Services on Ebay

[kooteye]

Hi. I used a watch repair service offered on here back in December 2024. I was warned that it can take a long time to repair an automatic watch so I wasn’t too worried initially. The seller who still offers this service on Ebay moved the conversation to WhatsApp and has been giving me excuses and false promises since March and despite my request that he returns my watch he still has it and continues to fob me off. What can I do. I’ve tried to message him through Ebay but he deletes my messages or blocks me.

[plpmr]

moving to WhatsApp is a red flag.

You won't get any help in getting your watch back, unless its worth it to take legal action.

[*vyolla*]

Hopefully this wasn't an expensive watch - didn't you ask yourself what could go wrong here?

You have no protection whatsoever in this kind of situation, you're completely at the mercy of an online stranger.

You can't even pursue this legally unless your seller is a UK registered business and has their business contact details displayed on their listings.

[red_magpie]

It's always risky sending itemf dor serviceing buy unknown sellers on eBay. As I take it you're aware, eBay's money back guarantee only applies to tangible items, so there is no buyer protection on eBay for services.

If you paid by or funded the payment from a credit or debit card you can ask your card issuer whether they can help. Otherwise you might have to look at using the small claims court, if there's enough money involved. I would recommend taking legal advice first.

[kooteye]

I’ve been suspicious from the start because of that but he has 100% good feedback and over 500 transactions. 

Thanks for your reply.

[kooteye]

He had 100% feedback and over 500 transactions. Can that be faked somehow. I can only think that reporting him for taking money outside of ebay might encourage him to return the watch?

Thanks for your reply

[kooteye]

Thanks for replying. He has such good feedback that I thought it was worth the risk. Can feedback be faked somehow? 

I thought I could maybe report him for conducting a transaction outside of ebay and that might encourage him to return the watch. He asked for another £30 through WhatsApp after having had the watch for a couple of months.

If I can get him removed from Ebay he won’t be able to steal anyone else’s watch.