Ebay sales issue - advice

[Brad-Man]

I would reply that when USPS acknowledges the loss of the package and refunds you that he will be reimbursed.  That is fair - but unreasonable people don't understand fair.

[1976RD400C]

I have big problems with Ebay too. I love the sellers that just drop ship from Amazon after a markup or the China based ones that hide that fact. I sold a device that programs a circuit control card and I'm sure the buyer used it, and then returned it with all the shipping costs on me claiming it was described wrong on the listing. You can go to the post office with that tracking number and they can see a much more detailed track history and maybe tell you more about what's up. It will show every bin it was in and where.

[SoCal250]

Up until yesterday the tracking still displayed that the "Item is moving through system, delivery date unknown". So I filed a Missing Mail Search Request. We'll see what happens from that.

Thanks for the tip. I may go over to the post office and inquire about it, but my post office is a freaking zoo. It's a LONG wait to get help at the counter and parking is a nightmare. It's almost as bad as going to the DMV.

UPDATE: The package last location has now been noted on the tracking so I don't think I need to venture over to the post office. Current status now displayed on tracking in eBay:
It's on the way to the buyer. We'll update you as soon as more info is available.
Last Location: Atlanta, GA

In one of my many conversations with the buyer he admitted that he purchased the item with the assumption that it would arrive on Tue Dec 06, and because it didn't arrive by that date he wanted to return it. He admitted he assumed incorrectly, and I have that in writing now. There's no way it would have arrived for sure on Dec 06 since he purchased it in the afternoon of Fri Dec 02 and the listing had a handling time of "3 business days" plus the shipping duration. The handling time alone would have put it later than his deadline. And the listing also clearly stated that the "seller does not accept returns" unless there is an issue with the item itself such as damage or defect.

[85RZwade]

What a hassle. I've been on eBay 25+ years and had better than average luck, it seems, but I joined FB earlier this year just to access marketplace. I still buy on eBay, but my selling days there are almost over, mostly due to the cost. They got greedy, and it just isn't fun anymore.

[SoCal250]

The buyer is a complete scheming tool. He sent me a message yesterday stating that I have not communicated with him and that I have not given him a status update. And he said his item is no where to be found and must be lost so he wants a full refund. I told him that he is now making false accusations and sent him a copy of the message sent Monday along with a comment that I have communicated with him every business day since he contacted me Dec 8. I explained that there are processes that must be followed, both with USPS and eBay. And I mentioned that the package is insured and that there will be no refund made until after the package has been officially declared lost by USPS.
He's actually making me want to tell him to F-off! Some people are just idiots!

[kpke]

SoCal, sorry to hear about your troubles with that buyer. That sucks.

A little off topic if you don't mind. It sounds like you sell quite a bit of stuff on eBay.

Do you get a 1099 from eBay or PayPal for anything over $600 in sales?

I have a bunch of stuff to sell but don't need another 1099. If it is considered taxable income I need to use some other method.

I appreciate the response.

[sav0r (CL MotoTech)]

All income is taxable. It doesn't matter where it comes from. You were always supposed to report it. The IRS cracked down and that is why the 1099 on eBay sales is a thing now. I do all my sales through PayPal and they would report anything over 10k, which was their policy for anybody doing that volume, but also all banks effectively would report large sums of money that were transferred or gained.

Luckily (ha) most of us don't make enough to be worthy of an investigation. I don't recommend cheating on your taxes, it's a 1 out of 2, a real bad time should you get investigated. That said, I am not an accountant, I am just an ape on the internet. You should reach out to an expert if you are worried.

[Milan]

I have the phone number to Ebay Stored in my phone.

Yes, was able to get a phone number.
And they actually answer.

I can post it here:

866-540-3229

Always got to talk to someone, and they then note it to your account.

As long as you stated "No Returns", Ebay will pay them back.
Not sure how Ebay puts in the Guaranteed Delivery Date, unless its a selection for the seller when posting

As far as the 1099.
You can always sell the item for pennies, and charge $100+ for shipping & handling, but explain that in the listing