I Think Someone Is Plotting To Rip Me Off (An eBay Thread)

[Typo Lad]

Seriously, I think I’m about to be scammed.

It all started when I sold an iMac. Honestly, I hate selling big-ticket items, especially fragile ones. But I needed the money and had no room for the iMac, so on it went.

Someone won it on June 22nd. I was waiting for someone to ship me back an iMac box, so I had to wait for that. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have listed the item until after I had the box in hand.

So I get the box, and then have series of days where I get home too late to ship it. Finally, I get home early enough and run out to ship it – on July 7th. I let the buyer know. Obviously, he’s pissy, but that’s within his rights.

UPS tracking says it showed up Wednesday. It also says that no-one was able to sign for it, so they sent it back to a UPS Facility, where he picked it up at 8:22 PM.

Well, that’s done and over with, right?

Wrong.

I wake up to this e-mail:

The imac you sent me does not work, was late, and is filthy.

I will send it back to you at your expense for a full refund (including shipping and paypal fees) to leave the matter between us and avoid any legal issues.

O..kay.

Now, I’m not freaking out yet, even with his “legal issues” crack. Still, I’m wondering what he means by “filthy”. I meticulously cleaned that sucker before shipping it, inside and out. However, the fact that I insured it for $400 means I don’t really care.

I write him back:

Of course.

I am sorry that this happened. It was in perfect working order when I sent it, and was clean as well. It must have been damaged in transit.

Please send it back to:

my address

As soon as it is back I will refund you in full, including the cost of return shipping.

At 10:08 AM I got a response that started setting off alarm bells.

Mordechai,

thank you for being willing to work this out, but for obvious reasons, I think you should send me my money back before I send it to you, like I did initially to you.

My paypal email address is xxxxxxxxxxxxx

I will find out how much the shipping is and email you later.

Um… no no no.

Seriously, what store in the world would allow a refund before being given back the item? Does he think I’m dumb?

I responded (typos and all):
No offence XXXX, but I have a plicy on returns that all items must be returned before I give a refund. I had to set this policy after people said things didn't work, were given refunds, and I never got them back. Not to sound cynical, but how am I to know that it actually didn't work
and I'm not getting swindled? Again, I do not mean that to sound offensive - it's just my policy and I'm afraid i can't make an exception.

One thing I'm willing to suggest is that you give me the tracking number and cost when you ship it back and I'll pay the return shipping right away, if that helps you.

Also, I was wondering in what way it "did not work"? Maybe it's something as simple as the RAM was jarred in shipping. That can be fixed in five seconds and I can tell you how.

Anyway, here's hoping we can work this out.

Waiting on a response now.

What do you guys think? Am I about to be swindled?

[StoneGold]

Damn, my scheme to swindle Morts has been foiled! And I would have gotten away with it too, if not for those nosy kids and their dog who no one seems to be surprised that it speaks!

[Nate C.]

Your'e doing everything exactly right.

Stay the course.

[sixstringguild]

I think you're doing the right thing. Whatever issues arise, make sure you work it out using Ebay's resources. Ask them any questions about this kind of situation. I'm sure they've seen this kind of thing before...

[Boldido]

What do you guys think? Am I about to be swindled?
Only if you are dumb enough to send the guy his money before you get the machine back in the mail.

I have never heard of anyone asking for a return of money before sending the merchandise back.

You have proven yourself to be very reasonable in refunding his money. By sending the machine back he is in no worse position and really has no legal standing if he balks at sending the machine first.

[thehod]

What do you guys think? Am I about to be swindled?

I've gotta say it sounds like it. I'm always willing to give people the beneift of the doubt over issues, but by now my alarm bells would be going nuts.

[Typo Lad]

Update:

No word back from the guy yet. Considering that he's a self-proclaimed web designer, one would think that he'd be better about answering mail.

[borateen]

Have you checked his feedback? Are there any negatives or neutrals that suggest this sort of thing happening before?

And yeah, it does sound like he's trying to swindle you.

[Typo Lad]

17 positive feedbacks, only two of which are recent enough to actually look at, and a user name wherin he proclaims that a deity is with him.

[SteelTownr]

...and a user name wherin he proclaims that a deity is with him.

Maybe you should just send him the money then. You don't want to piss off God's Buddy.

Mark B.

[Slam_Bradley]

Or you could have God hold the money until the transaction is all settled.

[Typo Lad]

I thought of scores of responses to the last two posts, but they would all be a Bad Thing and might even technically be Blaspheme.

Still, you guys are FUNNNNNY.

[Mike Smash!]

No, you made the right move, Morts. You're doing right by him, and he should do right by you in return.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was trying to scam you. The thread of legal action was just a bit lame, too and I'd take that as a warning sign.

[Nate C.]

I thought of scores of responses to the last two posts, but they would all be a Bad Thing and might even technically be Blaspheme.

Still, you guys are FUNNNNNY.

I laughed out loud, so what does that say?

[Typo Lad]

I laughed out loud, so what does that say?

That someone was tickling you?

You need to tell your boss that your body is yours and no means no.

[Slam_Bradley]

I wouldn't be surprised if he was trying to scam you. The thread of legal action was just a bit lame, too and I'd take that as a warning sign.


Tell him you've got multiple attornies in multiple jurisdictions on retainer. Me, Boldido, Lone Ranger, Doc Hufferpuffer, Loren, Archival.

[Dom]

Why not just use an escrow service?

[Typo Lad]

Tell him you've got multiple attornies in multiple jurisdictions on retainer. Me, Boldido, Lone Ranger, Doc Hufferpuffer, Loren, Archival.

...

A man couldn't ask for a better legal team.

Well, now that Johnny "Get out of Jail Free' Cochran is dead, anyway.

[Nate C.]

Tell him you've got multiple attornies in multiple jurisdictions on retainer. Me, Boldido, Lone Ranger, Doc Hufferpuffer, Loren, Archival.

And me, too.

I mean, it's the Internet afterall, what's one more lie?

[Typo Lad]

And me, too.

I mean, it's the Internet afterall, what's one more lie?

MY turn to laugh out loud.

[Nate C.]

MY turn to laugh out loud.

And I'm not even from Mississippi!

[Mike Smash!]

And me, too.

I mean, it's the Internet afterall, what's one more lie?HA!

Excellent...

[Typo Lad]

And I'm not even from Mississippi!

Wait.

Seriously?

Oh my G-d.

Our entire relationship is built on a lie?

It's like I don't even know you!

[Nate C.]

But I AM fat, so that trust shouldn't be completely eroded.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Even your local Wal-Mart doesn't give refunds out when you don't have the merchindice. Whats this guy expecting ? Just wait and see If he does send the thing back.

[Typo Lad]

Just got an e-mail from him and responded. Here's his first:

Mordechai,

I have 100 percent positive feedback going back several years. I paid you immediately, through paypal, and you did not do what you said you would (ship it when you received your money) and when you did ship it, you did not give the tracking number when you said you would. When you did ship it, it was not clean and not working. I believe it would be very bad judgement for me to send you the unit without getting my money back first.

I am sending you this information without involving ebay in order to have this resolved peacefully, but I will not ship you the unit without you returning my payment first. Ebay will back you up, if I am not being honest and paypal will back you up if I do not send the unit. However, if I send you the unit and you are not honest, then I have no evidence or backup for my poor judgement.

Again, I have positive feedback. I paid you right away and expect that if the unit was damaged during shipment, (which the box does not show evidence of), then the shipping company should back you up.

The unit sounds like it is starting up, but does not show anything on the screen. I restarted it several times, including rebooting it and unplugging and replugging it in.

I have given you my home address for shipment, I will give you my home phone number and I will be as professional as possible to resolve this peacefully, but sending you the unit without getting my money back first is not an option.

My home phone number is...
My cel phone number is...

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Well, at least he's sincere, right?

My response follows.

[Typo Lad]

My response. I responded line by line. His comments are in italics, mine are normal font.

I have 100 percent positive feedback going back several years.

You have a positive feedback with 12 transactions. I have a positive feedback with 106 transactions. Of that, two were neutral. One neutral was in return for giving neutral feedback to someone else and one was from someone who I offered a return, but decided against it.

If feedback denotes trust, then my feedback is just as trustworthy than yours.

I paid you immediately, through paypal, and you did not do what you said you would (ship it when you received your money)
and when you did ship it, you did not give the tracking number when you said you would.

And I accept full responsibility for this. I do not drive and was unable to get to a store in time to ship it on a work day. This is my own fault and you have every right to be upset about that. I did not keep you apprised of the situation, which is also my fault.

When you did ship it, it was not clean and not working.

I dispute this. When I shipped it, it was lovingly hand-cleaned. I then tested it thoroughly. I do tech support for a living and am very careful in what I sell. While it may have been damaged in transit, it left my house in 100% working order.

I believe it would be very bad judgement for me to send you the unit without getting my money back first.

I'm sorry, but I believe it would be more than foolish of myself to send you the money without getting the product back. Had you purchased an item from any online store, they would require that you send the item back before giving a refund. That's simply the way the world works. As I noted in my first letter, i did give refunds before getting items, once upon a time, and they all kept the money and the item.

I am sending you this information without involving ebay in order to have this resolved peacefully,

Which I appreciate.

but I will not ship you the unit without you returning my payment first.

And i will not sent the refund without the item.

I believe that we may be at an impasse.

Ebay will back you up, if I am not being honest and paypal will back you up if I do not send the unit. However, if I send you the unit and you are not honest, then I have no evidence or backup for my poor judgement.

EBay should not need to "back me up", nor should Paypal. Items are returned, then refunds are given. This is how commerce functions. I have no intention of ripping you off. As it is I am embarrassed by the tardy shipping on my part.

Again, I have positive feedback.

Again, if we are citing feedback, I have 106 positive feedbacks, dating back to 2002.

I paid you right away and expect that if the unit was damaged during shipment, (which the box does not show evidence of), then the shipping company should back you up.

Eventually, yes, but first I have to have a damaged item to show them.

The unit sounds like it is starting up, but does not show anything on the screen. I restarted it several times, including rebooting it and unplugging and replugging it in.

Have you tried leaving it plugged in for a few hours before you power it on?

Did you open the memory door and make sure the memory is in firmly?

I have given you my home address for shipment, I will give you my home phone number and I will be as professional as possible to resolve this peacefully,

I wish to resolve this peacefully and professionally as well. In the interests of that goal, I would like to remain using e-mail as our mode of communication, so that everything is firmly "on the record"


but sending you the unit without getting my money back first is not an option.

I'm sorry, but sending you the money before getting the item back is not an option. That's just not the way the world works, sir.

I will once again make this offer: If you tell me the cost of shipping the item back to me, I will paypal you the cost of shipping. Then, when the item is at my doorstep, I will send you the remaining money. I'll even ad a $15 bonus for your patience (and to cover the paypal fees), which i would send with the initial shipping cost. In fact, I'm willing to forgoe paypal entirely and send a money order or cashiers check, if that makes you more comfortable.

However, that is as far as I am willing to go. I will not give you a refund for the item itself until it is back in my possession.

I hope that we can work this out.

Sincerely,
Mordechai Luchins.
-------

With this offer, I end up eating my shirt on this item. Still, $15 is pennies to get the imac back. I'm sure I can fix whatever is wrong.

[Brandon Hanvey]

This wouldn't happen to be my old iMac?

[Cei-U!]

Silly Morts. You should've listened to me when I advised you to never let J-bolt bid in your eBay auctions!

Cei-U!
I summon the ominous beauty!

[west3man]

Morts, tell this dude that if the item is as filthy and useless as he says, then how much risk is involved in trusting you with a dirty, damaged device.

If someone said they'd ship me a tv, but I got a rock, if they offered me a refund, I'd send them the damned rock back. What have I got to lose?

I know computers are somewhat salvageable, but I think this is a strong point worth mentioning. Then, I'd leave it to him to accept your terms, suggest an alternative, or do whatever he's got to do.

Good luck with it.

[Jayna]

I really think at this point you should turn all of your correspondence with this person over to ebay and/or paypal. I've had to do this on a couple of occasions to cover my behind on much smaller transactions.

[Azangel]

Sounds to me like one of two things:

1) He got your imac, and is planning on shipping you back an old one or one he picked up at a garage sale or something. Don't suppose you have the serial number?

2) He's not planning on shipping anything back and is running a scam on you.

NO retail establishment gives a refund without return of the item FIRST. No Ebay seller should be expected to. He's running a scam.

Turn him over to SafeHarbor

[Typo Lad]

Well, heard back from him.

Mordechai,

First of all, I want to say I appreciate you making the effort to settle this professionally. I have decided to send the unit to you first, based on your past feedback and effort to make up for the inconvenience.

I went to ups.com and the cost for shipping the unit to you is $32.91. I will send it tomorrow, Friday, July 15th and the expected date is Weds, July 20th. I will also send you the tracking number via email tomorrow.

Please send $47.91 (shipping + $15.00) to me via paypal at xxxx

Thank you for handling this appropriately. Once I have received the rest of the money due, I will leave you positive feedback in light of your accommodations. I would appreciate you doing the same for me.

Sincerely,

So I'm out $15. Fek.

I don't give a damn about the rest of the money.

[Mike Smash!]

The real question is after all that "legal action" crap and his "I'm infallible and 12 people say so!" attitude, are you going to leave him positive feedback?

[Typo Lad]

This wouldn't happen to be my old iMac?

Parts of it are, yes. After my father freaked out over having a MAC in his house, I was unable to find a home for it.

I replaced the Hard Drive with a larger, faster one and replaced the RAM. I also tweaked it to run panther and installed iLife and iWork.

I hope that you're not pissed at me.

[Typo Lad]

The real question is after all that "legal action" crap and his "I'm infallible and 12 people say so!" attitude, are you going to leave him positive feedback?

HA HA HA HA HA HA.

No.

I'll give him neutral, AFTER he gives me my positive. Right now I'm thinking:

"Amazingly difficult to deal with. Had to bribe him to return broken merchandise. Wanted refund up front."

[Typo Lad]

I really think at this point you should turn all of your correspondence with this person over to ebay and/or paypal. I've had to do this on a couple of occasions to cover my behind on much smaller transactions.

Can you walk me through that? I've never had to do that before.

I should have with the last guy who screwed me. That was over an iPod.

[Mike Smash!]

Can you walk me through that? I've never had to do that before.

I should have with the last guy who screwed me. That was over an iPod.At the very least, hold on to all the emails, just in case. It's always the wingnuts that turn on you when you leave them neutral or negative feedback and they're usually the ones to back up legal threats.


Generally speaking, it's not normal people that threaten legal action right out of the gate.

[Typo Lad]

Sounds to me like one of two things:

1) He got your imac, and is planning on shipping you back an old one or one he picked up at a garage sale or something. Don't suppose you have the serial number?

I have the original box with the SN on it. Interesting thought thought! Maybe from now on I'll log the SNs.

2) He's not planning on shipping anything back and is running a scam on you.

That's my first guess.

NO retail establishment gives a refund without return of the item FIRST. No Ebay seller should be expected to. He's running a scam.

To be fair, he could also just be an idiot.

Turn him over to SafeHarbor

How does one do that?

If I get this thing back, does anyone want an iMac?

[SteelTownr]

If I get this thing back, does anyone want an iMac?

No, it is dirty and doesn't work.

Mark B.

[SteelTownr]

If he holds up on his end of the bargain and leaves you a positive rating, why wouldn't you return the favor?

Neither of you is blameless in this transaction.

Mark B.

[Mike Smash!]

Be careful, Morts... Mark has a positive feedback rating of 14!!

[SteelTownr]

Be careful, Morts... Mark has a positive feedback rating of 14!!

Yeah, but they were all from My Mom.

Mark B.

[Brandon Hanvey]

I hope that you're not pissed at me.

Nope. I'm just sorry that my old computer is giving you a headache.

[Hellion]

Hope you don't mind me putting in my two cents but. I know how you feel, kinda. My friend had a small problem with a EBay person. He was ording a PS2 for only 80 bucks (100 for tax and shipping.) When my friend got it, he was all happy, bought a crap load of games for it. He plugged the X-box in and it said "X-box cannot read this disk." We put in many games hoping it would work. Finally we took it to our friend who found out that the disc drive was messed up it is beyond repair. My friend tried to send the X-box back but the guy wouldn't do it. He said you are trying to cheat me out. We had to get Ebay to help us. We were going to sue the guy but we decided not too. But anyways needless to say he was banned (For refusing to refund a broken system when he knows its broken.) My friend doesn't use Ebay that much now. But I hate it when people do that.

[Mike Smash!]

I once sold a broken DVD player through eBay... though I advertised it as such and basically aimed at tech geeks who like to modify things as my customers.

I'd take a look at it when you get it back, Morts. If nothing else there are a lot of techies who'd want it for the parts. Selling it on eBay for a reduced price is not out of the question.

[Typo Lad]

I once sold a broken DVD player through eBay... though I advertised it as such and basically aimed at tech geeks who like to modify things as my customers.

I'd take a look at it when you get it back, Morts. If nothing else there are a lot of techies who'd want it for the parts. Selling it on eBay for a reduced price is not out of the question.

Oh I do that all the time. I just finished parting out a Blue and white G3 with a dead motherboard. I got 20 dollars for the motherboard.

I am taking back the CPU though, because I forgot to mark it "as is" and it did not work. Going to resell it 'as is".

One time I had a customer insist something was broken. Got it back and offered it to the second highest bidder, who had been desperate for that part. The second guy got it to work and was so thankful. Nice guy, too.

[thehod]

I remember a story where by a smart young man put a "limited edition X-Box Box" on ebay, and sold it for about £90.

He stated quite clearly in the description that he was only selling the box, and not its contents, but some numpty still bid £90, and was royally pissed off when he got a cardboard box through the post.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'm happy things worked out for you Morts and odds are you'll find another home for that MAC.

[Deathstroke]

This is like those Dear Abby letters where they are asking for help to questions that are so patently easy you have to wonder what they could be doing to themselves to make them even question their decisions.

Yes, you are about to be swindled.

Until you get the computer back, DO NOT FRIGGING SEND MONEY BACK!

Geez!

[west3man]

By the way, if the person DOES send the item back, as he appears to be willing to do, I think that's a sign that this was NOT necessarily an attempt to swindle you - just a not-tech-savvy and highly cautious eBayer.

[Typo Lad]

I remember a story where by a smart young man put a "limited edition X-Box Box" on ebay, and sold it for about £90.

He stated quite clearly in the description that he was only selling the box, and not its contents, but some numpty still bid £90, and was royally pissed off when he got a cardboard box through the post.

Yeah, that happens. Someone once sold a "Gamecube! Original Reciept!""

You guessed it.

Just the reciept.

That was one expensive slip of paper.

[Typo Lad]

By the way, if the person DOES send the item back, as he appears to be willing to do, I think that's a sign that this was NOT necessarily an attempt to swindle you - just a not-tech-savvy and highly cautious eBayer.

While I am willing to lean this way, and was willing to give him the benifit of the doubt, I think he must at least be tech savy?

Why?

He is CEO and owner of a web design/hosting company.

[Typo Lad]

This is like those Dear Abby letters where they are asking for help to questions that are so patently easy you have to wonder what they could be doing to themselves to make them even question their decisions.

This is like one of those posts where the person posting clearly hasn't read the whole thread and you wonder why he is even bothering posting.

Yes, you are about to be swindled.

We shall see, won't we?

Until you get the computer back, DO NOT FRIGGING SEND MONEY BACK!

Like I said to him, I'm paypalling shipping and that's it. If I get it, he gets a refund.

It's interesting to note that it's costing him $5 more to ship it to me than it did for me to ship to him.

[west3man]

While I am willing to lean this way, and was willing to give him the benifit of the doubt, I think he must at least be tech savy?

Why?

He is CEO and owner of a web design/hosting company. I think you mentioned that earlier. Good point.

Buyer's remorse? I dunno.

[Typo Lad]

I think you mentioned that earlier. Good point.

I thought all my points were.

Buyer's remorse? I dunno.

Coooould be.

[Johnny Morningstar]

Maybe he's cutting his losses by getting some money out of you through shipping and $15 extra bucks.

I'm curious to know if he's already shipped the iMac and provided a tracking number.

[Typo Lad]

Maybe he's cutting his losses by getting some money out of you through shipping and $15 extra bucks.

I've thought of that as well.

My wife wants me to just report him to eBay.

I'm curious to know if he's already shipped the iMac and provided a tracking number.

I'm waiting for it.

I still have to Paypal him. Gonna do it now.

[Nate C.]

It's interesting to note that it's costing him $5 more to ship it to me than it did for me to ship to him.

He added West's rock to the box.

(seriously, West, that was great advice)

Morts, I would encourage you to leave the guy a positive after this is resolved. A neutral just enforces his fears, and I see two guys trying to do the right thing here. (you can still leave the remarks, but the positive takes away the sting)

[Typo Lad]

Morts, I would encourage you to leave the guy a positive after this is resolved. A neutral just enforces his fears, and I see two guys trying to do the right thing here. (you can still leave the remarks, but the positive takes away the sting)

That's a great idea Nate.

[west3man]

(seriously, West, that was great advice)
Thank you, sir.

Same to you.

[Nate C.]

Thank you, sir.

Same to you.

305 feedback, 100% positive, and many of these types of situations. ;)

[Johnny Morningstar]

If the computer works, you should keep the money. You just bought a perfectly good iMac for around $60.

Damn the negative feedback.

:evilsmile

[Typo Lad]

305 feedback, 100% positive, and many of these types of situations. ;)

We should exchange usernames. I'd loive to see what you had up for auction.

[Typo Lad]

If the computer works, you should keep the money. You just bought a perfectly good iMac for around $60.

I'm the seller, not the buyer. I just sent him that money to get it BACK.

In the end, I'm going to end up paying for something I already owned

[Michael P]

If someone said they'd ship me a tv, but I got a rock, if they offered me a refund, I'd send them the damned rock back.
OK, now I'm thinking this:

Schroeder: I got this original Beethoven folio on eBay!

Linus: I got the complete works of Emmanuel Kant!

Peppermint Patty: I got this Melissa Etheridge Double Live CD!

Charlie Brown: I got a rock.

[west3man]

I'm the seller, not the buyer. I just sent him that money to get it BACK.

In the end, I'm going to end up paying for something I already owned
Nah. In the end, you'll relist it, add at least $15 to the minimum bid/buy-it-now price, and still walk away with a good rep. and well-lined pockets.

[west3man]

OK, now I'm thinking this:

Schroeder: I got this original Beethoven folio on eBay!

Linus: I got the complete works of Emmanuel Kant!

Peppermint Patty: I got this Melissa Etheridge Double Live CD!

Charlie Brown: I got a rock.
Sounds like ol' Chuck.

(Which, btw, is kinda sorta my pseudo-nickname since I'm like a brown Charlie Brown. At least I got my cute lil red-haired girl.)

[Nate C.]

We should exchange usernames. I'd loive to see what you had up for auction.

littlemonkeycomics

(I haven't sold anything in a couple of months, so I think I can do that publicly)

Check out my ME page. Full name (I'm coming out), phone number, pic of big books.

I have bought and sold tens of thousands of dollars worth of comic on ebay. The largest single purchase was a 2.0 Amazing Spider-Man for around $750.00. (a steal-the guy didn't take paypal which cut out 4/5 of buyers)

[Typo Lad]

Peppermint Patty: I got this Melissa Etheridge Double Live CD!


Peppermint Patty was not gay.

She was a man.

That's right, she was a transvestite.

Now Patty and Violette... that's a cute couple right there.

[Typo Lad]

Nah. In the end, you'll relist it, add at least $15 to the minimum bid/buy-it-now price, and still walk away with a good rep. and well-lined pockets.


Maybe. At this point I'm thinking of taking a trip to Woodridge and just installing it in my grandparent's spare bedroom. That way when family members visit they can still check their mail, etc.

Update: Sent the shipping cash.

[Loren]

Yeah, that happens. Someone once sold a "Gamecube! Original Reciept!""

You guessed it.

Just the reciept.

That was one expensive slip of paper.

There was a thread on some comic forum last week about an eBay seller who'd recently put up several auctions of what looked like very old Golden Age books.

But when you read the brief text of the auction, it clarified that the issues being sold were actually coverless issues (from the 1960s or later) and he'd just printed out classic covers on a color printer to 'protect' them. One that looked like an early Superman issue went for $22.

And Kurt Busiek dropped in on the thread to deduce what the issues themselves were, based on just a few exposed panels.

Loren

[west3man]

The largest single purchase was a 2.0 Amazing Spider-Man for around $750.00. (a steal-the guy didn't take paypal which cut out 4/5 of buyers)

"2.0 Amazing Spider-Man"?

I figured 2.0 was the condition (i.e. CGC grading), but without an issue number I dunno how much of a steal it was.

[Nate C.]

"2.0 Amazing Spider-Man"?

I figured 2.0 was the condition (i.e. CGC grading), but without an issue number I dunno how much of a steal it was.

Yeah, Amazing Spider-Man #1, graded Good (I'm a very hard grader-it's a nice looking book) 2.0. (not CGC)

Sorry, went and looked again, it's a 3.5, Very Good-. Current Guide- apx. $1500.00.

(that's sad when you can't remember the grade of your best book)

[Typo Lad]

Well, now I know to bug Nate when it comes time to sell off some of my surplus comics!

[Nate C.]

Well, now I know to bug Nate when it comes time to sell off some of my surplus comics!

Brang it.

(did you check out my ME page, Luchins?)

[Azangel]

514 feedback rating - 100% positive. :)

:-P

[Typo Lad]

Grrrrr.


Hi Mordechai,

I ended up having to work late yesterday and couldn't mail your mac out, but will take care of it today and send you the tracking number tonite.

Talk to you soon

[Matt Algren]

Grrrrr.


Hi Mordechai,

I ended up having to work late yesterday and couldn't mail your mac out, but will take care of it today and send you the tracking number tonite.

Talk to you soon
Well, who didn't see that one coming?

[JLarson]

I need to know what happens next! ;-)

[boolean]

Grrrrr.


Hi Mordechai,

I ended up having to work late yesterday and couldn't mail your mac out, but will take care of it today and send you the tracking number tonite.

Talk to you soon

Why "Grrrrr"?

Didn't you send it to him a few days late in the first place?

And with pretty much the same reason?

[SteelTownr]

Why "Grrrrr"?

Didn't you send it to him a few days late in the first place?

And with pretty much the same reason?

Yeah, he just didn't e-mail him about it.

Mark B.

[Typo Lad]

Why "Grrrrr"?

Didn't you send it to him a few days late in the first place?

And with pretty much the same reason?

That's the "grrrr."

Because I can't respond in any way without looking like the world's largest arsehole.

[Emerald Ghost]

Well, someone has to do this.

Lyrics:

Yeah
A used ... pink bathrobe
A rare ... mint snowglobe
A Smurf ... TV tray
I bought on eBay

My house ... is filled with this crap
Shows up in bubble wrap
Most every day
What I bought on eBay

Tell me why (I need another pet rock)
Tell me why (I got that Alf alarm clock)
Tell me why (I bid on Shatner's old toupee)
They had it on eBay

I'll buy ... your knick-knack
Just check ... my feedback
"A++!" they all say
They love me on eBay

Gonna buy (a slightly-damaged golf bag)
Gonna buy (some Beanie Babies, new with tag)
(From some guy) I've never met in Norway
Found him on eBay

I am the type who is liable to snipe you
With two seconds left to go, whoa
Got Paypal or Visa, what ever'll please
As long as I've got the dough

I'll buy ... your tchotchkes
Sell me ... your watch, please
I'll buy (I'll buy, I'll buy, I'll buy ...)
I'm highest bidder now

(Junk keeps arriving in the mail)
(From that worldwide garage sale) (Dukes Of Hazzard ashtray)
(Hey! A Dukes Of Hazzard ashtray)
Oh yeah ... (I bought it on eBay)

Wanna buy (a PacMan Fever lunchbox)
Wanna buy (a case on vintage tube socks)
Wanna buy (a Kleenex used by Dr. Dre, Dr. Dre)
(Found it on eBay)

Wanna buy (that Farrah Fawcett poster)
(Pez dispensers and a toaster)
(Don't know why ... the kind of stuff you'd throw away)
(I'll buy on eBay)

What I bought on eBay-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y

And good luck getting your stuff. May the force be with you.

[SteelTownr]

I'm curious how this one played out.

Any word from the guy, Morts?

Mark B.

[Typo Lad]

It's supposed to come today.

[SteelTownr]

Oh Good, I hope it does, I'm really wondering what you are going to find inside.

Mark B.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I'm just wondering If It'll even arrive .

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Personally, I'm betting it's Gwenyth Paltrow's head.

Morts, I just read through this thread for the first time. I think you did exactly the right thing. Depending on what you find in the box, however, it may be time to send Rocko and Vinnie over to this guy's place to help him find his checkbook.

[Solaris]

I really think at this point you should turn all of your correspondence with this person over to ebay and/or paypal. I've had to do this on a couple of occasions to cover my behind on much smaller transactions.


I firmly agree with this... especially because another alarm bell went off with his bit about "not involving E-bay."

Bullshit.

If you feel you've been sucker-punched with a product, the FIRST thing you do is involve E-bay... if nothing else, to report the reprobate bastard. (As I did, the one time I didn't receive squat for a paid-for purchase; I also found out that there were 17 other people who he'd screwed likewise).

The only REAL reason for HIM not wanting to involve E-bay is if he's trying to pull a fast one on you. He doesn't want them to know; he doesn't want them involved; and he's trying to spin it so that "his desire to not get them involved" is supposedly for *your* benefit---you being the "guilty" party and all.

Save all your correspondences from him, your replies, and any records you have re: the original shipping, etc. of the product (scan in the latter), and send the whole thing off to E-bay to keep them apprised of the situation. For one thing, he might be trying to pull this on other people, too---or he may already be reported by someone else for this kind of thing. If either is true, you're doing E-bay, someone else, and yourself a favor by sending them the info.

Stick to your guns, Morts---you're completely in the right on this one, and with the right approach.

[Typo Lad]

Update:

UPS left a slip today. They';re redelivering tomorrow, while Suzannah is home.

[Solaris]

Woot. Okay, so he sent *something*.

I'm crossing my fingers that it's the same system you shipped out, and that *if* it was damaged, it was done so by UPS. (And not by this guy taking it out for an all-wheel-drive through the mudflats!) heh.

I guess I'm just a suspicious ol' bitch. :D

[Typo Lad]

Suzannah says it's at the house. I almost paypal-ed him back, but decided I want to get at it and make sure the RAM, HD, etc are all in there.

[Mike Smash!]

Suzannah says it's at the house. I almost paypal-ed him back, but decided I want to get at it and make sure the RAM, HD, etc are all in there.How dare you not trust him, Morts!?

He has a rating of twelve! TWELVE, DAMMIT!

[Typo Lad]

Thanks Mike, I needed that.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Suzannah says it's at the house. I almost paypal-ed him back, but decided I want to get at it and make sure the RAM, HD, etc are all in there.

Hmm. So, no severed head? Damn, I lost the pool again.

[Typo Lad]

Hmm. So, no severed head? Damn, I lost the pool again.

Not just yet, I gotta open the box. You could get lucky!

[Dreadstar]

Aw, the whole thing is going to be a wash except for the lost postage. Morts called his bluff, played it straight down the line and left him zero wiggle/con room.

I'd still make sure all the parts are the originals though.

[Typo Lad]

Aw, the whole thing is going to be a wash except for the lost postage. Morts called his bluff, played it straight down the line and left him zero wiggle/con room.

I can't decide if this is your way of saying you're disapointed in me or something.

Did I miss something, oh master?

[Dreadstar]

I can't decide if this is your way of saying you're disapointed in me or something.

Did I miss something, oh master?

Oh, no, no, no, no.

I'm admiring of the way you left him virtually zero chance to con you.

[Typo Lad]

I'm admiring of the way you left him virtually zero chance to con you.

Thank you, oh Dread one.

I'm a bit miffed about being out the shipping, mind you.

[Mike Smash!]

You did the right thing and called his bluff, Morts. For his attitude and vague threats, the guy deserves a neutral feedback for this transaction at best.

And yes, check the computer before you send him any money.

[Slam_Bradley]

How dare you not trust him, Morts!?

He has a rating of twelve! TWELVE, DAMMIT!



That was the thing that absolutely slayed me. TWELVE...too funny.

My rating is something like 85 and I don't feel like I buy or sell that much.

[Typo Lad]

You did the right thing and called his bluff, Morts.

Maybe I should learn poker...

For his attitude and vague threats, the guy deserves a neutral feedback for this transaction at best.

I am going to follow the advice of Nojolner, mad master of Positive Feedback, and give the gentleman in question positive feedback that states:

"Item damaged in transit. Buyer wanted money back without sending item. Eventually saw reason."

And yes, check the computer before you send him any money.

On the plus side, if it WAS damaged in transit, I get $400.

[Dreadstar]

Maybe I should learn poker...

No problem. Bring a C-note for some chips and I'll teach you everything you need to know.

[Typo Lad]

No problem. Bring a C-note for some chips and I'll teach you everything you need to know.

That reminds me of a story. I don't know if I told it before...

We were staying by friends in LA a few years back for a cousin’s Bar Mitzvah. I think it was at least ten years ago.

The people we were staying by had a pool table. My brother, then in High School, fancied himself a decent pool player. He was messing about when my dad passed him.

“Hey dad, want to play pool?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t played in years…”

“C’mon, it’ll be fun.”

“Now that I think about it, not since college.”

“Please?”

My dad then proceeded to thoroughly whip my brother’s behind in pool. We’re talking poetry in motion here.

As my brother stood, watching him with his jaw on the ground, my father confided that he used to use the same technique to make spare cash in the yeshiva University game room.

http://www.ou.org/ncsy/photos/2002/yk63/PC250297.JPG

My dad, the pool shark.

[west3man]

Good luck with your situation, Morts. I just finished with my own weird-ass eBay mix-up.

Very weird. In fact, I'm not too pleased with Paypal for tying up my money without talking to me ONCE about the situation. At least now that it's resolved two things can happen, 1) I can move on, a little bit wiser and 2) maybe the buyer will believe that I'm not fulla shit. I've already received positive feedback and been paid, so there's no reason for me to kiss his ass.

It's too bad that we have to remove the bush to prove that the bush wasn't a factor.

[Typo Lad]

It's too bad that we have to remove the bush to prove that the bush wasn't a factor.

huh?

Also, care to go into more detail?

[Mike Smash!]

That was the thing that absolutely slayed me. TWELVE...too funny.

My rating is something like 85 and I don't feel like I buy or sell that much.You're seven times more trustworthy than he is, Slam!

[Mike Smash!]

It's too bad that we have to remove the bush to prove that the bush wasn't a factor.Are we talking about politics or sex?

[Dreadstar]

You're seven times more trustworthy than he is, Slam!


You used the PC calculator, didn't you?

[Mike Smash!]

You used the PC calculator, didn't you?I suck at math, so I'm extra proud to say that I did that one in my head...

[west3man]

huh? From Malcolm X:

"When God bragged how faithful Job was, the
devil argued that only God's protective hedge
around him kept him pure, the devil said remove
the hedge and he will curse his maker. "

While I wasn't talking about GOD, I *was* talking about GOoD, so I thought it applied.

Also, I always think "bush" instead of "hedge."

Also, care to go into more detail? Long story short: A buyer (claims he) didn't get my e-mail telling him there was a problem with the auction and that he could have his money back, if he wanted, while it was resolved. Paypal intervened and froze my account. Enter pissivity.

He's received the item, now, left positive feedback, and the freeze has been lifted. I'm hoping that NOW that he knows I have nothing to gain by "lying," he'll believe me. It doesn't matter a WHOLE LOT, but it can be frustrating when people look at me and see something other than the man that I am.

Hopefully that was short enough without sacrificing clarity. Just in case... the money and the feedback were my "hedge."

[west3man]

Are we talking about politics or sex?
There's a difference?

[Mike Smash!]

There's a difference?Well, with one it's a lot easier to get young people interested...

[SUPERECWFAN1]

So have you checked It yet Morts ? Is It all there and If so...will he get that positive ranking of 13# ? :D

[west3man]

So have you checked It yet Morts ? Is It all there and If so...will he get that positive ranking of 13# ? :D
Ahhhh. Morts's transaction with him was #13... THAT'S why it went sour.

This PROVES that all superstitions are true!

[Typo Lad]

Checking in really fast to say that everything was there.

I don't know where he got "dirty" from, as it was still clean. Maybe he meant the box?

Whatever.

[west3man]

Checking in really fast to say that everything was there.

I don't know where he got "dirty" from, as it was still clean. Maybe he meant the box?

Whatever.
Did it boot properly?

[Typo Lad]

Did it boot properly?

Don't have time to test, but since he whole claim was that it didn't, I'm just taking the refund, testing, fixing, and re-selling.

[jessecuster]

I'm sorry this deal stunk so bad... but if you want an easy mark for dumping a bogus IMac I'm your man !

[Typo Lad]

I'm sorry this deal stunk so bad... but if you want an easy mark for dumping a bogus IMac I'm your man !

I have another interested party, but I'll let you know.

[Slappy san]

Don't have time to test, but since he whole claim was that it didn't, I'm just taking the refund, testing, fixing, and re-selling.

Say what? You should give the thing a SAT before you part with $$$.

[Typo Lad]

Say what? You should give the thing a SAT before you part with $$$.

Thhhhhbt.

Anyway, the onboard video is dead alright. Got the external port to work, but after resetting the PRAM the the frequencies are set wrong.

Time to call UPS and get my $400 back, yo.

[Slappy san]

Thhhhhbt.

Anyway, the onboard video is dead alright. Got the external port to work, but after resetting the PRAM the the frequencies are set wrong.

Time to call UPS and get my $400 back, yo.

So he wasn't scamming you?

...yo LOL..............sorry...you said "yo"

[Typo Lad]

Nope, he wasn't scamming me.

But I'm getting $400 because it was damaged.

[DonC]

After all that, am I the only one disappointed that this guy wasn't trying to rip Morts off? The story was much more interesting that way.

[CoffeeStained]

It was hella interesting, foiling the scammer and going through all that shit to prove a principle, the feedback battle of epic proportions...

I-mac damaged in transit is so anticlimatic...

*Walks away dejectedly.*

[K'Nort]

Well it does mean there's one less slimeball in the world than we thought. That's got to count for something.

[Typo Lad]

After all that, am I the only one disappointed that this guy wasn't trying to rip Morts off? The story was much more interesting that way.


Heck, even I'm kinda disappointed.

But now I get $400, so I'll deal.

[Slappy san]

Heck, even I'm kinda disappointed.

But now I get $400, so I'll deal.

How much did you sell it for originally?

So how much are you going to resell it for now.

What kind of profit all together?

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yeah I was wanting to see Morts push this guy against a wall and be pissed! Take the s.o.b down for rippin ya off , I would be yelling. Now I feel sad for some reason.


Well least Morts gets his $ 400.00 back. Don't spend It all In one place man. ;)

[Typo Lad]

How much did you sell it for originally?

$218 with shipping.

So how much are you going to resell it for now.

Not gonna sell it. Since it actually WAS damaged in transit, I'm going to call UPS and get my Insurance value. I had insured it for $400.

What kind of profit all together?

Okay...

I'm out the money it cost for Brandon to ship it here... the money it cost me to have the box shipped back after I used it to ship Jim a pink iMac for one of the clan, and he cost of this guy shipping it back, plus the $15 "get it back" fee.

Carry the one....

Profit of like $280, assuming UPS doesn't screw me over

[SteelTownr]

So what kind of feedback are you gonna leave the guy?

Mark B.

[Mike Smash!]

So what kind of feedback are you gonna leave the guy?

Mark B.Since the fault seems to be the UPS people, I would give him neutral at best.

Morts was honest with the guy and fair... The guy flew off the handle immediately and threaten vague legal action before even giving Morts a chance to hear his side. He then ridiculously flaunted a 12 positive rating as a sign that he was beyond doubt. His emails all seemed patronizing and coupled with the afore mentioned threat, he doesn't seem all there.

I tend to look at feedback as my way of letting future buyers and sellers know about the guy. If he's a pain in the ass, hard to deal with, bad communication...etc.

I've only had to leave negative feedback once, but I think of it as a head's up to the next guy. Morts not only conported himself civily, honestly, and went the extra mile to make up for a wrong that he didn't even do the guy, but he even sent the guy some extra cash for his trouble.

For the attitude he gave (and the legal threat right out of the gate; You've gotta give a guy a chance to respond before jumping to that point) I think Morts should give him a neutral.

[SteelTownr]

Since the fault seems to be the UPS people, I would give him neutral at best.

Morts was honest with the guy and fair... The guy flew off the handle immediately and threaten vague legal action before even giving Morts a chance to hear his side. He then ridiculously flaunted a 12 positive rating as a sign that he was beyond doubt. His emails all seemed patronizing and coupled with the afore mentioned threat, he doesn't seem all there.

I tend to look at feedback as my way of letting future buyers and sellers know about the guy. If he's a pain in the ass, hard to deal with, bad communication...etc.

I've only had to leave negative feedback once, but I think of it as a head's up to the next guy. Morts not only conported himself civily, honestly, and went the extra mile to make up for a wrong that he didn't even do the guy, but he even sent the guy some extra cash for his trouble.

For the attitude he gave (and the legal threat right out of the gate; You've gotta give a guy a chance to respond before jumping to that point) I think Morts should give him a neutral.

Yeah, but Morts didn't send the computer in a speedy manner and he didn't
e-mail him to let him know why.

The guy maybe got uppity off of the bat because he waited longer than he thought he should have to get it and was in the dark as to why. When he got the comuter, it didn't work, so I can't say that I blame him.

Keep in mind, we all know Morts to be a standup kind of guy around here, but this guy doesn't know him from Adam.

The guy got a bum computer (through no fault of Morts), the least he can expect, I think, is to walk away from the deal having lost nothing but his time.

Morts is coming out ahead on the deal, why shouldn't this guy at least get a positive rating?

Mark B.

[Typo Lad]

Gha!

On the phone with UPS. They say I should have left it there and had them come inspect it.

I might not get my $400.

[Typo Lad]

Yup. No money for me. I should have called UPS when it showed up there damaged and they would have come out and investigated it. By having it shipped back, I've screwed myself over.

My next project is going to be taking this thing apart and selling the bits.

Thanks for playing, everyone!

[west3man]

In my experience, the insurance is something the buyer purchased, so it is the responsibility of the buyer... particularly in an as-is transaction (which this may or may not have been. I don't recall).

I got paid because I sent as-described item(s) and the buyer purchases insurance in case the shipper changes the state or quality of the item. That would be between the buyer and the shipping company, I'd think. I'd considered changing the way I looked at this until I saw your last post. I'm sorry to hear it worked out that way, man, but thanks for sharing your experience with us so maybe we can all learn from it.

[Nate C.]

Yup. No money for me. I should have called UPS when it showed up there damaged and they would have come out and investigated it. By having it shipped back, I've screwed myself over.

My next project is going to be taking this thing apart and selling the bits.

Thanks for playing, everyone!

I hate this thing went down the way it did, Morts.

You live, you learn...

[Mike Smash!]

Yeah, but Morts didn't send the computer in a speedy manner and he didn't
e-mail him to let him know why.

The guy maybe got uppity off of the bat because he waited longer than he thought he should have to get it and was in the dark as to why. When he got the comuter, it didn't work, so I can't say that I blame him.

Keep in mind, we all know Morts to be a standup kind of guy around here, but this guy doesn't know him from Adam.

The guy got a bum computer (through no fault of Morts), the least he can expect, I think, is to walk away from the deal having lost nothing but his time.

Morts is coming out ahead on the deal, why shouldn't this guy at least get a positive rating?

Mark B.I'm not saying that Morts didn't screw up in any way, but I'm very suspiscious of anyone who spits out a legal threat right off the bat. Most people do not do that. They usually wait for the other party to prove themselves completely untrustworthy before making that threat.

And I've dealt with a few eBay people who've screwed up my order and I've never given them the sort of hostile, haughty emails that Morts' guy did before even hearing Morts' side.

I say neutral, because the guy was a pain in the ass and its a heads up for anyone else he makes a deal with.

[Dreadstar]

I'd say a green, because in essence, he really didn't do anything wrong, e-bay-wise.

He might be a bit of an ass, but man if I were him and got a yellow/neutral from a transaction involving my buying damaged merchandise, I'd be *pissed*.

[SteelTownr]

I'm not saying that Morts didn't screw up in any way, but I'm very suspiscious of anyone who spits out a legal threat right off the bat. Most people do not do that. They usually wait for the other party to prove themselves completely untrustworthy before making that threat.

And I've dealt with a few eBay people who've screwed up my order and I've never given them the sort of hostile, haughty emails that Morts' guy did before even hearing Morts' side.

I say neutral, because the guy was a pain in the ass and its a heads up for anyone else he makes a deal with.

Yeah, but fair is fair and the guy did say that he would give Morts a thumbs-up.

What I am saying is that this guy doesn't have the benefit of knowing Morts like we do, so who knows what was going through his head?

Mark B.

[Typo Lad]

He's gettign green, as I said a few pages back. I am, however noting that he wanted a refund prior to a return.

In retrospect, I should have called UPS *first* though.

Still, parting it out should be fun.

[Dreadstar]

Still, parting it out should be fun.


You're *such* a glass-half-full kinda guy...

[west3man]

He's gettign green, as I said a few pages back. I am, however noting that he wanted a refund prior to a return.

In retrospect, I should have called UPS *first* though.

Still, parting it out should be fun.I'm not used to referring to it in terms of red and green, but I get where you guys are coming from.

In my situation, the guy left me positive feedback and I think I'll do the same, but with neutral text. Feel me?

The bigger issue I have is with Paypal. I'm seriously considering giving them the boot, although that could put a serious hurting on my "business."

EDIT: Heck, I *still* gave the buyer the "extras" I'd planned to give him all along. Too bad it was probably interpreted as a bribe or something.

[MacQuarrie]

I'm not saying that Morts didn't screw up in any way...
No, that was me. I took too long to get the box sent back to him.

[Typo Lad]

You're *such* a glass-half-full kinda guy...

I think Tot'll get to help me. it'll be a learning experiance.

"What's this called?"

"A transistor."

"Like...?"

"Iron Man's Armor!"

Seriously though, she knew the difference between a phillips and a flathead at age 2.

[Typo Lad]

No, that was me. I took too long to get the box sent back to him.

I could have been smart and not listed it until I had the box back Jim, it's my fault entirely. You're blameless.

[SteelTownr]

He's gettign green, as I said a few pages back.

I'm sorry, I missed that one.

Mark B.

[Typo Lad]

Well, he feedbacked me as follows:

"Great seller. Very responsible. =)"

I had already feedbacked him, it seems, but had forgtotten:

"VERY good eBayer. Had a delay, my fault, and he was understanding."

[Dreadstar]

Smileys in a feedback set off alarms to me when I see them.

For example, I'd see the feedback he sent you and think:

"Hmmmm. Something bad happened here, but it somehow got sorted out and the smiley indicates that negotiation changed a neutral feedback to a positive one."

Not a deal breaker, but obviously something I'd consider in an 'all things being equal' situation.