Need Some Guidance

[BobC]

Originally Posted by 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!

Criminals exist everywhere in the world, at pretty much every level. Could it also be possible that someone in the postal system, knowing the address such packages go to contain valuable collectibles, have taken the item and then let the now empty package continue on?

I am sorry to hear of this happening to you. Be thankful the card wasn't worth much more than what you've lost.

And though we can often learn good lessons from occurrences like this, and correct future actions to try and not let it happen again, in this case there isn't much you can do, maybe sans never selling on Ebay again. The Ebay authentication program was primarily put in place to combat and protect against fraudulent sellers, and buyers. Unfortunately, it doesn't really do a damn thing against other criminals that may be involved in the process somehow.