eBay Unpaid Item Dispute for an item you've paid for.....

[pathshot]

I had one of the stranger eBay experiences I've had in a long time this morning.

I logged in, checked my email, and found a seller had filed 3 unpaid item disputes against me. This was for 3 items I paid for 2 weeks ago.

I was baffled. Paypal and eBay were more than aware that I had paid for these items, and made no attempt to block this error by the seller.

I immediately filed a Paypal dispute for an unreceived item. This helped the seller realize the error. They were only remotely apologetic, and offered nothing but a "Paypal didn't email me" explanation (possible, but unacceptable).

The biggest problem I have with this scenario is that the seller didn't bother to contact me prior to this dispute, and now they've really shot themselves in the foot with this. They have pristine eBay feedback, and they haven't offered anything in the way of sincerity to convince me not to leave them negative feedback. Even in the most forgiving scenario, they've still taken two weeks to ship an item after I've paid for it, and I have to ding their DSRs.

I *rarely* leave negative feedback, but given the hostile actions of this seller, do they deserve negative feedback? They've had a chance to make right, and chose not to.

-Michael

 

[mclean_m]

This has happened to me once before, and I was given the same excuse. Maybe the same seller?

You would think they would offer some type of compensation for the delay in shipping your cards and for the unwarranted disputes. I wouldn't necessarily call their actions "hostile", though. A neutral might be warranted.

 

[pathshot]

This has happened to me once before, and I was given the same excuse. Maybe the same seller?

You would think they would offer some type of compensation for the delay in shipping your cards and for the unwarranted disputes. I wouldn't necessarily call their actions "hostile", though. A neutral might be warranted.

I definitely don't want to leave negative feedback. As sellers, we'd love the chance to make right before getting negative feedback. It just plain doesn't look good to have them, and for most of my orders, I'd rather offer a full refund than see my feedback knocked around.

I consider it hostile because they're taking an unwarranted offensive action in the form of an unpaid item dispute without reviewing their own records.

-m.

 

[TanguayFan]

Why would you leave negative feedback? Just because he was less than completely apologetic after realizing his mistake? If he thinks you didn't pay for it, then why would he have shipped it? You complain that he didn't contact you before filing the NPB, yet you did the exact same thing by filing an item not received rather than contacting him.

There are more important things to get upset over that deserve negative feedback. Chalk this one up to a simple mistake, accept it, wait for your cards and move on.

 

[pathshot]

Why would you leave negative feedback? Just because he didn't suck up to you after realizing his mistake? If he thinks you didn't pay for it, then why would he have shipped it? You complain that he didn't contact you before filing the NPB, yet you did the exact same thing by filing an item not received rather than contacting him.

There are more important things to get upset over that deserve negative feedback. Chalk this one up to a simple mistake accept it, wait for your cards and move on.

I could care less about sucking up. An apology for an egregious error would be in line, though.

Yes, I retaliated, but I hardly think it's the same thing. He did it out of ignorance; I did it for self-preservation.

However, this is why I threw the question to the group in the first place - to see whether or not a negative feedback was warranted. This wasn't for the Holy Grail, or even a Monty Python DVD, and barely broke $20 for the three items.

Your feedback is appreciated, though. To most all sellers, a neutral is as bad as a negative, and I'm trying to avoid either.

-m.

 

[Burner]

You said the guy has a good reputation, why the hostility? Chalk it up as a mistake and move on. He quickly rescinded the NPB and caught the mistake. You eventually got your item. Why the neg?

Ding his DSR, no need for a negative if the item came as described.

The way I see it, if you get your item and it's as described, regardless of the situation, a negative is never warranted.

 

[pathshot]

You said the guy has a good reputation, why the hostility? Chalk it up as a mistake and move on. He quickly rescinded the NPB and caught the mistake. You eventually got your item. Why the neg?

Ding his DSR, no need for a negative if the item came as described.

The way I see it, if you get your item and it's as described, regardless of the situation, a negative is never warranted.

I haven't received the items yet. This took place this morning.

I think the best answer is, upon receipt, positive feedback - but making the shipping time and communication DSRs low.

-m.

 

[puckfan16]

I had one of the stranger eBay experiences I've had in a long time this morning.

I logged in, checked my email, and found a seller had filed 3 unpaid item disputes against me. This was for 3 items I paid for 2 weeks ago.

I was baffled. Paypal and eBay were more than aware that I had paid for these items, and made no attempt to block this error by the seller.

I immediately filed a Paypal dispute for an unreceived item. This helped the seller realize the error. They were only remotely apologetic, and offered nothing but a "Paypal didn't email me" explanation (possible, but unacceptable).

The biggest problem I have with this scenario is that the seller didn't bother to contact me prior to this dispute, and now they've really shot themselves in the foot with this. They have pristine eBay feedback, and they haven't offered anything in the way of sincerity to convince me not to leave them negative feedback. Even in the most forgiving scenario, they've still taken two weeks to ship an item after I've paid for it, and I have to ding their DSRs.

I *rarely* leave negative feedback, but given the hostile actions of this seller, do they deserve negative feedback? They've had a chance to make right, and chose not to.

-Michael

I'm not sure I would call the sellers actions "hostile".
We sell on eBay and after 7 days (as described in our listings) we will file an unpaid item dispute through eBay as a reminder to the buyer that we haven't received payment. 99 times out of 100 the buyer makes payment after the reminder and everyone is happy, but that 1 time out of 100 is a missing email from paypal and/or a clerical mistake on our end. Just because the seller didn't grovel and beg for your forgiveness doesn't mean it wasn't an honest mistake. Ding the DSR's if you feel it's necessary but their pristine feedback would indicate that it wasn't intentional wouldn't it?
Everyone wants their pound of flesh these days....

 

[dahabsfan]

I'd honestly mark this one up to Paypal error. I can't tell you how many payment notification emails I haven't received from Paypal lately even though payment was made. I rarely (if ever) log in to Paypal to do my shipping - I've always much prefered pulling the info out of their notification emails and can understand this could have happened. As far as contacting someone through ebay - it isn't much better tons of emails seem to just disappear through their forwarding system.

 

[pathshot]

I'm not sure I would call the sellers actions "hostile".
We sell on eBay and after 7 days (as described in our listings) we will file an unpaid item dispute through eBay as a reminder to the buyer that we haven't received payment. 99 times out of 100 the buyer makes payment after the reminder and everyone is happy, but that 1 time out of 100 is a missing email from paypal and/or a clerical mistake on our end. Just because the seller didn't grovel and beg for your forgiveness doesn't mean it wasn't an honest mistake. Ding the DSR's if you feel it's necessary but their pristine feedback would indicate that it wasn't intentional wouldn't it?
Everyone wants their pound of flesh these days....

It appeared hostile to me. It's entirely possible that wasn't the intent. I'm not questioning whether or not it was an honest mistake.

eBay's Selling Manager has kept me from ever making that mistake. It's not to say I won't, I just haven't yet. I've just never had it happen that I didn't know when a payment came in and what it was for.

I'm not sure what it is in my post that suggests I'm asking for the world from this seller. "Making good" would be an apology. Doing the right thing could include expedited shipping.

What's so wrong with wanting people to take responsibility for their actions?

-m.

 

[pathshot]

I'd honestly mark this one up to Paypal error. I can't tell you how many payment notification emails I haven't received from Paypal lately even though payment was made. I rarely (if ever) log in to Paypal to do my shipping - I've always much prefered pulling the info out of their notification emails and can understand this could have happened. As far as contacting someone through ebay - it isn't much better tons of emails seem to just disappear through their forwarding system.

It probably is this simple. e-mail is a tough thing to audit, and I'm sure eBay's black hole is as large as any. That said, have you ever gotten a payment you couldn't account for? Payments made through Paypal for eBay items are linked right back to the items.

Personally, I do use Paypal for my shipping domestically. It makes sense stateside; I have no idea if it's beneficial on any level in Canada. We get inexpensive or free delivery confirmation, depending on the shipping method.

They're using "eBay Blackthorne" to do their eBay listings and emails, and I think that might be the cause of the problem. This wouldn't be the first seller I've dealt with who has done something stupid because of this software.

-m.

 

[Triple B]

Judging by your responses to others, I think you already have your mind made up as to what you want to do. If you don't receive your items or if they come in crap condition, then you leave a negative. Otherwise just leave positive with some mention and move on.

 

[hawkeenut]

I think it was an honest mistake. I know I've sold and paypal has missed 1 or 2 emails. One time I contacted a buyer and he said he had already paid, I checked my records and he was right. I appologized and sent the card out the next day, unfortunately crossing the border it got delayed and he got the card but still left me a Neutral. I guess it's up to you, but remember STUFF happens!! Just my 2 cents!! Dan

 

[carlyazfan]

I never depend on PayPal to confirm when a buyer has paid for an item of mine. I use "My eBay Items Sold" section for that. Sounds like this seller didn't double-check his records before filing the NPBs. I would agree with you on leaving a positive (providing the cards arrive in as described condition and were mailed promptly after he realized you had paid for them) but downgrading your DSR ratings on him. The bottom line is receiving the cards, no matter what transpired leading up to that eventual conclusion.

Dave.

 

[yakacack]

A guy with 7400+ feedback and a 100%...I'd guess this was an error in the system and isnt worth getting worked up over. Definitely dont see how a neg or even a neutral would be warranted, just low marks elsewhere if its what you want to do. As said above though, youve made your mind up with being so willing to counter any argument opposed to your desire for an apology or for the guy to make it right so this wont change your mind either I'm sure. Hope the cards show up sooner than later.

 

[Harris Sports Cards]

I'd honestly mark this one up to Paypal error. I can't tell you how many payment notification emails I haven't received from Paypal lately even though payment was made. I rarely (if ever) log in to Paypal to do my shipping - I've always much prefered pulling the info out of their notification emails and can understand this could have happened. As far as contacting someone through ebay - it isn't much better tons of emails seem to just disappear through their forwarding system.

I couldnt agree more with this post. I have had several customers pay via paypal and the paypal notification never gets sent to me or I never receive it. I also go off of the notification email to ship, its just easier that way.

I actually had this exact thing happen to me recently, as the seller. I filed an NPB and quickly got an email saying they had already paid. I checked paypal and sure enough, the payment was there. The customer was very nice and accepted the error with no problem whatsoever. I cancelled the NPB, mailed the item and received excellent feedback from the buyer within a matter of days.


Josh

 

[pathshot]

Josh,

Good to hear that you were able to turn this situation into positive feedback.

I trust you actually apologized to the buyer after making this mistake?

-Michael

I couldnt agree more with this post. I have had several customers pay via paypal and the paypal notification never gets sent to me or I never receive it. I also go off of the notification email to ship, its just easier that way.

I actually had this exact thing happen to me recently, as the seller. I filed an NPB and quickly got an email saying they had already paid. I checked paypal and sure enough, the payment was there. The customer was very nice and accepted the error with no problem whatsoever. I cancelled the NPB, mailed the item and received excellent feedback from the buyer within a matter of days.


Josh

 

[Harris Sports Cards]

Josh,

Good to hear that you were able to turn this situation into positive feedback.

I trust you actually apologized to the buyer after making this mistake?

-Michael

Yes, I did infact apologize and that's the least a seller should do in this situation. I understand your not getting an apology making you a bit peeved, but just let it go and leave a positive (obviously only if the card arrives as expected). It's just not worth the hassle, not to me anyway.

Josh

 

[rabbity]

I've had an identical experience recently (as a buyer) with three cards that added up to $8 (with shipping). The seller had one of those auction helper checkout things and either they didn't notify him or Paypal didn't. Could have just been a mistake on his part. I just emailed him my receipt from Paypal, problem solved. I also would have preferred having him drop me a line privately before the "unpaid item dispute" though. The cards arrived and he did apologize so I left him a positive.

 

[Chestmurdock]

I guess I'm in the minority here. I have never once left negative or neutral feedback OR filed some kind of grievance without, on more than one occasion, trying to contact the seller/buyer to inquire when I should expect payment, etc..... It could have been a Paypal/Ebay error but where is the difficulty in sending a friendly reminder regarding payment. Some people might consider the "unpaid item claim" the friendly reminder but I can see where TS is coming from.

That being said, I wouldn't leave a negative. I don't know the gist or tone of the conversation but, worst case, you should just chalk it up as someone you won't deal with in the future.