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eBay Buyer Protection FAQ


FAQ for buyers

I didn't receive my item. When should I contact eBay?

First, try contacting the seller for package tracking information or a reason why delivery is delayed.  If it’s been 7 or more business days since you paid, you haven’t received the item or heard back from your seller, go to the eBay Resolution Centre within 45 days of the date you paid.

If the seller estimated a delivery date that was less than 7 business days from your payment, please contact the seller through the eBay messages function first and allow 3 business days for a reply.


I have contacted eBay regarding the item that I have not received.  What happens next?

If you contacted us because you didn’t receive your item, you should receive a refund, tracking information, or a delivery estimate from your seller within 10 calendar days.  If the seller hasn't responded in 10 calendar days, eBay may refund you directly.


The item I received is “Significantly Not As Described” or SNAD (either wrong, damaged, or it doesn’t match the seller’s description). When should I contact eBay?

First, contact the seller, and allow 3 business days for a reply.  The seller may be willing to offer a refund or exchange within 45 days of payment.  If you're not able to work things out with the seller, you can reach eBay for support by going to the eBay Resolution Centre.

I’m not sure if my item qualifies as “Significantly Not As Described?

An item is Significantly Not as Described if it is materially different from what the seller described in the item listing. Here are some non exhaustive examples of what would be considered to be Significantly Not As Described:
  • You received a completely different item. For example, you purchased a book and received a DVD or an empty box.

  • The condition of the item is wrong. For example, the listing said "new" and the item has clearly been used.

  • The item is missing parts or component and the seller disclose this in the listing (e.g., camera kit was supposed to include a tripod, but you didn't receive it).

  • Item defective during first use: The first time you tried to use the product, it didn't work (e.g., HDTV did not turn on).

  • The item is a different version or edition than the item displayed in the listing.

  • The item was described as authentic but isn't.

  • You purchased three items from a seller but only received two.

  • The item was damaged during postage.

Some examples of what wouldn't be covered:

  • The defect in the item was correctly described by the seller.

  • The item was accurately described but you didn't want it after you received it.

  • The item was accurately described but didn't meet your expectations.

  • The item has minor scratches and was listed as used.


How do I contact eBay for support?

If your purchase meets the requirements above, you can contact eBay for support through the eBay Resolution Centre.

How much of my purchase is covered?

If we agree your purchase qualifies, we'll reimburse you for the full purchase price of the item plus original shipping costs.  If you're opening a claim because the item you received was Significantly Not As Described, you may be asked to pay for return postage.

What happens after I contact eBay?

You’ll receive a confirmation email when you open a claim. You must review this email straightaway, upon receipt, and let us know if anything within it is incorrect. We may contact you for more information. We may also try to reach the seller to encourage him or her to work directly with you to resolve the problem. In addition, if the seller resolves the situation (e.g. by sending you the item or a refund), you must let us know immediately, through the response channel provided in the email.

During the process, eBay may require you to provide documentation to support your claim. You may be asked to provide receipts, third party evaluations, police reports, or anything else that eBay needs.

What happens if your item was Significantly Not As Described (SNAD)?

eBay will review all available information about the transaction. You may also be asked to provide receipts, third party evaluations, police reports, or other documents related to the item. (See “I’m not sure if my item qualifies as Significantly Not As Described’” above.) 

eBay usually requires the buyer to return the item to the seller, provide proof of delivery, and for the seller to accept it and refund the buyer.  We require you to send the item back in the same packaging you received it in.

What is proof of delivery?

For transactions that total less than £150, proof of delivery is acceptable documentation. You'll need online tracking information from a shipping company or valid proof of delivery from Royal Mail, that:

1. Shows the status as delivered.

2. Shows the date of delivery.

3. Includes the recipient's address, showing at least the city/county or postcode (or the equivalent).

4. For transactions that total £150 or more, shows proof of the recipient's signature to confirm delivery.

How do I cancel an open claim?

To cancel an open item, use the response channel advised in the confirmation email you receive from eBay, stating that you no longer have a problem with your purchase and want to close the claim.

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