Just Got Ripped Off on eBay

D Bopp · #1 09-04-2009, 08:09 AM

I haven't heard back from the seller yet, but I bought a Fender Custom Shop 51 RI P Bass two weeks ago off eBay. Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1182

Well, the seller took a week to wait for the funds to go into his bank account before sending the bass. Since it was coming from Canada, it took another week to reach me.

I picked the bass up today from the post office, and whattya know, it is a standard Japanese 51 RI P Bass with a Custom Shop sticker on the back of the headstock. Funny how he didn't take a picture of the back of the neck where it says "Crafted in Japan"

If this were a real Custom Shop, I would have gotten a steal of a deal. But now I have a $600 bass that I paid double for. I already told the seller that I will be sending it back to him, or will file a dispute with ebay and Paypal. I also requested he refund my shipping both ways since I paid $85 coming from Canada.
I can't wait to hear his "I sold the bass as-is and there is no refunds" spiel. But hey, I could put a Ferrari sticker on my Honda, but it still wouldn't make it a Ferrari!

Melodicgroove · #2 09-04-2009, 08:11 AM

Another shady Fender deal. Good luck recovering the money.

Quadzilla · #3 09-04-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Bopp

I haven't heard back from the seller yet, but I bought a Fender Custom Shop 51 RI P Bass two weeks ago off eBay. Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1182

Well, the seller took a week to wait for the funds to go into his bank account before sending the bass. Since it was coming from Canada, it took another week to reach me.

I picked the bass up today from the post office, and whattya know, it is a standard Japanese 51 RI P Bass with a Custom Shop sticker on the back of the headstock. Funny how he didn't take a picture of the back of the neck where it says "Crafted in Japan"

If this were a real Custom Shop, I would have gotten a steal of a deal. But now I have a $600 bass that I paid double for. I already told the seller that I will be sending it back to him, or will file a dispute with ebay and Paypal. I also requested he refund my shipping both ways since I paid $85 coming from Canada.
I can't wait to hear his "I sold the bass as-is and there is no refunds" spiel. But hey, I could put a Ferrari sticker on my Honda, but it still wouldn't make it a Ferrari!

Take detailed pictures of the Crafted in Japan and the stuck0-on "Fender Custom Shop: sticker, etc. Then get links for pricing of a new CIJ P RI like you got and put all that together in a detailed note to send along with your claim to Paypal. Make sure you request all shipping costs (to and from).

Paypal will side with you. I'm 95% certain of it. They almost always side with the buyer anyway so you are already at an advantage. The other good news is that the loser will have to pay VAT (tax) to get the bass back from Canadian Postal, so you are really sticking it to him (a great thing)! Good luck and keep us posted!

jschwalls · #4 09-04-2009, 08:15 AM

that sucks man...
I always ask for a pic of the serial #.. or some proof before I buy anything from ebay...

I have been screwed over in the past as well..

good luck.

Jonyak · #5 09-04-2009, 08:15 AM

so he just slapped a custom shop sticker on it?

does japan have a custom shop?

DeluxeRed · #6 09-04-2009, 08:16 AM

Fender might appreciate hearing about the counterfeit, too. Good luck, man.

coreyfyfe · #7 09-04-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonyak

does japan have a custom shop?

No, the custom shop associated with that sticker is solely US made. Fender japan has some special non-export basses, but that's something entirely different.

Best of luck recovering the funds man, I hate to see stuff like this happen. Makes me wonder if he got ripped before hand, and then whether or not he knew he got ripped.

D Bopp · #8 09-04-2009, 08:31 AM

He has 100% positive feedback, and he's sold a few Rickenbackers before. So I think he knew what he was doing. But when someone with 100% feedback sells a custom shop p bass, my first reaction isn't to ask if it is US or Japanese made. That should be a given.
I took the pickguard off and there is a cavity where you can access the pickup wires. That isn't the case with Custom Shop instruments. I'll show some pics tonight. I acted quick on the bass when it was on ebay because it was only up for less than an hour. If it were an auction I would have for sure requested more pics. I just didn't want someone else to snatch it up.

edbass · #9 09-04-2009, 08:33 AM

D Bopp; Be sure to post the resolution, this seems strange to me based on his feedback comments and eBay history since '05.
Hopefully you can get satisfied with a minimum of hassle; the seller's history seems pretty straight up.
Good Luck!

thumpbass1 · #10 09-04-2009, 08:34 AM

It's simple. He sold you something that was not as it was described, no matter if he had been deceived when he came into possession of the bass, or if he's trying to pull a con job. You have every right to get your money back on this deal. I hope it turns out well for you.

Jackkoon · #11 09-04-2009, 08:47 AM

Where is it supposed to say cij? Looks like he pulled a switcheroo to me from the pics because I'm looking and it looks like he's got the whole neck in those pics. Paypal can have him refund ur shipping costs though. I did it a few years back on an mim fender I got in place of the listed MIA. It was easier for me though because he told paypal fender didn't even make basses in Mexico, so a few links and pics, BAM! Hopefully you'll be fortunate enough to have him fess up enough to slip. But yeah, eBay has gone to hell. That's why I'm using forums and craigslist nowadays :-D. Good luck with the recovery. In any case u could negotiate a partial refund with the guy, ur money back minus the value of a cij fender. He might cooperate but sounds like he's going to flame no matter what u say. "Watchu talkin aboot eh?!" just hopefully he doesn't use that eBay backdoor stuff like saying ur attempting to contact outside of eBay or what have u. I used eBay a lot, scammers are crafty little turds. Good luck anywho.

Thunderitter · #12 09-04-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpbass1

It's simple. He sold you something that was not as it was described, no matter if he had been deceived when he came into possession of the bass, or if he's trying to pull a con job. You have every right to get your money back on this deal. I hope it turns out well for you.

+1

azureblue · #13 09-04-2009, 09:21 AM

Be nice to him. At first. Send him this:

"I am not sure you are aware of this, but Fender custom shop basses are made only in the US, and this bass has a 'made in Japan' sticker on it. I would like to return this bass for a full refund, since it is a (I am sure, unintentional on your part) fake. Please reply to this email with 48 hours of its sent time. Let's not allow this to escalate.

Include a pic of the MIJ label and a copy of the posts here verifying that FCS basses are made in the US.

Send the email verified receipt. If he has not replied, then call ebay and paypal, and tell them the guy is selling fakes. They are very scared of fake merchandise. They just got into a lot of trouble with fake Vittons being sold on ebay, and they do now want some other big company taking them to court. Ebay will ban a seller if they are caught selling fakes, real fast.

You have nothing to worry about. Just be cool and factual, and you'll get yoru money back, one way or the other

FranF · #14 09-04-2009, 09:26 AM

Wow D Bopp! I'm sure this will end good for you, but what an international headache! And ditto x1,000 on Azureblue's statement. Kill him with kindness at every turn, until resolved. THEN let him have it!

Hamrhed · #15 09-04-2009, 09:31 AM

I agree- be cool w/ the guy and this will get resolved... but there are no givens when it comes to Ebay. But, with the new Ebay rules favoring the buyers in almost all situations- I'd say you have no worries, D. I do think that a cool head here will yield the desired results!

RS · #16 09-04-2009, 09:36 AM

Based on the situation, it sounds like paypal will definitely refund your money.

D Bopp · #17 09-04-2009, 09:50 AM

I already sent him an email saying that this bass is not a custom shop and I would like to return the bass. If you don't take the return then I will file a dispute with Paypal for not being "significantly not as described". And also I would like my shipping both ways refunded.
I wasn't rude or cursing, but just to the point. Yeah I probably should have technically given him the benefit of the doubt, but I've just had a string of bad luck lately and am tired of beating around the bush. I'll take some pics tonight and show you guys the bass.

MN_Bass · #18 09-04-2009, 10:05 AM

Wow, I had something similar happen to me, I just picked up (gasp) Gibson Les Paul Supreme for under a $1,000, they go for $3500 new, so good deal right, get it, take it to my local music shop to have it setup, Fake, Japanese Gibson Replica. The guy won't give in that its fake, well I hope he like Gibson's Lawyers

If you used paypal and he won't give in, you have to take it in and have a notable person (music shop owner, fender dealer write a note and fax it in to verify thats its bogus. I'm going through this right now.

Vakmere · #19 09-04-2009, 10:10 AM

File with PayPal if you dont want it. Asking the person you got it from may not refund you. In any case, will it sound any different if it wasn't made in Japan?

NickInMesa · #20 09-04-2009, 10:10 AM

I was in the same situation. Bought a Peavey Foundation for $70 and the seller probably figured he could have made more so he played a game for 1 month and never shipped it. I called eBay at 866-643-3720, they looked at the communication log (make sure you bother him every now and then) and then sided with me and refunded my PayPal. I left a neg feedback and that was it.

On the other end I sold an amp once and the address he gave me was refused from the Post Office (never heard of). In this case he was the one complaining and although I called eBay to explain the situation, they gave him a refund and I was allowed to keep the funds (I still have the amp ready to ship, with the guy's address on it, by the way).

I could revert that neg feedback but I don't care!