Accusatory email from eBay

[tweeks258]

I have received a number of items recently that have been damaged in transit either by clumsy couriers or poor packaging. I have also received a number of items that were listed as "used" and  then described as "untested" which should have been listed as "faulty". I have therefore opened a number of returns in recent weeks for damaged in transit and non-working items listed as "used". 

I have now received an email from eBay noting I appear to be having difficulty with my purchases and almost accusing me of making fraudulent claims. I don't think I should have to accept an item that is not as listed. The "difficulty with my purchases" is that many sellers seem to use "simple delivery" to hide behind knowing that claims will be dealt with by eBay.

Most of the items I buy are pieces of vintage hi-fi equipment. Since the arrival of "simple delivery" there is no opportunity for sellers to recoup the cost of packaging. Some items I receive might just as well have been put in a bag with a stamp on; they are so badly packed. Some items I have returned broken in better packaging than I have received and taken more care in packing. 

I'm sorry, eBay but I don't think it's me that has the problem and don't appreciate the tone of the message received.

[plpmr]

A possible problem could arise if your cases were not reflected in the feedback you left.

[jckl1957]

Obviously, I have not seen the email and I don't fully know the circumstances that led to it.

However, it looks as if Ebay are warning you before they implement their 'abusive buyer policy'.

Details here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/rules-policies-buyers/buying-practices-policy?id=4374

You mention Simple Delivery, but then say that you return broken items in better packaging than the seller used. If items arrive broken and you have to return them, they probably haven't been sent with Simple Delivery.  If you open a return stating the item has arrived damage, Ebay deal with the claim if the seller used Simple Delivery and you don't have to return the item.

[red_magpie · Accepted solution]

Just to mention that we are not eBay, just other users like yourself.

It's ironic that only yesterday we had a question from a seller aggrieved by the number of buyers using eBay's money back guarantee, and asking whether eBay kept any records of how many cases buyers open. I think your question answers theirs!  

As always, eBay never even sees the items concerned and judges performance by whatever factual information is available. This includes the number of cases opened by buyers, or closed without resolution by sellers. There is often a froth of indignation on both sides, but whether fair or otherwise both are liable to penalties if their record is considered excessive.

If either buyers or sellers are affected they would be wise to consider how to reduce this. Disputing it would probably only be treated as further evidence of being disputatious!  That's the reality - we're all basically numbers to eBay.