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Sold item in Russia, buyer claims box was empty
 

I sold a phone recently to a buyer from Russia. I sent it with USPS express, insured with signature confirmation. I also had the clerk at the post office confirm and sign what I put in the box.

According to tracking it says the buyer refused the package. He wrote that the box was cut open and empty. He opened a case and I replied with all the info.

Right now it has been about a week and the case is in "waiting for buyer response" status.
What do you think will happen? I did everything I could to protect myself, do I have a chance?

Thank you

if they don't escalate it to a claim it will close in 30 days i believe. not so sure the empty box routine works anymore but i guess anything is possible. did you get back the package?

Funny, just yesterday I also had a buyer from Russia saying the envelope was empty. Lucky it was only a $10 item.

Either Customs in Russia is stealing items or ...

Last update on tracking number says "customs processing" again. That is after the refusal. Should I file an insurance claim with USPS? He also sent me a photo of a Russian police report (probably ⊗⊗⊗⊗).

Well the odd thing about Russia is it could have been stolen by someone at the post office LOL

Everything and anything can happen there. Either way you're being scammed, but it might not always be the buyer.

I don't ship to those countries.

I ship to Russia all the time just get the insurance and put restrictions for buyers under 15 feedback.It works for me:) Yeap Customs in Russia are stealing items as well

it is probably not the customer, the postal system is so screwed up in russia. if the tracking on the package does not show as delivered, you will be responsible either way if they escalate the claim

What is the value of the item were are talking here?

It's $300...

I can tell you from experience that cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other high end electronics are liable to be stolen in transit in certain Eastern European countries.

Reject the urge to blame the buyer. While lots of buyers are scammers, if he was a scammer he would not have rejected the package.

Rejecting the package gives him no oportunity to keep the device.

The person at fault for this issue is on neither side of the paypal claim.

Refund the buyer, assure him that it was not sent to him empty, and file an insurance claim if possible.

Hello,
I do about 25 pct of my business overseas.
I have had this happen before.
When I challenged PayPal, that I should have been covered under their Sellers protection,
They had me file a police report, send to them. They in turn refunded me.
I have also had PayPal, not deal with me, but have the Buyer file the complaint with local authorities, and then Paypal themselves refunded the buyer.
Either time, it cost me zero out of pocket.
Luckily, I was using a 13-14 yr old PayPal acct, so they knew my rep.
So, to get your money back, it will indeed call for you to get ahold of an American speaking rep, and share with them your toils. The rep can authorize the refund, under pp buyers protection.
The catch here, is that if indeed your buyer is scamming, he will have to put himself through a police report, and investigation. Most buyers who are in fact scamming, will only try this once.
From your description, it sounds like customs agents either confiscated your goods, or right out stole them.
You do have a few choices to make.
Good luck in your case!

I lose more packages to Germany than I do Russia. The cost of my items is low so I really don't care, but I would not ship anything over $50 to either of those countries.

The buyer finally responded by escalating the case to ebay customer service.

A few hours later ebay made a decision:

"eBay Customer Support has made a final decision and the case is closed.

eBay Customer Support comments:
This item isn't eligible for eBay Buyer Protection. You don't need to do anything else. This won't be counted when we evaluate seller performance. Note: It may take up to 24 hours to update in your Seller Dashboard.

Final decision:
This case has been decided in your favor.

Transaction information:
The date when your funds become available may change."

:shocked:

Good to hear zlajac! I just had a PayPal case today go in my favor - it feels good for once!

Hope your luck continues!