Need Some Guidance

[EddiesDryGoods]

Good Morning,

I recently sold an Ed Walsh T206 on Ebay. It was in an SGC holder and graded Authentic.

Upon selling, I was forced to send the card to the Ebay authenticator which was annoying as the buyer was fine in receiving the card directly and it creates a hold on my receiving the $300 payment.

Two days ago, I heard from the authenticator that the card was rejected b/c it did not match the description on the auction. Both the buyer and I were is disbelief as the card is in graded SGC holder. I was notified the buyer would be getting a refund and the card would be sent back to me. While this is quite annoying, I could live with it and the buyer seemed interested in buying the card directly from me once I got it back.

So, out of curiosity, I called Ebay yesterday asking what exactly didn't match the description. After waiting many minutes for an answer, they got back on the line and stated that the authenticator said the package did not contain anything. When I expressed my astonishment, the rep said they will "try to get more details" and they should be in touch in a few days. He suggested I speak with the postal service but the tracking indicates it was delivered. He was very casual about the whole thing and I indicated my total disappointment with the authentication service and questioned if someone there might have stolen the card.

I did not take out USPS insurance but don't think that matters anyway since the package was delivered. I am now out $300 and am wondering what recourse I have?? It does not seem at all fair that I am liable for something that was stolen or has gone missing while at the authenticator. Thoughts appreciated!

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR REPLIES. I RECEIVED AN UPDATE FROM EBAY SHOWING ME THAT THE PACKAGE WAS TAMPERED WITH. IT HAD A GIANT TEAR IN THE BACK OF IT. I TOLD THE POST OFFICE AND THEY INDICATED THAT IF IT WAS NOTICED AS TAMPERED WITH THEN THEY WOULD HAVE INDICATED SO BEFORE ITS DELIVERY TO THE AUTHENTICATOR (TYPICALLY NOTING AS TAMPERED AND PUTTING IN PLASTIC BAG.)

I DO BELIEVE THIS WAS AN INSIDE JOB BY THE AUTHENTICATOR AND INTEND TO PURSUE EBAY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. POSTAL INSURANCE WILL DO NOTHING AS IT WAS INDICATED AS DELIVERED W/ NO INDICATION OF TAMPERING. TRUE, IT WAS NOT A $1,000+ CARD BUT $300 MATTERS AND MY CONFIDENCE IS COMPLETELY SHAKEN ON SELLING HIGH END CARDS ON EBAY AND THEN HAVING THEM STOLEN WHILE AT THE AUTHENTICATION COMPANY.