AuctionCut

Much as I commend Ebay for it's policies, security, and customer relations, I am extremely unhappy with regard to the " Sponsored Links " on the Ebay pages. I consider these to be a very foolish addition that could damage Ebay's good reputation.

Regretfully, i purchased an item from one of these Links, namely FragranceX, It was not an auction, and I paid for the item immediately via my Paypal account. I received notification from FragranceX that the item was posted on the 24th December 2008 but was advised there would be no means of tracking it.

It is now the 3rd March and I have still not received the product. I have contacted FragranceX.comm several times and I'm repeatedly told by what appears to be an automated reply, that the item may be delayed by Customs and could take 6 months before I receive it. That is total rubbish in this day and age.

I contacted Customs and was told that it would not have been delayed by Customs for this length of time without notifying me.

I then contacted Ebay Support and after a lengthy live chat with an Ebay representative, who was extremely helpful, advised that the purchase I had made, although via Paypal, was outside of Ebay, and consequently there was nothing he could do. At the time of purchase I had no idea of this. These Companies are clearly using the good reputation of Ebay to market their products under their own rules, and so avoid Ebay policies and regulations. This must not be permitted.

Any Link permitted by Ebay should have to adhere to Ebay's policies, or else there should be a very CLEAR WARNING next to the Link that states it is nothing whatsoever to do with Ebay, even if it's on the Ebay website!

I have asked FragranceX to send me the item again. If the first item turns up I will pay for the second item immediately, and retain both products. This they refuse to do.

Sorry to hear about that. I have seen those FragranceX ads. Now, I'm not too sure if it's the company itself or maybe just a possible mishap in this case, but I feel that eBay doesn't want to do anything about it because they just don't care. As long as they're making money from the ad, which they did from you, they're happy.

Hi fishnchips,
Thanks for your response. You would think if the Company PR was any good they would come to the party but they just don't want to know. There's just a possibility I may be able to get a charge back on my Credit Card. If I do, I'll certainly send them payment if the item eventually arrives, at this stage though they've lost me as a repeat customer.

thanks for the heads up..
newbie here.. i tot i can buy or sell in peace in ebay..
this really wake me up and i guess i have to be more careful...

Hi johndoe,
Re my first post. FragranceX say it could be 6 months for delivery. Master Card tell me I cannot get a charge back unless it's a fraud. So if I don't receive the product by the 24th June 2009, that will be 6 months, and I'll start fraudulent proceedings. This was to be a Christmas present........ maybe next Christmas?.

FragranceX have now done the right thing and provided a refund, less postage, which is fair enough. If the product does ever arrive I will certainly return the funds to them. However I doubt I will be making further purchases from the Company.