The Yak Shack Forum

I bought a pair of designer jeans on ebay (risky I know...), and they arrived Monday. I opened the package and left feedback. Yesterday I got time to have a good look, and within minutes it was pretty clear they were fakes. Ive looked at a couple of authenticity guides on line, and the differences were pretty clear.

I email the seller today to say that I was disappointed because it was clear to me that they were fake, despite them stating in an email to me that they were authentic. They have offered a refund.

However...

They want me to post them, along with my bank details, so they can deposit the refund when they arrive. However, I paid with paypal, and would prefer the refund before I post (buyers always pay before goods are sent, and I dont see how this is any different).

Does any one have any advice or tips for this situation, as its one ive never dealt with before?

The fake item, along with wanting your bank details, sounds like a scam to me. :-\  If I had a buyer who was unhappy with a purchase, I'd have to receive the item before I'd issue a refund.  There have been times when I've purchased from an online retailer or catalog and had a problem the item.  I had to return it (with delivery confirmation/signature for my protection) before I could get a refund.  In your case, however, I think filing a PayPal claim is the way to go.  You could also contact eBay Live Help and ask them what to do in this situation.  Please don't give them your bank details -- they don't need them and it's just asking for trouble.

Definetly file a Paypal complaint. You can open one up asap so the seller knows you are serious. When you file the complaint you can file it as a Item Not as Described complaint and let Paypal know that the item you received was a fake.

Then, send the jeans back and make sure there is some sort of tracking/delivery confirmation. Never give out bank info, and if the seller does not refund when the jeans show back up to him, Paypal will take care of it. My mother once had this same problem with a purse. The seller got the purse back but never refunded, because my mother had filed the complaint, and had proof that she sent it back, Paypal sided with her and refunded her money.

Ive said to the seller that as I paid via paypal, i want a paypal refund. I definately dont want to give them bank details.

So i should file with paypal even though Im sending the jeans back today, and in all likelyhood they will refund? or should I wait a day or two to file?

Ill have to check at the post office about delivery confirmation...not sure what they offer and what the cost is... thanks for the info though!

Do you know approximately how long it'll take for delivery?  You could give them time to receive the item and issue a refund.

Ive just spoken with Live Help; It should only take two days or so for the jeans to get back (I guess by monday), and then Ill wait for the refund for a couple of days. If nothing happens then Ill file with paypal. the Live help person also said that I should get back the total cost including postage...so fingers crossed.
Fortunately Aussie post does registered mail with delivery confirmation for a couple of extra dollars so ill be using that.

Just make sure you keep all of your communications, including any e-mails, e-bay messages, maybe a copy of the actual listing (especially if he/she lists the jeans as authentic), along with all transaction details/receipts. Paper trails are very important, should the situation require that you prove your case. With all of these things, you should be fine if you run into any trouble.

Ive got all email communication; the listing did not state authentic from memory, but i emailed to ask and they said that they were. I paid with paypal, so thats not a problem, and ive got the paperwork from the post office showing that ive posted it, plus ive paid for delivery confirmation. so I should be ok, fingers crossed. The other thing is weather or not to report them for selling fakes, but if i do, ill be waiting for my refund first.

Well, this story has a happy ending. The jeans have gone back, and Ive just been refunded (via Paypal) the total amount, including postage. Thanks everyone for all the advice!

I'm so glad it all worked out! :D