What happens if a buyer reports me to eBay?

I face a high probability that my buyer is going to report me to eBay. This was what happened.

I wanted to try selling mobile phones and build feedback. This was my first time. I listed the item on eBay then bought a mobile phone from my local service provider. Because the phone doesn't come with an international warranty (only a local one), I decided that I should open it to test that it is in functioning condition as I do not want to send a defective item to my customer. I fit my own SIM card and simply tested that the phone would on/off, buttons, and camera working. That's all.

Upon receiving it, my customer claims that the phone does not function properly and that it was a used phone as there are phone numbers and messages inside. He said messages sent were to a guy called A but I don't even know anyone by that name so it is impossible that the messages were sent by me.

Now my customer demands that I either repay him the money or send him a brand new phone. As I have decided not to go into selling mobile phones, I have used my cash to buy other stocks. I do not have any money to repay him or buy a new phone.

So now I would like to check with you guys what are the consequences if my buyer reports me? Will I get reported to the authorities? I know suspension of account is almost inevitable but will eBay allow me to explain my case to them or they will just base on what the customer says?

By the way, I did not specify any return policy but did state that the phone is brand new.

Ok when you are reported to eBay; you have to go through the process of the dispute. It can take some time. Also giving you some time to get the money back.

If the buyer makes a complaint to eBay then eBay will send you an alert stating you have to respond to the dispute. You have to respond!

You will have to have some proof. A receipt of purchase would be great proof that you could email eBay a copy. Hopefully you purchased the item recently before or during the auction itself.

Pictures are great too. Hopefully you have pictures of the item still in the box.

If you put text in your auction that you tested the phone to ensure working order in your auction he will automatically loose this dispute.

If you have the receipt and you can return it for an exchange where you purchased it. Then you can require the buyer to send the phone back for replacement then return it for an exchange with the dealer. The only thing you will loose out of the deal is return shipping and some of your time.

If the buyer files a PayPal dispute, you're in for some hard work. If you don't have the funds in your PayPal account then they could freeze your account altogether. Also stopping you from selling other items on eBay. You have to settle this dispute. You can't just hope it goes away cause it won't.

You really need to get the money for the refund. But he has to return the item, And this can buy you a week or two at most.

One cool trick that you can use in the future is if you ever do a listing do it as a picture. My auctions are pictures. That way you can edit the auction even if it's the last minute of the auction just by changing the info or text on the picture. Or even after the auction. But you didn't hear that from me.

:shock:

I also did something close to the same. I used an outside listing service.

i no longer have the receipt.. i threw it away when he email me acknowledging receipt of the item, which i had presumed he did test the phone prior to emailing me... only 2 days after his first email then he emailed me and said the phone was used and so on...

well i'm just hoping he can get it repaired at his nokia care centre. i've volunteered to pay for the repair costs although i find it kinda unfair.. all i can do now is wait n hope everything goes well..

Well A bit of advise. Keep all your recipts for your purchases. You need to keep this stuff anyways. Do your best to make sure you have all records, tracking info and sales information handy if you ever have a dispute with a buyer.

thanks jimmy.. now then i realise how impt receipts and tracking info are..

btw, in the case that my paypal account gets suspended, can i simply set up another account with another CC under a family member name? or will my home address be blocked? besides suspending my account what other actions can paypal or ebay take against me?

Just take the loss and consider it a lessoned learned. If you dont have the money then get it. And settle your debt with paypal. That way you can use your account freely without thinking about any restrictions.

Jimmy,
How do you list your add as a picture?

I use a program called macromedia Dreamweaver and Photoshop.

You can create your AD with photoshop and Use dreamweaver to add any little things you may miss or even specials if you decide to add them later on.

After you create your add you can edit it at any time and just upload the fixed page anytime to your webhost.

Just add an image tag in your auction to load the image you created.

Just an FYI on selling new or used cell phones...if you insert any SIM card into a phone and then sell it, you will need to do a Master Reset on the phone. All of your information went along with the phone when you sent it out which is why it looked 'used' when received. Also, you need to list a disclaimer when selling phones to have the buyer check in their surrounding area to make sure they have coverage.

You probably will get reported to eBay, but they probably won't shut you off. Like Jimmy said consider it a lesson learned, but you should still try to make amends with the customer and PayPal.

BTW, I've found that used phones sell a lot easier and faster and for more money than new ones.

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