Ebay dillema (Poll)

[chris7b]

Ok...here's the story.

My uncle aske me to sell a piece of software for him on ebay. I've done this for before. However, this time he didn't realize that the title was an upgrade and not the full version. So I advertised it as the full version and it sold for around 160 dollars. All was well, he shipped the package to the buyer.

** EDIT: My uncle claims its the full version, the buyer claims its the upgrade...Since the package is lost there is no proof. Quickbooks 2003 Pro was purchased for 200+ at the time. Doesn't seem like it would be the upgrade for that price.

A few days later, the buyer emails me telling me its the upgrade and he needs the full version. I told him i would issue a full refund including shipping once the package is returned. Here lies the problem. My uncle never received the package. The guy claimed he shipped it USPS priority insured but doesn't have a tracking number and or proof of insurance.

I don't know what to do. He sent an email recently saying that we should both cut our losses and i should only refund him half the money. Sounds kinda fishy to me. What do you guys think...heres the email:

Hi Chris,

I have contacted the Post Office and there is nothing that it can do as far as tracking since my husband did not get the tracking sticker for the package. The postal people did not understand why if the package were undeliverable, it would not have been sent back to me as the return address was clearly indicated on the package and there was the memo on the inside with all of my address/phone/email information contained as well.

I would like to resolve this matter fairly. Please check with your uncle once again to see if the package did arrive and perhaps he forgot about it. If it has not been received, then I suggest that you refund to me $85.78 which is exactly half of the cost of QuickBooks plus the shipping fees. This seems to be the most reasonable way to handle the problem. If the package eventually is received by your uncle, then you can refund the additional $85.78 for a full refund to me. If I receive it back, I would send it back (this time with the tracking info) to your uncle.

If this is unacceptable to you, then I will have to go to both eBay and PayPal for resolution, and perhaps my credit card company as well.

Please let me know how you want to proceed so that we can get this problem resolved fairly for both of us.

 

[Yossarian]

I think it's fair to refund half. that's probably what the upgrade version is worth anyway. what software was it?

 

[DaveSimmons]

A few days later, the buyer emails me telling me its the upgrade and he needs the full version. I told him i would issue a full refund including shipping once the package is returned. Here lies the problem. My uncle never received the package. The guy claimed he shipped it USPS priority insured but doesn't have a tracking number and or proof of insurance.

I have contacted the Post Office and there is nothing that it can do as far as tracking since my husband did not get the tracking sticker for the package.

The buyer has a husband, so is probably a "she." Shes tend to be more trustworthy than hes so I'd be likely to believe the story.

 

[Crucial]

Refund half the money and be happy. You get what the software is worth since you lied in your auction and you save yourself from a bad feedback.

 

[aplefka]

I guess this is what they mean when they say "Don't buy the lie."

 

[kranky]

If they said they shipped it priority insured, then remind them to file an insurance claim with the USPS. And point out that you are ready to refund their entire $160 plus their return shipping costs as soon as you receive the product. You owe them the shipping costs for the screwed-up auction.

Basically, it sounds like they are saying that since they lost their insurance receipt, you should be out $85.78.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

You should try the Ebay community forums if you get no help here, but here are my questions:

1) They can't get the tracking info? I dont have much experience with USPS but I would think they keep records.

2) Why didn't they get insurance & why can't they get tracking info from the USPS?

3) How much was the part you sent worth normally?

4) Did they pay through PayPal? Yes, then find out if you're covered by the Seller Protection Policy.

5) Have you refunded any money yet?

6) This one is the most important question, does this sound like someone who is willing to work with you? "If this is unacceptable to you, then I will have to go to both eBay and PayPal for resolution, and perhaps my credit card company as well. "
That statement alone makes me think they are going to scam you one way or the other, so you better watch your ass on this one. They don't sound very nice at all. Tell them you will refund the value of the part you didn't send & the rest if you ever get the part you did send.

 

[Baked]

How the hell do people always lose their mail using us postal. I do at least 50 mailings each year ranging from letters to 50lb packages, never had a problem. I print the lables out in huge bold font and tape the lable over w/ clear tape in case it gets wet. NEVER had a problem. I'd not take responsibility if the sender writes like chicken shed and put down the wrong address.

 

[jadinolf]

Why would you refund half the money? He shipped the package and insured it. Let him chase the shipment and if it is lost get the money back from the USPS.

 

[chris7b]

The thing that bugs me is that all USPS priority parcels get a tracking number free of charge. Also, if the package was insured, the postal service would have to conduct an investigation and reimburse the shipper for any losses.....

What a mess....

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: Pr0d1gy
4) Did they pay through PayPal? Yes, then find out if you're covered by the Seller Protection Policy.

seller protection policy doesn't cover "item not as described in auction"

 

[GagHalfrunt]

You don't owe them anything at this point. Their beef is with the post office, not you. You owe them a refund upon return of the package, if they can't return it or prove they sent ot back it's their problem.

 

[KarenMarie]

Originally posted by: jadinolf
Why would you refund half the money? He shipped the package and insured it. Let him chase the shipment and if it is lost get the money back from the USPS.

I agree. If it was insured, then they have to deal with the post office, not you. If it wasnt insured, then shame on them. And as far as them threatening you by saying they are going to PayPal eBay and their credit card.. tell them to go ahead... they will be told the same thing... if it is insured, then see the post office...if they cannot prove the shipped they are SOL.

As a seller, you lived up to your end of the deal... they bought, you shipped, they received. They 'claimed' it was not the correct item, you say it was. But in the interest of being a good seller, you offered to refund in full upon return. They did not return, you do not refund. period, end of story.

Can you imagine this... they get the item... it is correct... to try and scam you, they say it is incorrect... you say you will refund upon return... they say it got lost and ask for 1/2 the $$$ back... you cave... they get to keep the item, and 1/2 the $$$... and you get no item and are out $85.00... nice, huh?

 

[CJZ]

This sounds really fishy. Your responsibilities as a seller are over.

 

[95SS]

Was it purchased at a retail store? From my time in retail, I've never seen an upgrade version of Quickbooks (This is from 1999-2004). To buy an upgrade, you had to order it from Intuit direct. Intuit offered large rebates to customers who purchased retail versions as an upgrade, but it was still a full version.

Edit : Link to auction?

 

[chris7b]

It was purchased from Intuit.

Here is the link for the auction. Nothing fancy just a generic ad for Quickbooks 2003 Pro

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...tem=7131404588&ssPageName=STRK:MESO:IT