Wondering if I got hosed by a Mud member

[mdemeglio]

I bought an FJ60 steering box off a guy from CA here on Mud, that was 4 weeks ago now. About 4 days after I paid him via PayPal, I asked if he shipped it yet, he said he had to travel for work unexpectedly and would ship it when he got back in a week (awesome). I was not thrilled but didn't need the box just yet so I said ok. Well he got back and said he shipped it, I asked for a tracking number and didn't get that but h said it'd be here by last friday (8/14). It never showed up. I asked him again for a tracking number and he said he was traveling again and would find the tracking number when he got home friday night (8/21), I'm still waiting for that - I'm not holding my breath, I hope I'm wrong about feeling like I just got hosed. I paid via "Gift" on PayPal at his request - which I think means he doesn't have to pay the fee to them and also means I have little or no buyer protection from PayPal. I do have his phone number - I'll give him a call today and see if we can come to an understanding, if he really did ship it and it's legitimately lost, he's got to find it or refund my money - problem is he's got no incentive (besides honor) to do that since he's been paid already.

Frustrating part of dealing with private parties over the interwebs...

 

[elkaholic]

Suggest you post this in the Bad Sellers section of the classifieds here on MUD.

 

[lt1fire]

could be legit, could not be legit. I'd call him..... Most things shipped come with insurance anyway so.if it is lost he should be able to get your money back

 

[ErikinSC]

You can always file a complaint with PP - I'd suggest that AFTER you call him if he cannot get you the tracking info.

Hope that the seller is not already on the bad seller list.

 

[mdemeglio]

Just got a call from him. USPS returned the package and he didn't know it because he was traveling. Shipped it UPS so I should have it Thurs. Fingers crossed...

 

[elkaholic]

Good news ....

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Benefit of the doubt!! Not everyone on the internet is dishonest

Hopefully you get the package and the part is in good condition!

 

[ErikinSC]

That's good to hear. Ive made several PP purchase without issue from individuals; only problem I had was when I bought from an online store - that was no longer in business.... PP resolution dept got me squared away pretty easily.

 

[cboyd]

It does go worth repeating that if you send money as gift, you have little to no recourse with them ( as you mentioned). If you do try to do open a case with them and they determine its actually for goods, they will ban your account or put it in hold. I've seen this happen a couple of times. The fees, while seemingly bothersome, do protect you. If a seller won't do a NET transaction (meaning you pay amount + fees) it's usually a sign of danger.

 

[mdemeglio]

All good points. I agree about not sending money as a gift - I'd rather cover the PP fee and have some protection.

I think waiting almost 5 weeks and 30 emails was fair on my part. If you are selling something but are not going to be home to ship it, please tell the buyer that BEFORE payment is made so they can decide if they want to wait. The very next thing a seller should do after receiving payment is provide the tracking number as proof of shipment.

 

[mdemeglio]

The box arrived yesterday, 5 weeks after I paid for it but at least it's here...