Seller agrees to refund me, but only if I give him 5 stars

[stamps_coins_and_more]

I just bought a set of items from a seller in China. After paying for them, I discovered a webpage by the manufacturer of the items. It was a warning of fakes, and of course, I bought the fake ones (The real versions ARE made in China, so the location wasn't a red flag.) 

I immediately contacted the seller and asked if he would refund the purchase and not ship me the items. He replied that he would, but only after I left positive feedback for him. Quote: "However, may I ask your all 5 stars positive feedback for the transaction?
Please notify me after you leave the feedback and then I will cancel the order for you."

So what do I do? If I leave him positive feedback, it'll just enable him to sell more fakes, but I give him a negative, he can hold my money and my item. How do I get myself out of this one?

[kalvin@ebay.com · Accepted solution]

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@stamps_coins_and_more wrote:

I just bought a set of items from a seller in China. After paying for them, I discovered a webpage by the manufacturer of the items. It was a warning of fakes, and of course, I bought the fake ones (The real versions ARE made in China, so the location wasn't a red flag.) 

I immediately contacted the seller and asked if he would refund the purchase and not ship me the items. He replied that he would, but only after I left positive feedback for him. Quote: "However, may I ask your all 5 stars positive feedback for the transaction?
Please notify me after you leave the feedback and then I will cancel the order for you."

So what do I do? If I leave him positive feedback, it'll just enable him to sell more fakes, but I give him a negative, he can hold my money and my item. How do I get myself out of this one?

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Hi stamps_coins_and_more,

Please drop me an email with the details of this transaction & we'll have someone review it. Be sure to include the item number(s).

Thanks,

[theafkgamer · Accepted solution]

Feedback extortion isn't allowed. Has it been more than 45 days of purchase? If not, open up a Paypal dispute. The seller will be forced to refund even if you give him a negative.

It may be a little bit harder, since the item hasn't been shipped yet. I would reccommend you contact Paypal asap and get their advice on what to do from here.

In any case, you do not have to leave postive feedback for a refund.

[femmefan1946 · Accepted solution]

Tell him that you will leave feedback AFTER you receive the refund.

You can decide AFTER you get the refund if you will keep your promise or not.

Is there a lot of money involved? If not,, and it's up to you what "a lot of money" is, then let him ship and leave appropriate feedback and Ratings based on what you receive. Keep in mind that a normal transaction deserves five stars but the lowest rating is ONE star. Leaving no stars is a free pass.

It is interesing that the seller has not yet shipped. Most sellers are professional enough to get shipments in the mail within 24 hours of purchase (allowing for holidays). He sounds skanky all around.

Refund first.