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Doorstep pirates - whose risk is it?
Summary: fergus1964 shared a frustrating experience with a stolen item that was marked as delivered by a courier, but was left unsecured on a busy street. They expressed dissatisfaction with eBay's policy, which relies on courier tracking rather than ensuring an item's physical receipt. Other participants suggested contacting the payment provider for a chargeback or seeking advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau. fergus1964 noted the limitations of eBay's seller protection and the challenges in enforcing UK law for business sellers, while criticizing eBay’s support response.
I recently had an item stolen from my doorstep. No safe place agreed. EBay determined that the item had been delivered, so no refund or compensation. Under UK law, it hasn't been legally delivered until personally handed over. What can I do?
*vyolla*
Mentor6 days ago · EditedIf you paid with a debit/credit card or Apple Pay you have 120 days to issue a not received chargeback. They should require more than a doorstep photo as proof that you've received your item.
fergus1964
OP1 week agoWhat is more galling is that the item, from a business seller, was subject to a 'buyer protection' fee. The item was not lawfully 'delivered'. That doesn't have any impact upon the eBay process. I am not protected at all because the courier says 'delivered' and has a picture of the parcel sitting on my doorstep. EBay neither care about nor follow the UK law concerning where legal liability rests, which is the business seller. Also supposed 24/7 customer service. Do you get to speak to anyone? Nope. 👎
red_magpie
Mentor1 week agoUnder UK law, it hasn't been legally delivered
Correct, but all that eBay enforces is the conditions for their money back guarantee. This does not cover theft from the doorstep. Once an item has been tracked as delivered eBay does not make the seller responsible for what happens to it afterwards.
As you say, the law places a stricter duty on UK business sellers to ensure that the buyer actually receives their item. You can certainly contact your seller, but how often this is enforced or is even enforceable I don't know. Parcel theft is an everyday occurrence. The whole delivery service has become like the Wild West.
fergus1964
OP1 week agoIt would be so easy for eBay in its own rules and customer support to say that unless a parcel is delivered to an open door, or an agreed safe place, plus photo, it will not be considered as being delivered, and protect both the seller and buyer from irresponsible courier companies. In other words, do the right thing for once.
papso22
Mentor6 days agoThat would not be easy at all.
fergus1964
OP1 week agoThey are a business seller. What upsets me is that I did not agree any safe space, and the Evri courier used seems to adopt the policy of abandoning parcels on a busy London street rather than delivering them correctly. It must work for their financial model but also means that I, an innocent victim, face the loss and have the aggravation 'it's your word'. I didn't ask for the parcel to be left outside on the street.
papso22
Mentor1 week agoIn which case seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
papso22
Mentor1 week agoThat's only the law if it's a business seller.
**peaseblossom**
Mentor1 week ago · Editedebay will go by the tracking, after all, they only have your word for it. You oould try your payment provider. And ask your neighbours.