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+--- Thread: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? (/Thread-Buying-non-working-item-from-Ebay-to-use-in-return)
Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - BillyJameson - 04-03-2021
I've been considering this route for some pretty expensive electronics. Does anyone have any experience with it? Did you try to pass it off as "the item came broken so I'm returning it", or did you go more along the lines of implying that this was something someone else already returned? Like "the box had its seal cut and had an old, obviously damaged item inside"? Not the outer shipping box, but the product box inside.
This would probably be from Amazon.com or BH Photo.
Is this a terrible idea? How carefully will they do things like check serial numbers or try to figure out how it's possible that an old camera made it into a new box?
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - mothered - 04-03-2021
Quote:Did you try to pass it off as "the item came broken so I'm returning it"If they scan the return, It will not come up as part of their Inventory (Invoiced & sold), therefore the SE will prematurely come to an end.
Quote:or did you go more along the lines of implying that this was something someone else already returned?It's best to opt for this, but do not state that you believe It's someone else's return.
Simply say you've received what they've sent you.
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - BillyJameson - 04-03-2021
(04-03-2021, 03:37 AM)mothered Wrote: If they scan the return, It will not come up as part of their Inventory (Invoiced & sold), therefore the SE will prematurely come to an end.I definitely don't know what happens at, say, the Amazon warehouse when a return comes in. I was thinking broken item returned in the original box that the new order came in, but that might make it even more obvious that the serial on the box and the serial on a camera, for example, don't match. Do you think that's likely on an expensive return?
Quote:It's best to opt for this, but do not state that you believe It's someone else's return.
Simply say you've received what they've sent you.
I guess it makes the most sense to act like any normal consumer would. Something came broken, so I sent it back, no more thought would be put into it than that.
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - mothered - 04-03-2021
(04-03-2021, 06:25 AM)BillyJameson Wrote: I was thinking broken item returned in the original box that the new order came in, but that might make it even more obvious that the serial on the box and the serial on a camera, for example, don't match. Do you think that's likely on an expensive return?Alternatively, you can opt for the sealed box method, by purchasing your Item from the company you'll be SEing and replacing It with anything of equal weight.
Provided there's no signs of Inconsistences/tampering with the box/packaging, It has a very high success rate.
(04-03-2021, 06:25 AM)BillyJameson Wrote: I guess it makes the most sense to act like any normal consumer would. Something came broken, so I sent it back, no more thought would be put into it than that.Correct.
Plead Ignorance and treat the SE as a legit claim, yet manipulate It to your advantage as needed- without raising suspicion.
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - goatmaxxam - 04-03-2021
I recommend buying old cpus
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - mothered - 04-03-2021
(04-03-2021, 09:23 AM)goatmaxxam Wrote: I recommend buying old cpusWhy might that be?
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - BillyJameson - 04-04-2021
(04-03-2021, 09:10 AM)mothered Wrote: Alternatively, you can opt for the sealed box method, by purchasing your Item from the company you'll be SEing and replacing It with anything of equal weight.
Provided there's no signs of Inconsistences/tampering with the box/packaging, It has a very high success rate.
I've definitely thought about this, but I don't think the items I'm considering actually have any sort of sticker or tamper seal, which I assume makes it more likely that the contents themselves will be checked.
I also worry a little bit about what happens if they DO check, and now my original story is that I returned it without even opening it, it's a pretty suspicious coincidence that I just happened to return a broken item without even opening it.
RE: Buying non-working item from Ebay to use in return? - mothered - 04-04-2021
(04-04-2021, 02:49 AM)BillyJameson Wrote: I also worry a little bit about what happens if they DO checkPlead Ignorance by saying that you've returned what they've dispatched.
Who's to say that another SE'er didn't do what you did, and you've purchased his return?
(04-04-2021, 02:49 AM)BillyJameson Wrote: and now my original story is that I returned it without even opening it, it's a pretty suspicious coincidence that I just happened to return a broken item without even opening it.If that's the case, why not use the sealed box method?
It doesn't necessarily need to have a factory seal. As long as the box/packaging Is In Its original state (wrapped/tapped as per the supplier), then you're good to go.