days for her are just up and I couldn't opena case before. She must have worked that out very cleverly. That doesn't affect me getting a refund does it?

OP posts:
fergoose · 20/12/2011 18:48

No it doesn't affect you at all - don't worry. If the seller has withdrawn the money to her bank Paypal will refund you and then chase her for the balance.

Original poster
lisalisa · 20/12/2011 18:59

Thanks v much

OP posts:
squeakytoy · 21/12/2011 12:13

Is it possible she has hung onto the item because she hadnt received the money?

Original poster
lisalisa · 21/12/2011 22:28

Ho wcan she not have received the money as it was sent by paypal on 29 November? Also if that were the case surely she would have replied. Any how I think I can up the case by friday which I will do as just want my money bakc - sour taste left.

OP posts:
TheMonster · 21/12/2011 22:30

Fergoose, I thought that if a seller's PP account was empty then Paypal wouldn't refund.

fergoose · 21/12/2011 22:37

BodyOfEeyore - no that used to be the case but now Paypal will refund the buyer and if necessary put the seller's account in the red, and then chase the seller for the money.

FabbyChic · 21/12/2011 23:04

Its been over five years since it mattered what a seller had in their PayPal account.

The only way the seller would not have received the money is if they had had the wrong email address on the listing, and then the buyer would have had the option to cancel the payment thus not be chasing for a refund.

TheMonster · 21/12/2011 23:18

Oh right. I'm glad it has changed.

Millicano · 21/12/2011 23:26

do you think this is why she says delivery will be 12 days, so she ensures she gets the money well before you are worried about where your item is? She will then have transferred it into a bank account. /what was her other feedback?

fergoose · 21/12/2011 23:32

I think she is just a rubbish seller - I thought sellers had to post items within 7 days anyway? A buyer does have 45 days to make a claim so even if you waited the 12 days you still have plenty of time to start a not received dispute.

Lisalisa I hope you leave suitable negative feedback too.

Original poster
lisalisa · 22/12/2011 20:01

I haven't left any feedback at all yet. I just want my money back first safe and sound. Despite what you all say - and I can see from these boards fergoose that you are particularly knowledgeale about ebay - I remain nervous as the 21 day delivery period is exactly that before a new seller gets the money transferred by paypal and I think it beyond coincidnece that the time periods are the same. She only had 2 or 3 feedback so obviously not a seller or even an ebayer at all - just a scammer!!!

OP posts:
fergoose · 22/12/2011 20:33

the 21 day hold will have no effect on you getting your refund, so please don't worry

Has she sold anything else since or had or left any feedback since your transaction?

It is a pain waiting to escalate I know, but you will get your money back.

Original poster
lisalisa · 24/12/2011 20:04

Fergoose - no she hasn't sold anything or left any feedback. Can't escalate till 29th december

OP posts:
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