Quote:
Originally Posted by dmash
We’re speculating harder in this thread than we do with Rolex supply/value in the main forum.  |
I'm not *new* to the world of online buying selling (someone up in around page 2 mentioned Magic cards - I have a lot of experience with those
) but this thread is a bit scary.
What normal, reasonable, steps should a seller take when packaging an item of value and sending it off to a stranger? Personally I never would have thought of using brown tape, and/or signing said tape as a personal "seal" to guarantee tamper resistance. The postal system, although not perfect, should provide levels of protection, at least to a degree where fraud like this is not allowed to occur. Someone mentioned all the CCTV footage - they have a good point there, the answers may lie in a UPS store.
The weight discrepancies are startling. I know in Canada, CP (our equal to USPS) weighs and measures the dimensions of the package directly in front of you and enters it - the shipper has no say in the matter. With the item on the scale, sealed, and packaged, only then is a weight prescribed and a method of shipment chosen, with a label subsequently printed/completed.
If it was entered as under 2 pounds, liability may fall with the seller for all of the reasons people have mentioned prior. It would be incumbent on them to issue a refund (or at the very least, as previously suggested, perhaps a partial refund) until the issue is completely resolved. I think this is reasonable, because of all the scenarios explored already (seller forgot to send watch, UPS employee pocketed watch, seller maliciously did not send watch, etc) pretty much one thing is guaranteed here: the buyer is not getting the watch.
The seller did respond early on to the thread, but then seemed to imply that he'll have no further involvement in the conversation going forward. Let's bring that back to the front for people TLDR'ing:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by william21
Hello TRF--
Yes, I am the seller in this transaction. I recently listed my Rolex GMT Master II for sale after purchasing it in 2016 from a prominent seller on TRF. Helo008 and I exchanged several correspondences and spoke over the phone. Although he had not been on TRF for very long and had 0 posts previously, I felt comfortable after verifying his employment/educational status and identity. To be honest, I've participated in several transactions (primarily in person and via eBay) and this was my first transaction as seller on TRF.
The transaction moved forward and he processed a direct bank wire very quickly (thus, alleviating some concerns there). I utilized my local UPS Store and had them insure it for the watch's value. The counter staff did not see the watch but confirmed its make/model upon receipt. When I asked the franchisee owner if that was routine, she said that it was and is required to insure that amount. The box was taped, packaged and scanned on the spot. The weight was 1 lbs. 15.5 oz. I sent the tracking number immediately.
Unfortunately, after he mentioned that he would have his apartment building staff sign for it in case he wasn't there, I offered to meet halfway in person (i.e. Modesto). He did not think it was necessary and we agreed to move forward with shipping it. When I was contacted with images and a phone call that the watch was missing, I suggested that he contact local authorities ASAP (which he did). In fact, before I had a chance to speak with him and the Officer on the case, I contacted Emeryville Police Department directly myself, not knowing the Buyer personally and unsure if this could be fraudulent on that end. Shortly after that, I was able to jump on the phone with him and the officer assigned to the case. I subsequently filed a report with my local police department as well a claim with UPS.
I've maintained contact with him and am engaging UPS to investigate this immediately. After receiving advice from his attorney, he requested a full refund. I intend to let the process and investigation play out (both through PD for stolen property as well as UPS). I have also enlisted the services of an attorney as well. I will say, he has offered to be patient as the UPS claims process plays out, so that is greatly appreciated.
I am really hopeful that everything works out and UPS is on the hook. I probably won't engage back and forth beyond this point, but I appreciate the comments, suggestions, and empathy shared by TRF. I also posted a thread in case anyone has had any questionable experiences with the buyer in the past (hate to do it, but you just don't know). It's a very upsetting situation for me as it is for him.
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Oy, my head hurts just trying to process all of this.
