Oh no, now look what the seller wrote back to me when I asked for a refund:
I'm sorry. I really thought it was authentic, but I told you I wasn't one hundred percent sure before you bought the bag. I rather not bring it up with ebay or paypal. I will refund the money but I want to make sure I receive the bag first.
I can't send her the bag and then have her refund my money, can I? That's just not safe...
First of all, don't fret....have a cup of tea, 1 glass of wine, whatever will calm you down. Then proceed calmly....and I will tell you what I did in the exact same situation. Yes, it's scary the first time you have to return stuff back without the refund in hand....but AMEX is on your side, girlfriend.
1. I emailed the seller thanking her for her nice email and confirming I was returning the goods...plus telling her I was notifying AMEX that this would be returned;
2. Take photos from a good number of angles so you have proof....that substantiates your claim;
3. Call AMEX and tell them the story - you are returning the merchandise because it is counterfeit/faux and they will put it "in dispute". That means you will NOT be charged until AMEX rectifies the matter with Paypal, which may take over a month. If you at first get an uncooperative person at AMEX (highly unlikely), just nicely ask to "escalate"....meaning you will be transfered to a supervisor who will be savvy. They have heard it all before and are sympathetic.
4. AMEX won't tell you outright to return the merchandise, but they will suggest it's a good idea.
5. Ship back the merchandise.....but be sure you send it back "regtistered, return receipt requested & INSURED". That way the seller cannot claim the stuff was never received and both parties are protected in case the package is damaged or lost. Very important!!! Make a copy of that receipt in case AMEX requests documentation later in the "disputes" department.
6. Once you have shipped back the merchandise, nicely email the seller to adivse her.....and also call AMEX so they can update your record.
7. After all that hard work congratulate yourself! For these reasons: you are not out a ton of $$ except for return postage (be sure to be firm with AMEX you want a FULL refund as you also do not pay to ship counterfeits); you no longer have to look at that ugly faux; you have been "above board" on all transactions"; you have dealt nicely with the seller who seem to be nice at the moment; by dealing through AMEX neither one of you will have problems with paypal or ebay; yadda, yadda, yadda.
8. Time once again to de-stress: Have a cup of tea, 1 glass of wine, whatever calms you down.
I hyperventalated (sp?) badly the first time I was forced to do this and apologized to the AMEX person on the phone, but she reassured me they are fully aware of all the scams/problems on Ebay. Rest assured, my dear, we've all made mistakes and we learn from them. So far, your seller seems reasonable re the return as she does not want a problem...nor do you. I've never paid for counterfeit or damaged good, and refused to do so. Hang tough, but nicely. If you need some hand holding along the way, let me know and I will answer you privately as I do not want to tie up this great board. Just remember.....as it looks right now, you and the seller should end up being just fine.
