Buyer protection

[madeleinehancock]

I paid for an item through the platform and the seller refunded me and asked for cash on collection to avoid eBay fees. Will I still be protected if the item is faulty? 

[papso22]

No you won't, and both you and the seller could get sanctioned over this.

What was the item?  If it was a private seller there are very few occasions when they get charged fees.

[tressygirl]

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@madeleinehancock wrote:

I paid for an item through the platform and the seller refunded me and asked for cash on collection to avoid eBay fees. Will I still be protected if the item is faulty? 

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Adding to the correct advice given, be aware that eBay read all messages going through their system.

I would strongly advise if you reply ,  to make it very clear you will only abide by eBay rules,  that is,  to buy the item from their eBay listing , and pay for it  with payment options provided at eBay checkout.

@madeleinehancock 

[madeleinehancock]

I thought he was private, but he’s listed as a business! It just feels dodgy to me.

[papso22]

In that case he is definitely trying to avoid the fees and deprive you of any buyer protection.   Perhaps he is even trying to avoid declaring the sale to HMRC. 

Find another seller.

[madeleinehancock]

Hi, thank you for the response. He is set up as a business, which surprised me given he wants to avoid fees. The refund has landed in my bank so I’ll leave it there and walk away. 

[madeleinehancock]

Thank you. Yes, I shall walk away from this one. 

[red_magpie]

Before you walk away, report this seller's behaviour to eBay, see: https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/resolving-issues-sellers/report-issue-seller?id=4022&st=12&pos=1&...

[plpmr]

adding to the advice already given -

Remember to leave feedback to reflect your experience - seller refused to honour transaction.

Also, once they refunded you the transaction is closed.