Big Ebay problem - advice please

[Nomad5]

Hello all,

I don't do much with ebay, and likely never will again. I sold a guitar a few weeks back, in pristine condition. I really never played the thing and it was truly minty. 11 days after delivery I get a message asking for a return because the guitar was not as described. He sends me pics of what appears to be the same guitar that looks like it's been dragged around for a while and with a big crack at the neck joint! Since I left the paypal funds sitting, they're now held and I'm not really sure what to do next. I've told him I think he's trying to scam me and I want a pic of the serial number (not that it will help).

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Shel

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Selling on ebay is a real crapshoot - I don't do it much anymore, because bad folks can really hose you.

As far as advice - contact Ebay and contest this person's claim. Unless it arrived damaged, you know what happened and paying him back is just wrong.

Good luck

 

[catcauphonic]

I hate to see stories like this, cuz eBay used to be such an awesome place to transact. Subbed. Please keep posted

 

[fhm555]

Gave up on big ticket items and ebay a long time ago.

Nothing bought or sold over $100, nothing I can't ship or receive first class or priority mail.

I've always got a ton of small radio control hobby items I'm running on there and I use it for deals on otter boxes, hats and T shirts I like, 3d movie glasses for wifey, and the like, but I just quit looking at basses, amps, cabs, etc. Too many scam artists hang there.

It has become a giant on line flea market and I jsut use it with that understanding and so far so good.

If I decide to go back to selling big ticket music stuff by by mail, I'm joining reverb.

 

[beaglesandbass]

That's a shame. ebay is so buyer-centric now, you're probably going to lose any claim they submit.

 

[Nomad5]

So far.... I called BS on him and told him I'm in for the fight. I have pics (although not fully detailed) of the guitar just prior to shipping, and 2 witnesses that were with me when I packed it up. The case was pristine also.....this was a closet queen that now looks like it was dragged behind a car.

Haven't heard a thing in 24 hours.....we'll see. I wish I had removed my paypal money as soon as it was available At the conclusion of this episode I will be closing my ebay account. Not worth the trouble.

I'll update when I hear more.

 

[catcauphonic]

I agree with Fhm555 about buying and selling only smaller ticket items there now.

Taking detailed photos during the packing process and having a witness is a great idea, as is removing the $$$ asap. Lessons learned.

We're pulling for you and hoping to hear a positive report

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Paypal is quick to side with buyers but you have photos to back you up. The buyer will have one hell of a time proving the case if it as beat up as you say it is. Call into Paypal and talk to somebody about the case if need be. I find it much better than their automated service.

 

[Jay_Dub]

I've bought a good number of basses and guitars off eBay over several years. Never had an issue. I've sold guitar bodies and parts, and a couple guitars, but not for some time. I am concerned about selling a large ticket item now, due to the lack of seller support. I have a bass, and a guitar for sale right now. I guess you just have to hope you get a buyer with some scruples.

If that guy was within 4 or 5 hours driving time, I'd be knocking on his door, and asking for a prompt explanation of what happened to the fiddle, and how he may have been a part of it's demise.