eBay Scammers or honest mistake?

[Hellefire]

So, in setting up a new gaming group in Poland, I founf it cheaper to buy supplies through eBay than locally. I won an auction for a double-sided battle mat, with squares on one side and hexes on the other side, from a company named How You Play The Game, in New York. They are a full store and have many items listed in eBay. I noticed they put another mat up for auction immediately after that one ended. No problem, they have a full inventory right? Well, today they emailed me that they made a mistake, and are out of stock. They offered to send a one-sided mat, or refund my money. I checked, and the other auction for the same item is still up, and going for more than my winning bid. So...are they really out of stock and going to tell the other winner the same thing? Obviously they aren't pulling the auction. I have this wierd suspicion that they wanted to get more for it, so just listed it again, so that they could sell it to the highest winning bid and tell the other that they made a 'mistake'.

I don't know though, not much experience with eBay. Has anyone had a similar experience? Any advice, or ideas og what recourse is available to me? I messaged eBay about it, and asked the company when they would have more in stock. There is still achance it was an honest error. I guess I'm jsut a bit suspicious and paranoid.

Aaron

 

[ssampier]

Sounds fishy. Why would you put something eBay if it's out-of-stock.

I'd go with the cash back.

 

[Bront]

I'd report it to ebay, or ask them to send you 2 single sided mats (one hex and one square) for your trouble.

 

[Cheiromancer]

I'd report it to ebay. What they are doing is unethical.

I think they are obliged to provide you the product (or the equivalent). So either a double-sided mat or two mats. If they don't do this, they are using ebay to scam people, and so ebay should be informed.

 

[Morrus]

I'd report it to ebay. What they are doing is unethical.

I think they are obliged to provide you the product (or the equivalent). So either a double-sided mat or two mats. If they don't do this, they are using ebay to scam people, and so ebay should be informed.

It could be a mistake. I don't see any reason to assume the worst. I'd accept the refund and move on; no harm done.

Without any information to the contrary, I would feel wrong in that position if I didn't accept their word that it was a mistake.

Check the feedback. Has this happened before? If it's an isolated incident, it's gonna be a mistake.

 

[Hellefire]

Anyone in..

Anyone here in Syracuse, NY?
Not sure it would accomplish anything, but thought maybe if someone went in to the store and checked their stock, or called and asked...
Their info is:
PLAY THE GAME READ THE STORY
3803 Brewerton Rd Syracuse NY 13212
info@howyouplaythegame.com
(315) 472-GAME

In case anyone is in that area and it wouldn't be too much trouble to stop by the place, or call. The product info is:
Chessex Megamat
Total Size: 34-1/2" by 48"
Grid: 1" squares and 1" hexes on the reverse side
Color: Oyster

Will let you know any other info as it comes up.

Aaron

p.s. not much feedback, account has only been selling since July, and has a rating of 6. All good feedback though

 

[Jesus_marley]

send them an email kindly pointing out the fact that they currently have an identical auction to the one that you won. Include the URL. Then kindly inquire as to why they are selling an out of stock item. Make it clear that you are aware of their actions.... If you are still not satisfied with their conduct, demand a refund and send an email to the ebay fraud investigators if you feel that they are not on the level. Ebay does not take kindly to swindlers and will delete the account if they find that the seller is in fact committing fraud.

 

[Hellefire]

refund

Well, I did email, and I did mention the other auction. I was actually very nice about it considering how upset I was. I also asked when it would be back in stock. No answer yet. I also messaged eBay about the situation. Note, they did offer me my money back, but with another auction for the ame item going, and at a higher winning bid at the moment, I could see where it would be in their interest financially to accept the higher winning bid and tell me 'sorry'. Not counting bad publicity, which I am reserving until I hear from them and eBay.

Aaron

 

[Oscaron]

A link you need to have when dealing with these sort of people.

http://www.toolhaus.org/

Will list all Neutral, Neg and Retracted Feedback on an EBay Member.

There is a Firefox util that even lets you right-click on a name and automatically list the data in another Tab.

I Ebay a bit lately and use it constantly.

If you see a pattern, like your 'no stock' for low price, then relisted for a chance at a higher bid higher (common scam), then it's easier to report them for such. Ebay support is busy and often won't research any more into the claim you make unless you show the pattern to them first.

Osc