eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

eBay's customer service proved to be completely inadequate and superficial in handling my dispute. Despite providing ample documentation to support my claim (including photographic evidence and message history), eBay ignored the evidence and made arbitrary and unfair decisions, clearly favoring the seller at the expense of my rights as a consumer.

I had to repeat my story to three different operators, each of whom interpreted the situation differently, without considering previous communications and information already provided. This demonstrates a total lack of coordination and customer focus, as well as a worrying inability to handle disputes effectively and fairly.

Moreover, eBay did not provide me with the complete history of messages exchanged with the seller, despite my repeated requests. This behavior is unacceptable and raises the suspicion that eBay is deliberately trying to hide evidence and evade its responsibilities, probably to protect sellers with a high volume of transactions, such as the one I had the dispute with (over 80,000 transactions).

It is unacceptable that eBay, which boasts of protecting consumers, actually proves to be complicit with unfair and dishonest sellers. The superficiality and inadequacy of eBay's intervention, combined with the lack of transparency in handling the dispute, raise the suspicion that the platform tends to protect sellers with a high volume of transactions, even at the expense of consumer rights. This behavior is unacceptable and undermines user confidence in the platform.

As a buyer and seller with a top rating (5 stars out of 53 transactions), I feel deeply disappointed and betrayed by eBay. Despite my positive reputation and good faith, I was treated with superficiality and disinterest.

I advise anyone against using this platform for important purchases. eBay is unable to guarantee consumer protection and proves to be complicit with unfair and dishonest sellers.

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9 REPLIES 9

eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

You are posting on the UK boards ?.

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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

sml192
Conversationalist

EBay's Money Back Guarantee is heavily biased towards buyers so something has clearly gone wrong here.  If you can explain exactly what the issue was and what happened then we may be able to advise you as to what went wrong.

 

You should have access to all the messages between yourself and the seller so don't understand why you would need eBay's help in that regard. 

 

EBay's Money Back Guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights and in some cases gives buyers additional rights, certainly not less. 

Message 3 of 10
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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

Yes, I am posting on the UK boards because the seller is based in the UK and eBay UK should be held accountable for allowing this seller to operate on their platform and mistreat customers

Message 4 of 10
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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

I have clearly explained the issue in my review. The seller sent me the wrong part and then refused to take responsibility. eBay's Money Back Guarantee should have protected me, but it didn't. I had to escalate the issue and involve three different operators, but eBay still failed to resolve the dispute fairly.

I am disappointed with eBay's customer service and their lack of transparency. I believe they are prioritizing sellers with a high volume of transactions, even at the expense of buyers' rights.

I am now seeking help from external organizations to resolve this matter.

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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

I have already reported this issue to the European Consumer Centre and Trading Standards. I am determined to pursue all available avenues to resolve this matter and ensure that eBay and the seller are held accountable for their actions.

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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

I have had a similar recent experience. An item I had ordered was not delivered. (There was a claimed delivery, but the photo provided clearly showed that it was not the item I ordered. In any case the package was delivered to an insecure place, and was not there when I went to rtrieve it.) I compained to the seller who ignored the substance of my complaint, failed to send the correct item, and then refused to refund me. All this was raised in a dispute with eBay, who also refused to consider any of the arguments and evidence I provided. I was shocked to learn that they took the seller's word for it and refused to challenge the seller, or to provide a refund. I have been a member for over 20 years and have a 100% positive rating, yet eBay is in effect calling me a liar. My consumer rights have been violated (I have neither my money nor the item ordered), with a refusal on the part of eBay to put things right.

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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

Unfortunately, eBay will just go by what is shown on the tracking unless you are able to provide evidence to the contrary.  They won't just take your word for it.

 

EBay's Money Back Guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights so they haven't been violated.

 

Your payment provider (PayPal or Card issuer) may be able to provide better help.  

Message 8 of 10
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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

it's not like you say, I provided evidence and appealed through CEC and
Trading Standards but they are both bodies that have no enforcement power
so ebay takes advantage of it
Message 9 of 10
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eBay failed to protect my rights as a buyer

(In response to SML192) I did provide evidence that my item was not delivered. The photo of the delivered package sent by the courier (Etsy) clearly showed that it was not the item I ordered. I ordered a telescopic ladder, whereas the package delivered was about the size of a small loaf of bread (see photo attached). Neither the seller nor eBay acknowledged this fact. Both continued to act as if my complaint was non-delivery, and suggested I look harder for the package and see if neighbours had it. Totally ridiculous. The fact remains that the seller never sent the item I ordered, and not refunded me. EBay has ignored the facts of the case, and also refused to refund, and has closed the case after appeal. There is no other recourse to justice it would seem.

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