Ebay problem )seller only shipped part of the stuff), advice

[Ivo]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a DSLR camera on ebay (UK), and the listing said it came with 2 lenses. The (winning) bid I made reflected that. Now the camera arrived and it only brought 1 lens (the crappier one at that). The seller already has some bad feedback so I filmed the box opening.

I already messaged him (through ebay) but if it was on purpose the guy will start by denying that it was missing I guess. Should I open a dispute right away or wait for him to reply (with a deadline of a couple of days maybe?).

Also, what are my options here can I ask paypal or him for a partial refund reflecting the value of the lens (which would be ideal for me, as I would otherwise like to keep the camera)? Or can I only start by asking him to send the lens (which I don't know if he even has)?

[mjmjr25]

If he lies and says it was in there, etc - you'll want photos of the package. Hopefully the size of the box, or the weight of the package will lend itself to proving the other item wasn't in there.

[Tanooki]

I would instantly open an ebay case and put into the notes what you said here. Due to sellers rating you video recorded the box opening to find a missing lens and the good one of the two. You want the missing lens shipped immediately or a refund for the value of the lens that was left out (given you want to keep the rest still.) Add that you do not want to return the package, you want the lens or the money returned to you so you can buy another on ebay (and cite what they tend to sell for so the ebay reviewer can look into it for that partial refund.) I don't see needing to deal with paypal at this point.

[Ivo]

The seller replied promptly and asked me to give a detailed list of what arrived, which I did. Lets see what he says. Even if he says he will ship it asap, I should open a dispute right?

[Exhuminator]

Even if he says he will ship it asap, I should open a dispute right?

Yes. Get the proper third party involved.

[ninjainspandex]

I actually just received a bootleg Metroid Zero Mission GBA cart, at first when I contacted the seller he played dumb and said he didn't understand what a bootleg is.

Dear ninjainspandex,

I don't know what that means but I'll send you a return label because you seem unhappy about your purchase.

- shanelsako

Then when I mentioned that I started a paypal dispute and that Ebay takes the selling of counterfeits very seriously he suddenly changed his tune and instantly refunded my money

Dear ninjainspandex,

aw :[ well if it's a fake you can keep it, I don't want it back lol. So I'll just refund you and you can throw it away or whatever, is that okay with you?

- shanelsako

Bottom line is just get ebay involved, that is what buyer protection is for and usually just starting a claim ticket is enough to make the seller make right.

[Tanooki]

Hah that was fast on the Metroid seller.

As far as the original post goes, I agree too, still have ebay 100% involved. Open a case, then write back and apologize with sympathetic tones to the seller that ebay requested you open it as you had asked them about the process so you look blameless if they're a vindictive type. Ebay will make them refund either through suggestion or force.