When a refund is declined by eBay, does that mean my money ($315) is lost to the seller? The item was returned.

[roseelbaz2010]

I purchased a Prada bag from a seller. However, before shipping I had asked the seller to indicate "used" (which it was) and a lower amount, to avoid excessive duty, taxes, customs and handling fees by the post office. I sent three different emails to the seller asking him to please indicate those two things on the shipping documents, he never replied and sent the bag anyway. I had mentioned in my three emails that if he couldn't ship it that way, to please not ship it at all because it would be too expensive to pay all the duty, etc.

I returned the bag to sender because the fees were exhorbitant, and I couldn't justify paying such high fees for an already expensive, used bag.I contacted Customer Service and they declined my refund. I would like to know if that means the seller keeps my money and the bag. I don't think that is fair. Can someone help in this matter? Thank you

[dmil8030]

What do you mean you 'contaced Customer Service'?  Do you mean you gave them a call?  Or did you open a claim in the Resolution Center? 

Has the seller contacted you to notify you he has received the bag back?  When did you decline it?  If he does not yet have it back, as far as he's concerned it is you who has it.

I'm not quite sure how to say this, so understand that I mean it most kindly, - but you were waaaay out of line by repeatedly asking that seller to lie on a Customs form.  Are you aware that for him to do so is a federal offense?  And for you to ask it!

You say you couldn't afford the charges?!  No one will ever accept that or sympathize with you, particularly not when you simultaneously bought another bag for over $1,000.  All importers must pay these charges, and when you buy anything outside of your country, you are the importer.  When you are willing to spend that much money on not one but two Prada bags, your pleas of poverty will fall on deaf ears.

Once the seller receives the item back, I am sure he will refund you.  After all, it would appear he conducts an honest business.  He will doubtless have to pay a return shipping fee when it arrives, and so he will not be especially fond of you. 

If you have already tried a claim in the Resolution Center, you cannot go for a second one.  At that point you will have to rely on the seller to reimburse you.  ...  A little contrition may go a long way.

Best of luck. 🙂 

[heidilynn0_3]

You have created a real pickle for yourself and its hard to be sympathetic.

Have you apologized to the unfortunate seller and stated that you understand that his cost of accepting the return would be deducted from any refund.

Both items i see were available to US only. Are you asking for permission to bid. Otherwise , sellers can file a malicious buyer complaint.

I see you have left negative feedback because you bid on an item and seller refused to ship internationally as per listing. How wrong that was. Ebay may be the wrong venue for you.

[scifan57]

You are 100% in the wrong here,you had no justification to do what you did. It's a felony to lie on a customs form,do you expect the seller to risk a felony conviction because you don't want to pay the customs fees that are yours to pay, Don't expect much help and sympathy here.

[ok_so_im_50]

You asked to seller to commit fraud by lying on the Customs form. The seller refused to lie and then you decide you don't want the item. It would serve you right if you do actually lose the money for being dishonest.

[ok_so_im_50]

Based on a follow up to one of the negs you left, it appears you routinely try to manipulate transactions and when sellers refuse, you leave negative feedback