UPDATE: Be Cautious When Buying or Returning Pins on Ebay
I've just been told today by Ebay that I will not get a refund for a pin I returned to the seller, which was not as described, because she says she hasn't received it back, even though 27 days have elapsed. Ebay have closed the case, and I have been told that I can appeal the case if I have new evidence, however, my Ebay page has no options for me to do this.
Background: I purchased a pin from an Ebay seller in the USA, it cost me $35 plus $12 postage, I confirmed with the seller that I would be getting the pin in the auction picture, but on arrival the pin had missing enamel in two places, and was clearly not the pin listed for sale. I requested a return, the seller was not happy, insinuated some things but eventually agreed to accept the pin back. Ebay now states that sellers have to pay the return postage if an item is not as stated, however she did not want to pay for a signed service and only agreed to pay for standard air mail. In good faith, I mailed the pin back to her and got proof of postage, however 27 days on, she says she hasn't got the pin back. My view is that I have fulfilled my obligations in this matter, and as she wouldn't pay for a signed for service, why should I be held responsible? However, she got Ebay involved and they say she doesnt have to refund me, because she says she hasn't received it back. So now I'm out of pocket by a lot of money, and just feel that the seller knew what she was doing all along. This seller is a Pinpics member too, and I feel very sad that people in the hobby can use the system like this.
So please please be careful when returning items, and make sure you get a tracked signed for service.
Here is a picture of the pin I had to return, I've circled the missing enamel, just seems like I will never get this pin to complete my set!!
UPDATE: After three days of ringing Ebay and being left on hold, I finally got through today. They were very close lipped and no-one wanted to comment, I was passed around a bit, before being told, the only way I'm getting a refund, is if the seller confirms receipt of the pin. I have thirty days for this to happen, after which time, the case cannot be re-opened. I now know that, If your seller refuses to send you a prepaid returns label, contact Ebay and they will issue you with one at the sellers expense. This information is too late for me but I hope it helps someone else.
Background: I purchased a pin from an Ebay seller in the USA, it cost me $35 plus $12 postage, I confirmed with the seller that I would be getting the pin in the auction picture, but on arrival the pin had missing enamel in two places, and was clearly not the pin listed for sale. I requested a return, the seller was not happy, insinuated some things but eventually agreed to accept the pin back. Ebay now states that sellers have to pay the return postage if an item is not as stated, however she did not want to pay for a signed service and only agreed to pay for standard air mail. In good faith, I mailed the pin back to her and got proof of postage, however 27 days on, she says she hasn't got the pin back. My view is that I have fulfilled my obligations in this matter, and as she wouldn't pay for a signed for service, why should I be held responsible? However, she got Ebay involved and they say she doesnt have to refund me, because she says she hasn't received it back. So now I'm out of pocket by a lot of money, and just feel that the seller knew what she was doing all along. This seller is a Pinpics member too, and I feel very sad that people in the hobby can use the system like this.
So please please be careful when returning items, and make sure you get a tracked signed for service.
Here is a picture of the pin I had to return, I've circled the missing enamel, just seems like I will never get this pin to complete my set!!
UPDATE: After three days of ringing Ebay and being left on hold, I finally got through today. They were very close lipped and no-one wanted to comment, I was passed around a bit, before being told, the only way I'm getting a refund, is if the seller confirms receipt of the pin. I have thirty days for this to happen, after which time, the case cannot be re-opened. I now know that, If your seller refuses to send you a prepaid returns label, contact Ebay and they will issue you with one at the sellers expense. This information is too late for me but I hope it helps someone else.
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