FEEDBACK extortion by SELLER !!! A NEW twist?

[lina-mallows]

Just when you thought you've run into everything- something NEW crops up- SELLER FEEDBACK EXTORTION !!!

Situation- we made a LARGE PURCHASE (US$600) for an item- that was PICK UP ONLY. The item weighs 800lbs+ and made mostly of glass. So a professional mover was hired to do the PICK-UP and INSURED delivery, as well as our Custom's broker was notified of the shipment's arrival at Canada for entry.

The item- for pick ONLY-up only is located 550 miles from where we live. So- just to be certain that everything was in order- my Brother took the nine hour+ drive to 'check things out."

The seller is ID Verified- but only has PayPal insurance to US$200.oo.

HERE'S THE ISSUE- After physically seeing the item- and checking it out- the seller is DEMANDING PayPal payment- AND POSITIVE FEEDBACK- BEFORE they will allow the PROFESSIONAL MOVERS to pick it up. (Remember 800lbs+- and made of mostly glass)

PayPal payment- NO PROBLEM!
RECEIPT BY MOVERS (A nationally known company) NO PROBLEM!

The SELLER'S demand for POSITIVE FEEDBACK- BEFORE PICK-UP-
BIG PROBLEM !!!

The SELLER has threatened to RELIST the item if POSITIVE FEEDBACK is not coincidental to payment.

Isn't the BUYER'S FEEDBACK supposed to be given AFTER the item has arrived?

Anyone have any thoughts?

(P.S. eBay only considered BUYERS using threats of FEEDBACK extortion- NOT sellers.)

[ecbluestar]

I had only one case when buyer placed positive FB before receiving item, what after turned out, unauthorized CC use. I lost claim with PayPal.

[dipmicro]

Am I allowed to in any way direct people here to the actual auction?

Auction IDs have been posted here before without messages disapearing and I have posted few myself without being contacted by eBay Privacy and Security dept (or whatever the name of dept is).

[coxengines]

Low FB
Poor description
PP protection to only $200
And, especially, "free" shipping is an indication of the seller's integrity, or lack thereof.

Would not have bought.

However, we have all made mistakes and I am no exception.

Just deal with it... life goes on, and good luck!

Cheers
Xena

[lina-mallows]

xenalook- thank you.
In hindsight, the FREE SHIPPING issue should have been a RED FLAG.
But PICK-UP was clearly stated.

Then again, there are POWER SELLERS posting here who skirt eBay rules almost everyday through fee avoidance. And- even with their hundreds of listings- they are still POWER SELLERS.

(xena- if you wish I will substantiate this claim by personal e-mail, as I am not able to describe the exact problem here. Just contact me directly- and I will be happy to respond.)

[jewelry_quest]

I myself wouldn't ever expect my buyers to leave me positive feedback until they have received their items and inspected them! That's just ridiculous! When I buy on Ebay I NEVER leave positive feedback until I receive my items and ensure I am getting exactly what I paid for and the item(s) are all intact. For that seller to expect positive feedback before the item is delivered to the buyer is WRONG! For the price of $600.00 I would surely want to inspect the item MYSELF to ensure everything is on the up and up. As for getting over it don't just get over it and move on. I am a big believer in fighting for ones rights! I'd fight for my rights on this one if it were me that's for sure. I'd really like to see the item in question I am curious. You say it weighs 800 lbs and made of glass. I'd love to see this item if you wouldn't mind sending me and email with the Ebay item number. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Gloria
jewelry_quest