Item not received, paid online not via paypal

[shufflebum]

I bought a pair of boots 10 days ago from eBay, asked seller if I could pay via bank transfer as I had messed up my paypal password and blocked my account. That was all okayed so I did the transfer, postage was free to me but signed for Royal Mail on the listing.
I contacted the seller a few days after payment to ask if they'd been dispatched, they said they had but they hadn't noted it on eBay. Since then I've heard nothing, no replies to messages. Their feedback is okay but not great, can I open an eBay case? really hoping I haven't lost £160 :-(

You've left yourself completely wide open by paying that way sadly.

you dont really have any comeback tbh as ebay only covers you for payments made via paypal

I had a feeling that was the case, bugger. Is it even worth contacting eBay as I have messages from him to say he's received the money and has dispatched the boots?

Ask for the tracking number - 1st signed for would be next day delivery normally. Unfortunately ebay won't be interested as you didn't complete checkout. If you paid £160 seller would need extra insurance than 1st class signed which would not cover that much. Seller is therefore very unlikely to be much help either in refunding you if boots don't arrive. If you have tracking number (hopefully it's a real one) you might be able to ask Royal Mail about the item.

Definitely worth giving ebay a call though. They can see all your messages and will be able to see that the seller admits that they've had the money. Worth a shot.

all you can do is find their address and take them to small claims court. You have their name and know the region they live in?

First class postage would not be adequately insured for an item of that amount anyway.

Thanks all, it's worth a shot.

If you are in this position again you can pay via paypal without logging into your paypal account. You just use paypal as a platform to use your credit/debit card.

I would however call ebay, If this person has done this to others it will be logged.

And do neg and leave low stars now.

Looks like you've been had. Sorry. As someone has suggested, request their contact details from eBay and try to call them. If no luck, open a case, if still no luck (eBay can't enforce a refund as you didn't pay via paypal), then I would do as someone else has suggested, and raise a moneyclaim online pre small claims. It costs £50 but I can't see you losing (seller will have to pay costs too) as you have the ebay messages and details of the bank transfer.

£160 is a lot of money to lose to a scammer. Don't take it lying down Good luck and let us know how you get on. .