Buyer Disputes - What to Do in 2009

If you buy and ever have been taken here by unethical sellers you still have recourse although it's become real problematic with eBay/Paypal. eBay has a Trust and Safety Department and works with Paypal's Buyer Resolution Process.

That's nice, but what should I do?

First, I would recommend contacting the seller and filing a complaint with Paypal.

Limit the amount you can afford to lose (In otherwords I'm okay with $5 but not $10) 

List everything that's wrong and keep all your e-mails for reference.  This way, your protecting yourself.  If the seller becomes irrate, don't let them get to you.  I have been in a few disputes involving misrepresentation as to quantity discrepancies or a large amount of damaged items not disclosed.

Be reasonable, if you bought 200 postcards and let's say ten were damaged, then contact the seller and say knock $2 off is it wasn't disclosed.  Reasonable way to end a case without wrecking someone's reputation.

As of late, I note Paypal is not very good to work with and wanted to let people know.  Some of the information in thus guide still holds true, but if going after high dollar items and paying afterwards = use a credit card like Chase Visa vs. cards issued by Paypal. Recently, I bought a misdescribed postcard lot here to resell and was told by Paypal that they couldn't do crap. Real reason in my opinion is they wanted to make money off my credit card as to interest. The seller seems to have more rights than the buyer and that's balony!

I would also recommend you call the credit card company to understand their policies on eBay purchases since with the economy everyone is pulling all kinds of crap which is sad!

I also sell here, but rather give the public the facts!

High end Transactions - What you should do.

1. Pay on a Major Credit Card - Offhand I have a Chase card and know they work with Paypal
2. Use Paypal.
3. Contact the seller and file a claim with Paypal.
4. Never take someone's word, see action.
5. If they continue to complain even thou the reimbursed, and you stated and indicated you were happy despite an error; contact eBay.  These people need to be held accountable regardless if the misrepresentation is by purpose or a simple error.  To list and claim there's a few thousand vs 100 items is a clear eBay policy violation.
6. Take Photos if it comes to that
7. Get an affidavit notorized
8. Contact law enforcement
9. Lastly, don't let the other party get to you. Unethical sellers can be nasty and start making all kinds of accusations.
10. If the seller reimbursed via Paypal and you accepted - neither party can file another claim over the same lot/transaction. So, in other words as a buyer - you're safe. Nor, can the party that's wrong retract the amount you agreed to in a dispute.
11. If it's shipping related, contact your postal inspector.
12. Threats via e-mail (Internet provider and Law Enforcement)