I bought a fake, what next?

[BlackGirlAndRobin]

I feel like a complete idiot! Bought a pair of new biker boots for £200 from Ebay. They arrived this morning but on closer inspection they don't seem genuine.

I have three pairs of the same branded boots in different styles so I know what they should be like. There's no branding on the zips or inside the boots. And the leather doesn't look and feel right. The stitching is also off.

I contacted the seller this morning but no response yet. Looking online it seems I have to pay to get the brand to authenticate the item before I get a refund. Is this right? Has anyone else had a similar problem?

No you don't have to get them authenticated as counterfeit to get a refund.

Wait and see if the seller will willingly accept them back for a full refund and provide a pre paid postage label.

If they drag their heels, then just open a case and select that the item is counterfeit when you're asked for a reason. eBay will decide in your favour and provide you with a pre paid label to return for a full refund.

If you get a letter from an authorised dealer confirming the item is fake and upload it when you open the case, then eBay may well tell you to destroy the boots rather than return them, and still refund. But it's up to you if you can be bothered doing that or not.

PS if you do choose the latter, you shouldn't have to pay anything but to get he manufacturer to cobfrirm they're fake.

Ok, thanks. I'll wait and see what the seller says although I'm not holding my breath. It looks like they have lots of sales but also plenty of negative & neutral feedback. I'd rather not return especially if I have to pay postage and the seller imposes a 15% restocking fee on returns. Surely I shouldn't be penalised for sending something back that's not as described? Argh!

You shouldn't have to pay return postage (if the seller won't provide a pre paid label, open a case and ebay will provide one) and the "restocking fee" is BS. You'll get a full refund.

Give the seller 24 hours to respond. If no answer, then open a case.