Bought an allegedly new pair of running shoes on ebay, at what I thought was a good price even after shipping costs (they're expensive in Canada).
Picked them up at the post office today. The shipper used DHL (gahhh) which resulted in a COD charge of over $46. $19 in duties, $17 in taxes, $10 in "fees" (I'd already paid the seller for shipping). Shipping in the listing led me to believe they'd be using USPS, which always arrives just fine with no extra charges.
To make matters worse, the shoes are most definitely not new - the soles are dirty and there's a rub A5-35-like aroma. Yuck.
No point in sending them back, since I am already out the $46. Shitshitshit. Anyway I wrote the seller and included pics of the time-stamped receipt, and the dirty soles. I wish I could've included a scratch-n-sniff pic as well.
Grrr.
So frustrating.
Sellers like that give eBay a bad name.
This happened to me on eBay - bought a “new without tags” suit for work. It arrived covered in hairs and smelling of perfume. I just opened a case and got a full refund. Didn’t even have to return it I don’t think. And if it said shipping would be one thing and they did another, isn’t that misselling? I’d ask for a refund for the charges as well. They said one thing and did another (assuming it was explicit in the listing) so they are responsible. But maybe consumer protection laws are less strict over there? Seems like shops are more lenient though - I’ve heard of people returning opened makeup just because they don’t like the colour and that would not fly here.
I've been hit by that DHL thing... to the point where I nearly refused the item.
Update - here's the seller's pathetic answer, followed by my response:
Thank you for contacting us!
I do apologize that the shoes you received were not as you expected. Please note that we are an outlet warehouse selling overstock/liquidation items, some of which have been subject to many try-ons along with numerous shipping and handling before they reach us. Shoes can have scuffs and small signs of wear due to trying on multiple times in a retail environment.
As you may know, it is required by your local government to pay duties and taxes on items coming into the country that are valued at $20 CAN or more. Our shipping carrier pays these duties and taxes for you upfront. In return, Canada Post has to pay these Duties and taxes back to our shipping carrier (DHL). Canada Post then Charges you a $10 handling fee to collect these Duties and taxes, and returns the duties and taxes owed back to DHL.
Please let me know if I can assist you any further as your feedback matters. All of us here at BHFO appreciate your business.
Sincerely, ...
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Apologies, but the description does NOT match the item I received, in terms of wear. The photos I sent you on the same day I received the item show that the wear is more than just in-store try-ons. You listed them with the following description/classification:
New without box: A brand-new, unused, and unworn item (including handmade items) that is not in original packaging or may be missing original packaging materials (such as the original box or bag). The original tags may not be attached. For example, new shoes (
with absolutely no signs of wear) that are no longer in their original box fall into this category
How can you possibly claim that the shoes that I received show ABSOLUTELY NO SIGNS OF WEAR? I can attach the photos again if you need to see them. These shoes were clearly worn outside. They show dirt, creases, and they smell.
Check the feedback I leave for other sellers please. I am an honest purchaser and was expecting a new set of shoes.
Moreover, you didn't say anywhere in your description of the item that you use DHL for shipping.
Had I known this, I would NEVER have purchased these shoes. I avoid DHL like the plague.
Please check the feedback I've left for other sellers. I've been on ebay since 1999 and have never had a purchase go so very wrong.
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Thanks for letting me vent. I am about as pissed off about this as I ever get.