Not as Described Scam

[doug93003]

I recently sold a used item described in great condition through Ebay . The buyer issued prompt payment, and I had the item professionally boxed and shipped. I did purchase insurance for the item. The buyer picked up the item in route at one of the UPS terminals instead of waiting for delivery.

The buyer was supposed to pay me for shipping through paypal once the item arrived. Today I received an email from the buyer saying that he isn;t going to pay me for shipping, the item is not as described and arrived filthy and damaged. It was shipped UPS and I purchased insurance for the item. He states he is going to file a dispute through paypal, issue negative feedback on ebay if I don't paypal him 200 dollars right away to cover the damage.

I suspect I am being scammed by a buyer that is trying to get some money out of me. We also had a seperate agreement that he pay for shipping through paypal, which he never did. Paypal hasn't released my money and I suspect that they won't if I refuse his demands and he files a complaint.

What can I do?

[DPCreations]

It seems that your private agreement has caused problems.  PayPal is not going to enforce any separate agreement.  PayPal will enforce it's policies.

As far a PayPal is concerned there is no obligation for the buyer to pay extra for shipping.  You accepted to ship based on the payment collected, that would not be disputed.

Someone with eBay experience can respond to the eBay policies and protection.

What is the product?

Does online tracking show that the buyer got the item?

Buyer can file a significantly not as described case with PayPal and might win, but would need to pay for return shipping with tracking before being granted a refund.

If buyer paid with credit card buyer will have other options.

[doug93003]

At this point I'm willing to eat the shipping. I just want it to be over with.

I suspect the buyer either damaged the unit when he picked it up from the UPS termial instead of having it delivered or damaged it himself when he tried to assemble it. 

It was a bicycle that was professionally packaged and shipped. 

Tracking number does show that he picked up the item in transit at a facility prior to scheduled delivery, but clearly says delivered.

Item was sold as used.

His claim is that it is dirty and there are scratches on the paint.

He said he can get it restored for 200 dollars.

Is paypal going to just accept the buyers word and refund his money?

[DPCreations]

If buyer files a not as described dispute you will have a chance to provide all your supporting documents and the buyer will provide documents.  When possible the dispute must be escalated to a claim  At that point PayPal will decide which party is likely telling the truth.  If the buyer prevails the buyer must pay for return shipping with tracking.  Upon return the buyer will be granted a refund.  You then hae a chance to appeal.  It's a long process.

Don't jump to any conclusions that cost you money.

The buyer may also go thorugh eBay if that's where it was purchased.

[Whac-A-Mole]

so this is an Ebay transaction and extortion from buyer is frowned upon by Ebay,so this would be a piece of evidence his negative feedback would be removed if you report him.

now as for shipping,you are supposed to collect it before you ship,not after you ship,so you can kiss that money goodbye.

as for filing dispute of item not as described,if he does that on Ebay,you pay return shipping,if he files on paypal,he pays return shipping.

Tell him the shipment is insured and if needed be,hold on to everything while you notify shipper,they may want to look at the item before settling claim.

What is the item,I suspect he is try to scam you ,tell him you will contact UPS and get ready to co-operate.

if he files a case,then ask him to return the item,not much else you can do.

[doug93003]

It really feel slike that if a buyer gets buyers remorse, or finds an item cheaper the seller has no rights through paypal and will have his money tied up and ultimately refunded.

[DPCreations]

Not remorse; it needs to meet the PayPal criteria for "significantly not as described". https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/useragreement-full#purchase-protection

Here's what you get for seller protion: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/useragreement-full#seller-protection

[Whac-A-Mole]

so it is a bicycle,if he files with Paypal,Paypal will ask him to return the bicycle on his dime and then refund him once tracking shows delivered.

IF he files on Ebay,then you pay return shipping/if he files with his cc issuer,then Paypal will have to present you case to his cc issuer to decide,if this is done right,he would have to return the bicycle on his dime,sometimes the buyer gets to keep the item and the money.

But it sounds like extortion to me,he likes the bicycle,but it would be nice if he can have it for $200 less and free shipping,and I doubt if there is damage and dirt,and he sure does not want UPS to come and take a look.

It is up to you to call his bluff or ??

[Whac-A-Mole]

you can only wish he will open a case on Paypal,Paypal will ask him to return the bicycle which he is too cheap to pay return shipping,he would do nothing and then case will closed and money will be returned to you.

Some Ebay buyers lost their ebay buyer protection or file too many cases that they risk being thrown out of Ebay,so they can only file with Paypal or credit card,only Ebay knows your buyer !

[DPCreations]

Knowledge of how the systems work is your best ally.  The party with the most knowledge has the best chance.

@Whac-A-Mole is your expert for eBay transactions.