Is there a way to protect against an "empty package" scam from an online buyer?

[vailr]

Use "signature required" when shipping any item with a value of ~$50 or more, or at the least: "with a tracking number" for items ~$15 or more.

 

[gorcorps]

In fact, this would be for Amazon--I agree paypal you're basically on your own. At least with Amazon they have real people who seem to care, although if there is even a grain of truth to this story: http://www.startupnation.com/start-...ellers-need-to-rethink-theamazon-fba-program/ Amazon doesn't care about sellers, either.

I've had great luck selling online and only had one guy try to jack me, but I always get nervous sending out an item of real value.

wow, that would really suck

 

[BarkingGhostar]

The only time I made a major purchase online (>>$1K) was with Amazon. I trust them since the item was ship and sold by them. Any other case I simply break out the video recorder and record the unboxing. I did this with two projectors I bought in the past half decade.

 

[Leros]

I'm assuming instead of "seller" you really mean "buyer."

Same thing happened to me. I sold a small item. Buyer received it and left good feedback. Then a few weeks later did a paypal chargeback claiming he never received it. I had to take it up with a supervisor, but they eventually sided with me when I pointed out the feedback he left. It's just common sense. However, I think it helped that the prick was running this same scam on others at the time.

Oops. Yeah, meant buyer

 

[Leros]

Doesnt UPS weigh the box?
Isnt the shipping based on weight?

The shady buyer will just say they got a box filled with paper instead of the item. Totally negates the protection you got from your tracking.

 

[SP33Demon]

The only time I made a major purchase online (>>$1K) was with Amazon. I trust them since the item was ship and sold by them. Any other case I simply break out the video recorder and record the unboxing. I did this with two projectors I bought in the past half decade.

The seller could still retort that you opened the item, removed the item from box, put in newspapers, and then resealed the box and started recording. Rendering your evidence invalid.

 

[Brainonska511]

The seller could still retort that you opened the item, removed the item from box, put in newspapers, and then resealed the box and started recording. Rendering your evidence invalid.

What about if you had it packed and sealed by a UPS store or some other entity like that?

 

[Rage187]

I sell only on Craigslist. I only buy on eBay.