Cancellation option dosn’t Work if Is ignored

[rogean63]

I bought some zip seal bags from a Chinese seller. Some sizes are described in inches and so e in cm. I realised as soon as I bought item that the it was in cm, hence to small. So I tried to cancel, literally within seconds. I intended to re order the correct size. However it said it was to late to cancel as it often does on the app and I was directed to contact seller. 

The seller did not acknowledge my request until hours later saying his colleague had already sent the item. It was marked as dispatched at the same time as he answered my message. I feel the cancellation request was completely ignored. Hence the option on eBay dosn’t work. On trying to contact eBay about the issue, I have directed here. I’m not getting any number to speak to eBay. Maybe a technical hitch at the moment. Obviously i’m not in the habit of cancelling purchases but in this case, I did intend to re order and the contact seller option obviously dosn’t work If they choose to ignore the request. 

[red_magpie · Accepted solution]

Lesson for the future: there is no right to cancel when buying from sellers in China.

EBay doesn't give buyers a right to cancel. Unless the seller agrees otherwise, bids on eBay are binding.

UK business sellers are required by law to accept cancellations and returns for online sales, but this doesn't apply to private sellers or to sellers in other countries.

[rogean63 · Accepted solution]

A lesson learned for sure. Hence I would not buy from them again. But what is the point of having a cancel option if it dosn’t work. Ie. Stop the transaction to agree a solution with the seller.
Hence I will now have 100 bags that are to smalllarger bags.
He may have thought I would buy more regardless. Not the case, I ordered more the correct size from another seller.
It just grates on me that it was an honest mistake and I was not actually cancelling completely but the cancel option does not work. Is this because it’s abroad.

[023mjc · Accepted solution]

Yes it's because he's abroad. As I said, the distance selling regulations are UK laws, and will not apply to chinese sellers.

If you wanted to return them after they arrive, you would need to send by a tracked method, which woul probably cost more than the item is worth. It may be cheaper to cut your losses and sell them yourself. You may even make a profit.

[rogean63 · Accepted solution]

Yes I suppose it’s not going to break the bank. Just the principal really. There loss really. Like you say, its not worth sending back. Thanks for time and timely reply.

[023mjc]

It's not a case of the option not working.  Buyers cannot cancel orders - only sellers can, so all you can do is ask.

But the rules are clear.  A UK business seller has to accept a cancellation as per UK law,  but private sellers and over seas sellers do not. 

A Chinese business is not goverened by the UK distance selling regulations and laws.

[plum993]

All you can do is return them when they arrive for a refund, but that would be at your cost which would likely cost more than you originally paid for them.Best to re-sell them on,and who knows you could make a small profit.