Selling Lego on Amazon.com

[Darth_Raichu]

2 minutes ago, river41 said:

i have a vague memory of someone on here being scammed out of a expensive watch last year. He opened a police report or threatened too and the scammer voluntarily returned the money to his amazon account.  

IIRC it was a rare watch and he could prove the scammer was trying to sell it on eBay

[junkrigger]

 Well my amazon death star return has become even more confusing.  After the buyer swapped out the actual lego set 10188 for some paint cans and a masonry brick and mailed those back to me, I represented that information to Amazon in the A-Z claim the buyer had opened.  Then amazon denied the buyers claim yesterday.  Then just now I received a message from amazon saying that the buyer contacted them and that since the "item" was returned that I should refund the buyer. And the buyer has appealed the claim decision and the A-Z claim is now under review again.

[Phil B]

At least they're working hard for their "free" Death Star.....

[junkrigger]

I haven't worked this hard to lose money since my days of old wooden boat ownership.

Edited December 2, 2016 by junkrigger

[Loghamel]

I'm working on a shipment and have noticed something; I have a set listed twice in my shipments list.  Is this something I did or is it a glitch in their software?  It says I'm supposed to send in 3 of them and it's listed twice, about 15 items apart.  What would you guys do?  Do I just try to remove one and hope it doesn't remove both of them?

[Bold-Arrow]

1 hour ago, junkrigger said:

 Well my amazon death star return has become even more confusing.  After the buyer swapped out the actual lego set 10188 for some paint cans and a masonry brick and mailed those back to me, I represented that information to Amazon in the A-Z claim the buyer had opened.  Then amazon denied the buyers claim yesterday.  Then just now I received a message from amazon saying that the buyer contacted them and that since the "item" was returned that I should refund the buyer. And the buyer has appealed the claim decision and the A-Z claim is now under review again.

are u able to respond to the claim?

[newbie77]

1 hour ago, junkrigger said:

 Well my amazon death star return has become even more confusing.  After the buyer swapped out the actual lego set 10188 for some paint cans and a masonry brick and mailed those back to me, I represented that information to Amazon in the A-Z claim the buyer had opened.  Then amazon denied the buyers claim yesterday.  Then just now I received a message from amazon saying that the buyer contacted them and that since the "item" was returned that I should refund the buyer. And the buyer has appealed the claim decision and the A-Z claim is now under review again.

i don't want to get to the "i told/mentioned before". you can fight for days but the risk you are taking is.

a. either a full loss [ i.e. refund of the entire transaction ] + 2 X shipping cost [ to and return ] vs.

b. partial loss and move on. [ charge restocking fee and move on ]

if a-z didn't/hasn't go/gone to amazon funded and is coming back literally they expect you to foot the bill. 

did you get insurance in the item? original shipping? if so get the money from insurance company. refund and move on. 

i know this is a shitty situation to be in and all my 0.02 are based on my own experience. 

[Bold-Arrow]

U can't withhold a restocking fee on a not as described iirc .. 

[newbie77]

2 minutes ago, Bold-Arrow said:

U can't withhold a restocking fee on a not as described iirc .. 

ok. then basically there is no alternative except 

a. get reimbursed from insurance  or,

b. fight

but amazon A-Z very very hard on sellers ... but who knows sometime it does work wonders... 

[grackleflint]

I think the only thing that might swing the case against the buyer is the Home Depot address on the returned paint cans. If that address is close to the buyer's address and the seller doesn't live anywhere close then that could be seen as third-party proof of a scam. A recent date on a label would also help.

Either way, this buyer is going on a watch list for any other future shenanigans.

Edited December 2, 2016 by grackleflint

[junkrigger]

5 minutes ago, Bold-Arrow said:

are u able to respond to the claim?

I am able to respond. And I presented all the information I had to Amazon. They are reviewing the buyers appeal to claim being denied. They have not asked me for any further information, but I was surprised by the email saying that the item had been returned and thus I should refund after the case had been denied, and then simply appealed. Why do I get the refund email when the A-Z is in the appeal process.  Refund implies something different than review.

[junkrigger]

Just now, grackleflint said:

I think the only thing that might swing the case against the buyer is the Home Depot address on the returned paint cans. If that address is close to the buyer's address and the seller doesn't live anywhere close then that could be seen as third-party proof of a scam. A recent date on a label would also help.

Either way, this buyer is going on a watch list for any other future shenanigans.

The Home Depot is in the buyers neighborhood, the paint can is old, and I could never have reproduced that in such short time. Its sad to think that the only reason justice may prevail is because the scammer is not proficient, Labels on paint cans is pretty rookie.

[grackleflint]

Hopefully, his rookie mistake will bite him in the ass. Someone more experienced would know that Amazon/eBay usually side with someone who's making their first claim. It's only when these slimeballs try it again is when they are caught.

[newbie77]

17 minutes ago, junkrigger said:

The Home Depot is in the buyers neighborhood, the paint can is old, and I could never have reproduced that in such short time. Its sad to think that the only reason justice may prevail is because the scammer is not proficient, Labels on paint cans is pretty rookie.

Doesn't matter. In my case item was returned in a 24x24x24 box to screw me on the return shipping cost. That box had different label from mine but with buyers address shipped from different company. Stoopid guy forgot to take the label out.

only thing a-z team will keep harping is "buyer returned the item per the return label and you have received it. 

I was reminded that per Amazon policy seller is to refund after receiving.

"

I tried 2 times with response but then third time A-Z people's response was pretty strong with the policy reminder they added if I don't issue refund then they would take from my account. 

No harm in trying but I guess in your case.   Check with seller support and have them change the reason  at least can play with restocking feeefee

[junkrigger]

18 hours ago, newbie77 said:

Doesn't matter. In my case item was returned in a 24x24x24 box to screw me on the return shipping cost. That box had different label from mine but with buyers address shipped from different company. Stoopid guy forgot to take the label out.

only thing a-z team will keep harping is "buyer returned the item per the return label and you have received it. 

I was reminded that per Amazon policy seller is to refund after receiving.

"

I tried 2 times with response but then third time A-Z people's response was pretty strong with the policy reminder they added if I don't issue refund then they would take from my account. 

No harm in trying but I guess in your case.   Check with seller support and have them change the reason  at least can play with restocking feeefee

Was your A-Z case open the whole time, or had it been decided in the buyers favor. I am confused about my case, as the buyers claim of "item not as described" was initially denied. Then the buyer appealed, and the case has been "Under review" for a few days. While the case has been under review I have gotten the Seller should refund the buyer message. I don't understand why those refund messages can be given while the case is under review.  I will add that the last update saying I should refund the buyer (item 15.) was made at 11 pm which clearly means some foreign employees are evaluating this case.  The case is still under review but 15 clearly says waiting for seller to refund. Am I expected to refund before the case is resolved? The buyer claim was denied and they appealed, but that appeal has not be decided yet.

15.	Waiting for seller to refund buyer Thursday, December 1, 2016

14.	Seller e-mailed buyer (View) Thursday, December 1, 2016

13.	Buyer e-mailed seller (View) Thursday, December 1, 2016

12.	Buyer claim denied Wednesday, November 30, 2016

11.	Amazon requested information from buyer Sunday, November 20, 2016

10.	Representation under investigation Sunday, November 20, 2016

9.	You Represented Claim Sunday, November 20, 2016

8.	Waiting seller response Sunday, November 20, 2016

7.	Amazon emailed seller Sunday, November 20, 2016

6.	Buyer submitted A-to-z claim Sunday, November 20, 2016

[newbie77]

1 hour ago, junkrigger said:

Was your A-Z case open the whole time, or had it been decided in the buyers favor. I am confused about my case, as the buyers claim of "item not as described" was initially denied. Then the buyer appealed, and the case has been "Under review" for a few days. While the case has been under review I have gotten the Seller should refund the buyer message. I don't understand why those refund messages can be given while the case is under review.  I will add that the last update saying I should refund the buyer (item 15.) was made at 11 pm which clearly means some foreign employees are evaluating this case.  The case is still under review but 15 clearly says waiting for seller to refund. Am I expected to refund before the case is resolved? The buyer claim was denied and they appealed, but that appeal has not be decided yet.

15.	Waiting for seller to refund buyer Thursday, December 1, 2016

14.	Seller e-mailed buyer (View) Thursday, December 1, 2016

13.	Buyer e-mailed seller (View) Thursday, December 1, 2016

12.	Buyer claim denied Wednesday, November 30, 2016

11.	Amazon requested information from buyer Sunday, November 20, 2016

10.	Representation under investigation Sunday, November 20, 2016

9.	You Represented Claim Sunday, November 20, 2016

8.	Waiting seller response Sunday, November 20, 2016

7.	Amazon emailed seller Sunday, November 20, 2016

6.	Buyer submitted A-to-z claim Sunday, November 20, 2016

based on that what you AMZ is waiting is for you to foot the bill. based on what i understand and had happened to me in the past; either you refund [ minus restocking ] or AMZ will grant the claim to buyer from your account.

[ check with seller support. instead of email or etc... have them call you or talk to them directly. may be they can help in some way. ] in my case they didn't but never hurt to try.

[junkrigger]

Just now, newbie77 said:

based on that what you AMZ is waiting is for you to foot the bill. based on what i understand and had happened to me in the past; either you refund [ minus restocking ] or AMZ will grant the claim to buyer from your account.

[ check with seller support. instead of email or etc... have them call you or talk to them directly. may be they can help in some way. ] in my case they didn't but never hurt to try.

Thanks. Looks like I am gonna get Amazon sponsored robbed today. 

[jerryherb]

you try contacting the police in the city/state where they live? 

USPS also has restrictions on shipping paint. its classified as combustible substance and has to be shipped properly. if he didnt follow the guidelines it could constitute a federal crime, just FYI if it was USPS and you want to pursue it. Im very vindictive so i would

Edited December 2, 2016 by jerryherb

[junkrigger]

Just now, jerryherb said:

you try contacting the police in the city/state where they live? 

USPS also has restrictions on shipping paint. its classified as combustible substance and has to be shipped properly. if he didnt follow the guidelines it could constitute a federal crime, just FYI if it was USPS and you want to pursue it. Im very vindictive so i would

I had read that by signing the Amazon seller agreement that I have waived my right to sue a buyer or maybe even file police report which I don't know if I believe.  I am still waiting to see what happens before I file a police report.  Item was sent Fedex and returned UPS, thought it was worth saving on shipping charges. And yes I too will fight this all the way down, its now a matter of principle and I need to know if Amazon is a safe place to sell high dollar items. If I lose and amazon lets this bully scammer rob me I will be reminding them how much I personally buy on Amazon each year (not as much as some here but multiple thousands each year), and that my buying habits for the hopefully next 50 years of my life will be excluding Amazon.

Edited December 2, 2016 by junkrigger

[jerryherb]

2 minutes ago, junkrigger said:

I had read that by signing the Amazon seller agreement that I have waived my right to sue a buyer or maybe even file police report which I don't know if I believe.  I am still waiting to see what happens before I file a police report.  Item was sent Fedex and returned UPS, thought it was worth saving on shipping charges. 

never heard of that, link? on the on the hand you can smack him with a 50% restocking fee due to failure to return the item in same condition and reasonable shipping/handling costs. unfortunately you would have to eat the rest....but its better than 100% loss.

the matter of unlawfully shipping paint is not with you/amazon, but USPS/feds

Edited December 2, 2016 by jerryherb

[junkrigger]

Just now, jerryherb said:

never heard of that, link? on the on the hand you can smack him with a 50% restocking fee due to failure to return the item in same condition and reasonable shipping/handling costs. unfortunately you would have to eat the rest....but its better than 100% loss.

the matter of unlawfully shipping paint is not with you/amazon, but USPS/feds

It was just mentioned in the amazon seller forums when I searched what to do when a buyer returns rubbish instead of an item. Perhaps I am being to public about this issue, but I feel it is a huge deal and really says something about what support sellers can expect from Amazon, and I know that if it had happened to another member here I would be interested to know what happens, as it will surely affect my decisions going forward.  If nothing else perhaps some other member will not make the same mistake I did.  Who would have thought it was a mistake to actually sell items on amazon in a method they provide, opening yourself up to outright theft.  Next time I think about selling an expensive item on Amazon FBM, I will just donate it to charity, at least it will go to someone deserving.  I would almost have rather been robbed in person, which I have been, than this, at least it would be over fast, not nearly as stressful and not rich corporation sponsored.

[jerryherb]

9 minutes ago, junkrigger said:

It was just mentioned in the amazon seller forums when I searched what to do when a buyer returns rubbish instead of an item. Perhaps I am being to public about this issue, but I feel it is a huge deal and really says something about what support sellers can expect from Amazon, and I know that if it had happened to another member here I would be interested to know what happens, as it will surely affect my decisions going forward.  If nothing else perhaps some other member will not make the same mistake I did.  Who would have thought it was a mistake to actually sell items on amazon in a method they provide, opening yourself up to outright theft.  Next time I think about selling an expensive item on Amazon FBM, I will just donate it to charity, at least it will go to someone deserving.  I would almost have rather been robbed in person, which I have been, than this, at least it would be over fast, not nearly as stressful and not rich corporation sponsored.

when selling expensive items i always insure (at least up to my cost)/ask for signature and most importantly check the address/street view on google maps. sometimes even go on tax records and see if the addressee owns the property and how much its worth. i wouldnt ship anything over $500 to an address in a run down apartment complex. there is that "cancel order" button one can use for whatever reason one chooses...

as for amazon having your back? ha! all they have is your ass.

you did however win the AZ claim once and provided them the pictures of paint cans, make sure they can see the HD address on them. i had a customer open an amazon chargeback claim once through their credit card for a really f'ed up return set for which i claimed a 50% restock after AZ and won. seldom they are on your side,

Edited December 2, 2016 by jerryherb

[junkrigger]

The claim has been granted and the buyer was issued a refund. But the silver lining is that Amazon said there is no reason to believe that I am responsible for this claim. They have issued a refund but will not debit my account for the refund. Please consider this transaction closed.

I am convinced that this came down to the paint cans from the Home Depot in the buyers neighborhood, and perhaps my long history as an Amazon buyer of Lego. I would like to write a blog article about this (unless everyone is sick of hearing about it) detailing what happened and what we all can learn from this. While it appears to have worked out for me, it clearly could have gone the other way, and has for other members here. There is a huge lesson here, and I wold like to share it with all so that they can avoid the stress and possible big loss I was facing. I will only be selling expensive items on Amazon FBA from now on, if at all. In my 16 plus years selling on eBay I have not once had such an experience.

Edited December 2, 2016 by junkrigger

[asharerin]

1 minute ago, junkrigger said:

The claim has been granted and the buyer was issued a refund. But the silver lining is that Amazon said there is no reason to believe that I am responsible for this claim. They have issued a refund but will not debit my account for the refund. Please consider this transaction closed.

Congrats mate! If you continue to sell on Amazon you will soon learn shrinkage is a part of life so just work it into your margins and don't even give it a second thought. Time is money (especially this time of year). Go have a few drinks to celebrate then get sourcing!

[Bold-Arrow]

Seller wins. Folks should have more faith in the system . Buyer got a ding I'm sure