eBay seller trying to rip me off...

[V]

So, I recently bought a 4L60E transmission on eBay. I paid and the seller ended up shipping it just by UPS when I was under the impression it was coming by freight. Anyhow, A few days later, UPS rolls up and tries to deliver the transmission. When the driver and I go to the back of the truck to lift it out, he opens it and I immediately notice 2 large cracks in the top of the bellhousing. The trans was shipped JUST wrapped in a few sheets of plastic. No protection AT ALL. So I refused delivery and took pictures to send to the seller. I sent the pictures and explained to him the condition. He told me he'd file a claim with UPS and get me a full refund, also that he insured it for double the ebay sale price. So thats was fine.

A few days go by and I hear nothing really, so I filed a claim with eBay. the seller then contacts me back saying he'll send refund for the item in 2 days or less and refund for shipping as soon as UPS refunds him. Ok fine whatever, I'm thinking. Well that was 4 days ago, and now this morning, the seller let the claim on ebay move forward to review and I now notice that ebay buyer protection does NOT cover an item if it was refused for delivery. So now I know I'll be out of luck there and I can't file with Paypal(at least just yet) because it shows open dispute through ebay. I did email Paypal and explained the situation.

I have a good feeling that UPS looked at the packaging and said "tough luck" and denied any claim. So he then noticed the loophole for the refused delivery and knows he wont be held liable. So at this point, it seems I'm out a few hundred bucks like it or not. I will say though, that the internet is wonderful in the fact how people allow information to be accessible. If I don't get at least a 90% refund, he will get a knock on his door...

[LTb1ow]

Damn dude, that sucks big time.

[Featherburner]

LOL at you standing at his door knocking.

[LTb1ow]

Throw a 60e through his car's windshield.

[BonzoHansen]

So if he says you have to pay, you say "fine, then I want the trans and I'll be at your house at <add address> and pick i t up in person".

[V]

Originally Posted by BonzoHansen

So if he says you have to pay, you say "fine, then I want the trans and I'll be at your house at <add address> and pick i t up in person".

that call will be made from the end of his driveway

[grazi]

Originally Posted by V

Here's another pic of his house, AND from a YouTube video... a reflection of the house which confirms it lol







Obviously if I have enough free time to do all this... I have the time to go there.

Damn, I'm not going to sell any junk to you!

[NHRABill]

Last few years Ebay has gotten so bad I will take less money and deal with people on Craigslist. Craigs list is not much better except i only do deals with people in person on my terms eliminating the potential for issues. Sorry to hear of your problems. I sold a 60E I had sitting around from a friend that bought it and ended up needing a 60 non Electronic. I hope you get your $$$ back and move on to a reputable seller.

[NJ Torque]

Hopfully you paid with a credit card thru paypal... just do a charge back and let paypal handle it, and they will.

[sweetbmxrider]

Don't **** with this man.

[qwikz28]

Originally Posted by V

that call will be made from the end of his driveway

He has a really long driveway.

It still kills me that people in the car community will do this to one another. We are supposed to be helping one another out, not trying to rip each other off. If you do teach this guy a lesson, Paul, post it on every car forum so people are forewarned from continuing this disgusting behavior. With that said, try your best to teach him a lesson in as legal a way as possible.

[Blackbirdws6]

Sucks man but I have a feeling you will get your money back and/or some self gratification. I bet the seller was looking to scam either you or UPS, possibly both of you. It is odd someone would insure the trans for double the sale value.

Edit: does signing someone up for a bunch of lude magazines count as harassment. You have his name, address and email so go nuts....literally.

[qwikz28]

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6

Edit: does signing someone up for a bunch of lude magazines count as harassment. You have his name, address and email so go nuts....literally.

Sounds like more of a perk than anything.

[Jersey Mike]

Good luck, Paul. Sounds like you're going to be OK in the end regardless.

Can't believe he sent it without any kind of insulation or packaging.


What's the reasoning behind Ebay not covering the buyer if delivery isn't taken upon noticing damage?

[98CamaroSS]

After buying parts for over 2 decades it still amazes me how some people ship out merchandise and expect it to arrive undamaged.

[V]

The ebay policy about refusing delivery i think deals with the fact that some people change their minds and use that as a way to cancel their purchase and try to get their money back. Hopefully in this case, they'll take into account that it was refused due to damage and I took pictures to prove it. We'll see how that works out. But once the "ebay buyer protection" is settled and if it doesn't work out for me, I should still be able to go through the paypal resolution process then. I used a debit card i have attached to paypal for the transaction and I couldnt find much info about disputing charges on that website just yet, but I'm sure theres something I can do.

From what i've seemed to find out so far, the name that i have is actually the father and he's 51 years old. the "kid" appears to be late teens maybe early 20's and just using the fathers ebay account and the fathers bank info for the paypal verification.
The father has a lawn care business which the mother also is listed with. I also have records for other children and relatives. During the week I may just call the Father since i have a home and a cell number I managed to acquire(no thanks to ebay or paypal) and I'll ask if he owns the camaro or if its his sons car. If it is him, thats fine, but if its his sons... I'm sure he'll love to hear that he owes me a bunch of money. I ultimately figure, worse case scenario... i'll have a bunch of camaro parts to sell.

In regards to shipping/packaging, I've sold hundreds of items on ebay and automotive forums, ive even shipped window glass without any issues. Any package I ship can be abused to no end by UPS and I know for a fact that it will be fine. I also prefer to deliver items if possible just to avoid any concerns over shipping damages.

[LS1ow]

im down for a ride paul

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by V

that call will be made from the end of his driveway

the only reason I dont do that is 1st call maybe freaks him enough to refund $$. Go there is step 2

[88WS-6]

Just be aware that your address and name are on the shipping label in the last pic.

[Blacdout96]

Paul, I'm very surprised that UPS picked up and shipped that trans without it in a box or container of some sort, especially if there is still fluid in it. I know we get a lot of lip at work about shipping anything dealing with any chemicals/fluids. I would certainly call that person tomorrow to see who's the seller. I'm putting my money on the son behind it.

[V]

Originally Posted by 88WS-6

Just be aware that your address and name are on the shipping label in the last pic.

lol yea, well I wasn't to concerned about my info, I was mainly hiding his address since I'm still giving him the benefit of the doubt. He did email me today said he was away the past few days for an injury in the family, and that the funds are in his account but paypal/ebay has put a hold on them because a claim was filed, lol. We shall see what happens this week.

[DaSkinnyGuy]

Hitler is not going to be happy.

[V]

Originally Posted by DaSkinnyGuy

Hitler is not going to be happy.

excuse me?

[elle]

UPS claims take F O R E V E R. H


Hope you don't have to wait for that to get your money.

[V]

WIN!

eBay concluded their review, and found in my favor and refund me the entire amount. I guess that "refusal of delivery" thing is on case by case basis.


I deleted the pics of his house and car etc just because I'll never know if he was trying to take my money or truly just out of town and had intended to refund me my money. The world may never know.