ebayer sent something other than what was promised

[totalimpact]

I am in California, and I purchased a $350 electronics hardware on ebay from a user in FL. Before sending payment I requested that the seller send me the serial number from the back of the device, I then went to the manufacturers site to check what version it was, and it was stated to be the latest version available.

I sent payment through Paypal from bank account, and what I received had a completely different serial number from what was promised. It was a completely different model that was about 5 years old, and was nowhere near the capabilities of todays model, and has a market value of about $150.

I asked the seller why he sent me that, and he said it was a mistake, he sent mine to someone else, and just give him a couple of weeks and he would get me the correct model. 5 weeks went by and I told him he needed to send my money back, he said just give me a couple of weeks more.

2-3 more weeks, and I went to Paypal and ebay only to find out they would do nothing to help. I know the sellers address, employer and phone numbers, he has said hes not going to pay and to come and get him. What can i do to get my money back?

 

[janedoe23]

The only thing you can do at this point is file a chargeback with yor credit card company if that is what you used to pay the seller with. If you did not use a CC and paid for the item from your Paypal balance, then I think your out of luck. You can always sue him but going to FL from CA can carry a hefty travel expense.

You can also get Square Trade involved but sellers who have been selling for quite sometime know that Square Trade rarely supplies a resolution.

 

[dallas702]

Regardless of your further actions, immediately notify eBay and file a complaint. Ask for his suspension until he pays you back. If he does a lot of business he won't want to lose his eBay access.

 

[totalimpact]

I contacted ebay and Paypal, and all they did was make note of a complaint and if anyone else had any complaints they would take action. Paypal said that since product was delivered, I had no claim.

And since I was stupid enough to pay for it out of credit already in my Paypal account I cant charge it back.

 

[janedoe23]

I would then send him a certified return receipt letter telling him of your future actions, you might have no intention of filing a lawsuit but a letter might just get him a bit nervous.

I would also contact Ebay over and over again to let them know this person is sending items that wasn't even in the auction.

Also, if you didn't know by now, never keep a + balance in your Paypal account.