eBay, etc. General Question/Answer Thread

[BeenBurned]

What do you guys think of this:
3 different sellers on ebay - all 3 live in different states
Same items listed with the same pictures

What would be an explanation?

I've seen it over the years where it's a ring of scammers (not really located in the US) who use various US locations. In most cases, they're selling NWT highly faked brands and items for prices that are obviously too good to be true.

Can you post links? (If you feel more comfortable PMing, that's okay.)

Here you go....
I browse Hermes shawls a lot and kept seeing these same pictures in 3 separate listings.

1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/HERMES-KAWA-ORA-CASHMERE-SILK-140-SHAWL-SCARF-WRAP-by-Te-Rangitu-Netana/193857743768?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item2d22d26b98:g:qScAAOSw76JgCKge&amdata=enc:AQAFAAACgBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%2Fn%2BzU5L90Z278x5ickkfKe2vUidqHRg3XM2X2xOVKmROeIprBGgAqDhxRHccHtCVvF0AtXUS5ZW%2BHwZhorP8EuHpYW6Wg7k%2FVJGS3gMhFYKObTZgZtBVptVZMkaeyV5pKOAlvOXQkU%2BByapKjKxwuAlj6WmeW2lt2VjsYaqSpAdOxtkGHv07jCDGrNJdTZ%2BfCScRPkbLdC0eLvzTUpUXOM0e6qQ9644tkJAUgPvugc3NW%2BwA4sdwUXEqxFaMumNUpHrfRwVOSux%2BI%2FJx2KJBQeLBrRxp1l6fiCBPo46fFK%2FVuvBjbi9QODCnjPprJop3sx6eHEBuBGJlkKgr5d7hPC5iIOJC9zmFc556BPmdYWIxQINalGce6qRGFwrDrbmzdHMhy4Enk6ofVa1WvfmF9JeOGVJW3TIt6iz3O1kyBXpWyPqOoroqPcge2PBQ2F6cKnBVB%2FnVl7gpgOphUTy09R72TvnLWMDSeoJC3SH%2FjBu7pLwDoqefWNdVTGBCp2rbB3FLLTYDBMmt%2FHsrAD52sNQGKgsI7pFPc0HDPa73BvAeYSCi82PQwblcet0WoJHXUx0SVWh43Tc2uQjv93FOeOa4zxyLHu%2Fx8r9BD5gzPMNme%2BRcbl7YZWuuY800%2FAvNLi2QM3PbUzuWZXFVwA8FvnyeGaMBsaAK4pgjqvlC0Z3mWyOxgybuJEg7WY2Gl6%2B5Z4vzbB%2Bwxsz4deRFlTVb8ETja9b16bln4DQjWBtjt01vBqtrs%2Bw6JfcOM%2FC3VObvNpmt9%2FT0Zfd2vHw0bUfXXIbVQVdu4gAgylk806s7oAjIXLyiCUP2ZO2T%2BgW6wA%3D|cksum:1938577437687bf919eda9894372966f908442ce7724|ampidL_CLK|clp:2334524

2. (This one is out of Russia when you check their feedback but is shipping from within the US)

HERMES KAWA ORA CASHMERE SILK 140 SHAWL SCARF WRAP by Te Rangitu Netana | eBay

Designed by Te Rangitu Netana. Size : Aprox 140 x 140 cm.

www.ebay.com

3. https://www.ebay.com/itm/HERMES-KAW...235415?hash=item3b541cab17:g:g5cAAOSwqBFf4NhH

I did see that alwayssold911 is registered in Russia but item location is Florida.


I agree that something seems very strange. I also noticed that each has the identical C&P'ed description and listing style, i.e., all have titles in all caps. All 3 sellers also have other listings of the identical items as each other.

I suspect they're the same person or working together. I also found other (now NARU) IDs that I believe are (or rather, WERE) connected:

• saro-5489(48) Not a registered user
• runwaylover9(90) Not a registered user

I think this might be another connection: akva1962(151)


*mhomes1-6 has purchased from and received feedback as a buyer from both alwayssold911 and saro-5489: https://www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_profile/mhomes1-6?_trksid=p2545226.m2531.l4585

*mhomes1-6 has purchased from and left feedback as a buyer for saro-5489.

*alwayssold911 has SOLD to mhomes1-6 and left mhomes1-6 feedback and she's sold to saro-5489 and received feedback from this buyer.

* saro-5489 bought from and left feedback for alwayssold911:

Feedback Profile

www.ebay.com

Bottom line: There's sketchiness going on. I don't believe there are 3 of the same scarf.

@MAGJES

It gets curiouser and curiouser! I found this listing that sold TWICE in December. Several of the pictures in the following listing from what I believe to be an unconnected and unrelated seller are the identical ones used in the listings you posted. Neither of the winning bidders was one of the 3 whose listings you posted. (The French seller should report the stolen pictures!)

Hermes Kawa Ora Shawl 140 Cashmere & Silk Giant Scarf Artist Te Rangitu Netana | eBay

Designer ArtistTe Rangitu Netana. Size (approx): 140 x 140 cm.

www.ebay.com

 

[MAGJES]

@MAGJES

It gets curiouser and curiouser! I found this listing that sold TWICE in December. Several of the pictures in the following listing from what I believe to be an unconnected and unrelated seller are the identical ones used in the listings you posted. Neither of the winning bidders was one of the 3 whose listings you posted. (The French seller should report the stolen pictures!)

Hermes Kawa Ora Shawl 140 Cashmere & Silk Giant Scarf Artist Te Rangitu Netana | eBay

Designer ArtistTe Rangitu Netana. Size (approx): 140 x 140 cm.

www.ebay.com

Thanks BB! Great detective work. I'm going to report these 3 sellers and the listings in all the ways that I can.

Edit: I reported directly to the team that monitors fake reports. They usually message me back so I will update. I did notice that the item has sold. Poor buyer - I seriously doubt they will receive an authentic item or an item as the one pictured.

 

[MAGJES]

I'm selling an item right now at a price that is lower than other sellers. I've sold a lot of them - all with wonderful feedback.
The item is listed as used but pics show that the item is really pristine and unused. I have about 12 of them left. (less than $40 each)

I had a new ebay member message me yesterday asking for a discount since she was buying two. 90% of my buyers purchase two or even three at the time and I have never been asked to provide a discount. I answered that I was unable to offer a discount at this time.

This morning I receive a return message telling me that she was going to buy them anyway and that she "hoped" they were in excellent condition.
This message may not be rude by definition but I do find it unpleasant and a little provoking.
I blocked her. Do not need the headache....especially after the Christmas shipping nightmares and dealing with a few impatient buyers in Dec. not understanding the USPS delays.
Please tell me you would have done the same!

 

[Luvpurplepurses]

I'm selling an item right now at a price that is lower than other sellers. I've sold a lot of them - all with wonderful feedback.
The item is listed as used but pics show that the item is really pristine and unused. I have about 12 of them left. (less than $40 each)

I had a new ebay member message me yesterday asking for a discount since she was buying two. 90% of my buyers purchase two or even three at the time and I have never been asked to provide a discount. I answered that I was unable to offer a discount at this time.

This morning I receive a return message telling me that she was going to buy them anyway and that she "hoped" they were in excellent condition.
This message may not be rude by definition but I do find it unpleasant and a little provoking.
I blocked her. Do not need the headache....especially after the Christmas shipping nightmares and dealing with a few impatient buyers in Dec. not understanding the USPS delays.
Please tell me you would have done the same!

I would have! As I was reading your post I thought to myself block this person they could be trouble!! LOL!

 

[muchstuff]

I see it quite frequently that several well-established and (supposedly) reputable Japanese sellers list the same item. I also believe (read: KNOW) that it's the same item as is also listed.

I think what they're doing is done on purpose to try to get more views and additional opportunities to make a sale. And if a buyer is naive enough to buy from a seller with a higher price, so much the better.

Since ebay disallows a seller to have duplicate listings, they circumvent that policy by having different sellers list the same item. (Most of the time, it's not only pictures but descriptions, measurements, terms, return policies, etc. that are also identical.)

I think there's a comglomerate of Japanese sellers who work together and do this.


If they can't give the customs fees back since they didn't actually collect them and if it's not possible for the buyer to be reimbursed, the seller CAN and should do the right thing and make the buyer whole, IMO.

Having the seller pay the full LS restoration is fair also.

I’m able to apply to my provincial govt to get my fees back I believe, perhaps the OP could look into that?

 

[MAGJES]

I would have! As I was reading your post I thought to myself block this person they could be trouble!! LOL!

Oh good!
Funny though.......I had 8 of these items left and someone else bought all 8 right after I posted yesterday.
The member that was making me nervous messaged me AGAIN and was a little upset that they were sold before she could purchase them. Oh well. If she only knew she would have been unable to check out. haha

 

[whateve]

Got a not received case opened against me today. It isn't my fault mail isn't moving. Tracking hasn't updated since the 12th. I have another in which tracking hasn't updated since the 13th. I wonder if they are just sitting in the distribution center waiting for the weather to improve?

What will ebay do?

 

[BeenBurned]

Got a not received case opened against me today. It isn't my fault mail isn't moving. Tracking hasn't updated since the 12th. I have another in which tracking hasn't updated since the 13th. I wonder if they are just sitting in the distribution center waiting for the weather to improve?

What will ebay do?

Respond to the case with tracking and an explanation that service is slow due weather and still hasn't recovered from Covid delays. Also, I would call ebay and get them to note on the dispute that it's delayed as a result of postal delays and as indicated by the tracking history, you did get it mailed in time. I'd even include a link to USPS warning about winter delays.

This update is from today:

Service alerts - Newsroom - About.usps.com

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events.

about.usps.com

 

[whateve]

Respond to the case with tracking and an explanation that service is slow due weather and still hasn't recovered from Covid delays. Also, I would call ebay and get them to note on the dispute that it's delayed as a result of postal delays and as indicated by the tracking history, you did get it mailed in time. I'd even include a link to USPS warning about winter delays.

This update is from today:

Service alerts - Newsroom - About.usps.com

USPS Service Alerts provide information to consumers, small businesses and business mailers about postal facility service disruptions due to weather-related and other natural disasters or events.

about.usps.com

Thanks. The buyer is saying she no longer wants the item. She was going to give it to someone who is no longer there. It was a $15 item with free shipping.

 

[BeenBurned]

Thanks. The buyer is saying she no longer wants the item. She was going to give it to someone who is no longer there. It was a $15 item with free shipping.

You can still request that ebay hold off closing the case and allowing more time for delivery since it's clearly out of your hands and with USPS.

 

[nicole0612]

Hi, newbie seller question, and a PayPal question. I sold a bracelet (not associated with eBay) through PayPal invoice and the buyer let me know that she does not like the color. It was marked on the invoice as final sale, but of course I offered to refund her minus the fees I paid.
I paid for shipping to her and she will pay for shipping back to me.
Another complicating factor is that she paid the invoice with 2 payments with 2 different cards on the same invoice - a $500 payment and a $3000 payment. I’m not sure if this changes the logistics.
I know from reading this thread that PayPal will not refund the ~3% I paid in selling fees already and so she agreed to a refund minus the 3% = a ~$3400 refund for her. How can I actually send this partial refund?

1) Select the “Refund” option through PayPal for her two payments $3000 + $500: This is the simplest logistically but I think I will lose the 3% ($100) in fees I paid with this method and she gets back all of the money she paid, correct?
2)Select the ”Refund” option through PayPal for the full $3000 payment (I lose $~90 in fees) and a select a partial refund of $395 for the $500 payment (I lose $~12 in fees but withhold $105 from the refund) =~$3400 that I refund her from my pocket. Is it possible to do a partial refund like this though?
3) Simpler version? Refund $3350 of her $3500 payment. Maybe I have to divide it evenly into her two payments? Since I received $3400 this would refund her $3350 of which my share is $3250 + the $150 I did not refund = $3400 for me.
4) Do a new PayPal transaction where I send her $3400 (the amount I received after fees) through PayPal goods and services. The problem with this method is that she would lose ~3% from this in fees and she did not agree to this (though she may be willing to since she knows I am being nice to refund her so easily). I realize this is not very different from the previous option, but I thought of that one just now as I was typing this up. With this method she would receive $~3300.

Now that I have done a bunch of math on a napkin and written this up, I think I know the answer; but I would really appreciate thoughts and confirmation of what to do/not do from those of you who have experience with selling and PayPal.

Thank you!

 

[whateve]

Hi, newbie seller question, and a PayPal question. I sold a bracelet (not associated with eBay) through PayPal invoice and the buyer let me know that she does not like the color. It was marked on the invoice as final sale, but of course I offered to refund her minus the fees I paid.
I paid for shipping to her and she will pay for shipping back to me.
Another complicating factor is that she paid the invoice with 2 payments with 2 different cards on the same invoice - a $500 payment and a $3000 payment. I’m not sure if this changes the logistics.
I know from reading this thread that PayPal will not refund the ~3% I paid in selling fees already and so she agreed to a refund minus the 3% = a ~$3400 refund for her. How can I actually send this partial refund?

1) Select the “Refund” option through PayPal for her two payments $3000 + $500: This is the simplest logistically but I think I will lose the 3% ($100) in fees I paid with this method and she gets back all of the money she paid, correct?
2)Select the ”Refund” option through PayPal for the full $3000 payment (I lose $~90 in fees) and a select a partial refund of $395 for the $500 payment (I lose $~12 in fees but withhold $105 from the refund) =~$3400 that I refund her from my pocket. Is it possible to do a partial refund like this though?
3) Simpler version? Refund $3350 of her $3500 payment. Maybe I have to divide it evenly into her two payments? Since I received $3400 this would refund her $3350 of which my share is $3250 + the $150 I did not refund = $3400 for me.
4) Do a new PayPal transaction where I send her $3400 (the amount I received after fees) through PayPal goods and services. The problem with this method is that she would lose ~3% from this in fees and she did not agree to this (though she may be willing to since she knows I am being nice to refund her so easily). I realize this is not very different from the previous option, but I thought of that one just now as I was typing this up. With this method she would receive $~3300.

Now that I have done a bunch of math on a napkin and written this up, I think I know the answer; but I would really appreciate thoughts and confirmation of what to do/not do from those of you who have experience with selling and PayPal.

Thank you!

I wouldn't do it as a separate transaction. It needs to be tied to the original transaction so you have proof you refunded and she can't pursue a refund at a later day. I don't know the logistics of using different cards for the payment. When I've made a paypal payment and the payment was split between my card and my paypal balance, the seller didn't see that - they just saw one complete payment. Any of the methods you suggested in which you give a partial refund to at least one of her payments so you end up with the right amount seems correct to me.

 

[nicole0612]

I wouldn't do it as a separate transaction. It needs to be tied to the original transaction so you have proof you refunded and she can't pursue a refund at a later day. I don't know the logistics of using different cards for the payment. When I've made a paypal payment and the payment was split between my card and my paypal balance, the seller didn't see that - they just saw one complete payment. Any of the methods you suggested in which you give a partial refund to at least one of her payments so you end up with the right amount seems correct to me.

Thank you so much whateve! That is a great point that I need to refund the original payment so it is linked to that transaction. I’m not totally sure that it’s possible to refund only part of the payment, but that will be my first try. I really appreciate it, I am in a bit over my head whenever I try to sell some thing on my own instead of through consignment!

 

[Roro]

So, I'm looking at a bag on ebay. I have some questions for the seller, so I clicked on that link. Once I went through that list of topics for my question, I get this screen:

We're sorry we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately due to the high volume of messages this seller receives, they are unable to respond to your specific question right now. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing.

I've never seen this before, as a buyer or as a seller. Does anyone know anything about this? Is it an option for the seller? Does it mean that that seller is not a great question-answerer? Is that even English? Curious as to people's experience with this, if any.

 

[BeenBurned]

So, I'm looking at a bag on ebay. I have some questions for the seller, so I clicked on that link. Once I went through that list of topics for my question, I get this screen:

We're sorry we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately due to the high volume of messages this seller receives, they are unable to respond to your specific question right now. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing.

I've never seen this before, as a buyer or as a seller. Does anyone know anything about this? Is it an option for the seller? Does it mean that that seller is not a great question-answerer? Is that even English? Curious as to people's experience with this, if any.

While (IMO), that's not a smart thing for the seller to do, it's one of the options sellers have as to whether or not they want buyers to asked questions before buying. (It's in their settings whether they want questions to come to them.)

Does the seller offer free returns? If so, this is a case where you might consider buying and if it's not right, return it and not be out anything other than your time. And if it's SNAD, you're protected anyway.