Ebay Help-Not as Described..

[Rocko99991]

I recently bought Macbook Pro listed as 'Perfect Mint' condition. It was far from mint as you can see in the pictures. Dents, scratches, filthy. I contacted them about the condition and returning it and they said it shouldn't be a problem if the package got there within 5 days. That made me nervous. I requested a return using ebays return option including pictures. They responded saying they won't accept the return as the laptop works fine.

What is the best thing to do now? Can I escalate this or do I have to wait 4 days until ebay will step in?

Now the seller is claiming the condition of the laptop 'doesn't match their records'.

Pictures of said MBP
https://imgur.com/a/iycMe7e

 

[D.T.]

Not mint by any stretch, do you have access to the original listing? Did the listing have photos? How did you pay? You can also fall back to that as a possible resolution (assuming PayPal).

 

[Rocko99991]

Not mint by any stretch, do you have access to the original listing? Did the listing have photos? How did you pay? You can also fall back to that as a possible resolution (assuming PayPal).

Yes, I have original listing. Pictures were stock and then some blurry pics they added later.

Title

2013 Retina MacBook Pro 13" i5 4GB 128GB SSD - Perfect Mint Condition w/ Box
2013 Macbook Pro 13" Includes Original Box with all cables and inserts. MINT CONDITION

Battery has only 118 cycles on it! i5, 2.4GHz, turbo to 2.9GHz 4gb RAM 128 GB DETAILS Intel Core i5 2.4GHz 64-bit (with Turbo Boost to 2.9GHz, Haswell) 13.3-inch LED-backlit Retina Display with IPS Technology (2560 by 1600) Intel Iris 5100 Graphics macOS 10.12 Sierra (Free upgrade to macOS 10.13 High Sierra) AirPort (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0 Full size Back-lit Keyboard (US QWERTY) Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, HDMI and SD Card slot 71.8-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (up to 9 hours of wireless web and 30 days standby time) Genuine Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adaptor Includes original power charger in perfect condition. Great laptop

Condition: Seller refurbished :
Seller Notes: “Item will arrive in like new condition (very lightly used). Includes original box, paperwork, and charger w/ extension cable.

 

[D.T.]

I'd say you have a pretty solid set of evidence, now it's just about how to proceed.

Not quite following this:

Now the seller is claiming the condition of the laptop 'doesn't match their records'.

It's good you got photos ASAP, you're not looking for anything free, just a refund for merch that was clearly not as advertised. You can tell that's damaged that occured over a long period as well, it's not like you got a mint laptop and dropped it breaking the display, it's beat up all over.

 

[arkitect]

Yes, I have original listing. Pictures were stock and then some blurry pics they added later.

A bit late now, but alarm bells right there.
Never trust anyone who won't put up photos of the actual item. And if they can't provide clear and unambiguous photos when asked, then walk away.

Now, from my experience eBay mostly side with the buyer. Just keep pushing. You have a strong case that you have been defrauded.
Be polite — no matter how frustrated you are — be polite to both the seller and eBay reps and ask for transcripts of any online conversations you have with eBay.

Also, how did you pay? PayPal? Get them involved as well. Credit card? Bank?

Good luck!

 

[D.T.]

A bit late now, but alarm bells right there.
Never trust anyone who won't put up photos of the actual item. And if they can't provide clear and unambiguous photos when asked, then walk away.

Absolutely, I use photos as a gauge of the validity of the item and seller - people who use current, well photographed pics of the item, are likely a more consciousness seller - and I've had a few interactions where I requested some additional photo (different angle, shot of the model number for clarification), and excellent sellers respond quickly.

 

[Rocko99991]

A bit late now, but alarm bells right there.
Never trust anyone who won't put up photos of the actual item. And if they can't provide clear and unambiguous photos when asked, then walk away.

Now, from my experience eBay mostly side with the buyer. Just keep pushing. You have a strong case that you have been defrauded.
Be polite — no matter how frustrated you are — be polite to both the seller and eBay reps and ask for transcripts of any online conversations you have with eBay.

Also, how did you pay? PayPal? Get them involved as well. Credit card? Bank?

Good luck!

I paid via Paypal with credit card.

I do have their message that they originally said they would take the return. When I started the process via the Return Item option they changed their tune.

 

[velocityg4]

I'd just escalate with eBay and Paypal. Once a seller has proven themselves to be dishonest. I'd get everyone involved. Opening a dispute hurts their reputation with eBay. Too many people file complaints over a certain period of time and their account can be suspended.

I'd also leave a negative review.. Something like "Nothing like described, banged up not like new. Had to escalate return."

Given their skullduggery. I'd only return it signature required. I'd also argue for return shipping costs. Although that's up to eBay.

 

[Rocko99991]

I'd just escalate with eBay and Paypal. Once a seller has proven themselves to be dishonest. I'd get everyone involved. Opening a dispute hurts their reputation with eBay. Too many people file complaints over a certain period of time and their account can be suspended.

I'd also leave a negative review.. Something like "Nothing like described, banged up not like new. Had to escalate return."

Given their skullduggery. I'd only return it signature required. I'd also argue for return shipping costs. Although that's up to eBay.

Thanks. I would want it insured as well. Not putting it past them to say box was empty.

 

[Rocko99991]

The seller keeps responding on the return section with 'it's fine, micro scratches, nothing warranting a return' but he is messaging me saying return it to this address-which is not the one shipped from. It's in another state. Very fishy.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The seller keeps responding on the return section with 'it's fine, micro scratches, nothing warranting a return' but he is messaging me saying return it to this address-which is not the one shipped from. It's in another state. Very fishy.

Do not return the item to anywhere other than the official and confirmed PayPal address of the sender. And make sure you send it registered mail so that you can get a signed confirmation of delivery. You can even stipulate that only the intended receiver can sign for the package.

Take pictures of the Mac before you box it, as you are putting it in the box, and after you seal it.

Above all else, protect yourself.

Edited to add: In the future, video high dollar package arrivals and openings. You never know when you may need such evidence.

 

[Rocko99991]

Do not return the item to anywhere other than the official and confirmed PayPal address of the sender. And make sure you send it registered mail so that you can get a signed confirmation of delivery. You can even stipulate that only the intended receiver can sign for the package.

Take pictures of the Mac before you box it, as you are putting it in the box, and after you seal it.

Above all else, protect yourself.

Edited to add: In the future, video high dollar package arrivals and openings. You never know when you may need such evidence.

Good points. I am not shipping it anywhere unless it's confirmed paypal.
Does ebay make the seller pay for return shipping?

 

[curmudgeonette]

Does ebay make the seller pay for return shipping?

Two/three years ago the situation was that if you requested a return, eBay/PayPal would send you a shipping label to use on the return. I believe the seller would be charged for it. You however had no choice on what type of shipping to use - you couldn't add insurance or signature requirements. Once the tracking showed the item to have been mailed and enough time had elapsed for the item to be delivered, you could then request eBay to force the refund - if the item got lost (or if the seller refused the package!), you could still get a refund. There was time limit to start the process, but that may have been extended to a very long time (roughly matching the credit card chargeback limit.)

I don't know what situation is today...

 

[Huntn]

Yes, I have original listing. Pictures were stock and then some blurry pics they added later.

Title

2013 Retina MacBook Pro 13" i5 4GB 128GB SSD - Perfect Mint Condition w/ Box
2013 Macbook Pro 13" Includes Original Box with all cables and inserts. MINT CONDITION

Battery has only 118 cycles on it! i5, 2.4GHz, turbo to 2.9GHz 4gb RAM 128 GB DETAILS Intel Core i5 2.4GHz 64-bit (with Turbo Boost to 2.9GHz, Haswell) 13.3-inch LED-backlit Retina Display with IPS Technology (2560 by 1600) Intel Iris 5100 Graphics macOS 10.12 Sierra (Free upgrade to macOS 10.13 High Sierra) AirPort (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0 Full size Back-lit Keyboard (US QWERTY) Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, HDMI and SD Card slot 71.8-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery (up to 9 hours of wireless web and 30 days standby time) Genuine Apple 60W MagSafe 2 Power Adaptor Includes original power charger in perfect condition. Great laptop

Condition: Seller refurbished :
Seller Notes: “Item will arrive in like new condition (very lightly used). Includes original box, paperwork, and charger w/ extension cable.

Dispute it. Ebay tends to be buyer centric. Saying that something is mint with stock picture, then blurry pictures added, is suspect. Looking at the picture it should have said used with some dings and scratches on the case, not mint, which is false advertising. Be sure to say a blurry picture was added after the sale.

 

[Rocko99991]

Ebay sided with me and said to ship it back. Now the question. Use their free shipping or pay for it myself insured with signature required?

 

[maflynn]

or pay for it myself insured with signature required?

You're responsible for the well being of the laptop. If you don't insure it and/or require signature, what's to stop them from saying they never go it? You'll be on the hook financially at that point

 

[Rocko99991]

You're responsible for the well being of the laptop. If you don't insure it and/or require signature, what's to stop them from saying they never go it? You'll be on the hook financially at that point

I understand that. If there was shipping issue with the eBay shipping method would I still have to deal with that?

 

[Huntn]

Ebay sided with me and said to ship it back. Now the question. Use their free shipping or pay for it myself insured with signature required?

Insure it, with tracking number or better yet, get a signature. Yes it may cost you $30, but better than eating a computer. The interesting thing is that insurance can be an illusion. The post office wants proof of value to pay out, which can be illusive for certain items. With a certain year computer, and a receipt, this maybe enough.

It’s been a while, I don’t remember who pays for return shipping in a case like this.

 

[Ifti]

I think the eBay shipping includes tracking - it has every time I have used it?

Is the seller a private or business seller on eBay? If he is registered as a business seller he is legally obliged to accept a return within 14 days (at least thats how it works in the UK). If he is private he does not have to accept a 'change of mind' return, but if the item is not as described he must accept the return whether he wants to or not.

DO NOT send it anywhere other then where eBay have informed you to send - print the eBay returns label and use that address, nothing else. If you use another the seller will receive the item but will inform eBay that it has not arrived, and you will have no proof that the item was returned (eBay will not accept any other address other then what they hold on their systems). Hence you will lose the item AND your money.

You have nothing to worry about. Return the item as instructed above and the seller will have to refund you. If they do not eBay will step in and side in your favour - eBay is a buyers market after all.

If worst comes to it, you paid with a credit card (irrespective of whether it was via PayPal or not) so can always file a chargeback via your card company. A few extra hoops to jump through, but as a buyer you are well protected. The seller hasn't a leg to stand on.

 

[44267547]

To me, eBay and [Used] Apple products simply don’t mix. This is why I don’t purchase anything used with Apple products off of eBay. I’m sure there are more successful ratio sales than there are fraudulent sales, but it’s situations like these expressed from the OP why I avoid purchasing anything used off the internet. It works better to my situation if I purchase from somebody I directly know or just new in the box. Regardless, always make sure you do your homework before purchasing from a buyer off the Internet as much as you can, and always cover yourself as much as you can with expensive items like this with well executed tips listed from BasicGreatGuy in Post #11. But I also have a complete understanding that even using as much cautionary as possible with due diligence when it comes to purchasing used Off sites like eBay, sometimes there are things that are out of control that we can’t always prevent from happening, its just the risk you take when purchasing used products from a complete stranger.

 

[curmudgeonette]

Ebay sided with me and said to ship it back. Now the question. Use their free shipping or pay for it myself insured with signature required?

Use eBay's free shipping. If you use some other method, the seller can claim you never sent it because eBay's shipping label wasn't used.

As I mentioned above, once you use eBay's return shipping, it doesn't matter if the item makes it back to the seller. It simply has to start the return journey!

(Some stupid sellers refuse the return package when it arrives. This makes it bounce back to you. The seller thinks that they won't have to pay because they never "received" the item. This is wrong - once eBay sees the return tracking activate, you can get your money back.)

 

[Rocko99991]

Update:Refund received. Used ebays label.

What an ordeal. Thanks for the tips everyone.

 

[Huntn]

Update:Refund received. Used ebays label.

What an ordeal. Thanks for the tips everyone.

As I think I previously said, I have sold 4 Mac laptops on eBay without issue. Yet, not sure I would do that today as I’ve read, some sales go sideways.