counterfeit goods received..what to do?
Summary: kris_starr shared a frustrating experience about receiving counterfeit trainers from a seller on eBay and finding the reporting process ineffective. They expressed confusion and concern about the return process, as guidelines suggest counterfeits shouldn't be returned. tressygirl advised following eBay's protocol by awaiting a return label and escalating the case if refunds or labels are delayed. kris_starr reluctantly acknowledged they might have to return the item and risk the seller falsely claiming the item wasn't fake, highlighting dissatisfaction with the system.
I recently bought some new trainers on ebay, but what arrived was counterfeit - I have several pairs and these "new" trainers were very different in sizing, construction and quality to the genuine article.
The "report listing" option is useless, the automated process just checks the listing and gives a verdict, in this case it decrees the listing is fine. I tried using the chat but it is laughably useless, telling me to return the goods then not to return the goods then to await the goods from the buyer before refunding (I am the buyer!). Pointless.
What to do? I raised a "not as described" with the seller, but the seller wants them returned to refund. Everything I read says "counterfeits must not be returned but destroyed".
How do I get my refund and ensure these counterfeits are destroyed properly?
tressygirl
·Jul 17, 2026 at 7:13 AMYou do have to follow the rules of the case.
You've opened the correct case so now await either a refund or a return label which must appear within 3 days, if it doesn't escalate the case eBay step in and force the refund.
If you do have the return label, you must send the item back or forfeit your refund.
Sending the item back gives the seller on receipt of the item 48 hours to refund you. If they don't again escalate the case.
Do not close the case for any excuse or promise the seller may give and do not forget to escalate.
@kris_starr
kris_starr
OPJul 17, 2026 at 7:22 AMso I have no choice but to treat it as a normal return, the seller gets it back and sells it again on ebay despite it being fake..the system is mad. Additionally they might say "you returned a fake not what I sold you, no refund for you haha".
If that is the only way to get a refund and ebay doesn't care I have little choice but to risk it. fantastic.
tressygirl
·Jul 17, 2026 at 7:45 AMeBay work on cases.
If the seller relists this item another receives it and opens another case, this shows a pattern of a true fake, eBay act , and then can remove the item and or the seller permanently from their site.
Hence the returning and relisting would favour this seller being banned.
@kris_starr