posted on January 3, 2002 07:43:20 PM new
Hi! I have been selling for a couple years off and on now. And I have a problem with Billpoint which is really frustrating me. I sent out the package just after receiving payment in early November, and it was sent back to me marked "return to sender" in mid December. After checking the address I sent it to against the one listed on the Billpoint payment, I e-mailed the buyer and asked is his address had changed and if I could resend him the package at his new address.
And today I find out he filed a chargeback. I am not sure why or what happened. But the explanation says "Reason for Verification: Fraud Transaction - No Cardholder Auth". Included in the Billpoint notice says, "If no response is received to this email, including one of the above-mentioned items, we will debit your Billpoint account in the amount listed above plus a $10 processing fee." I have the package here with the postmarks that I actually SENT it. I do not understand about the $10 added charge since I have done nothing wrong.
By the way, the buyer NEVER contacted me about this package not arriving and did not respond to my message that it had been returned. What keeps buyers from doing this to anyone? And is there a way to contact Billpoint about this?
posted on January 4, 2002 09:58:54 AM new
"What keeps buyers from doing this to anyone?"
Nothing, other than ignorance.
Our experience has been that once some buyers learn they can do chargebacks, they do do chargebacks, for every situation in which they feel slighted.
Billpoint, PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, etc. enable fraud, because the general public believes that retailers are essentially evil (they make a PROFIT! boo! HISS!) and that consumers need protection from retailers. In truth it is more like the other way around.
It took just one Billpoint chargeback for us to drop them forever. We've never looked back since.
posted on January 4, 2002 10:13:54 AM new
"I have the package here with the postmarks that I actually SENT it. I do not understand about the $10 added charge since I have done nothing wrong. "
Sorry to say that means nothing. One can never fully protect themselves from phoney chargebacks.
Till visa, mastercard etc, comes up with a better system for online sales, the risk is allways on your end.
Billpoints tos does state the fact if there is a chargeback that there is a 10.00 fee.
Just be happy that at least you still have your stuff even though you get dinged ten dollars.
By the way, this sounds more like buyers remorse. Just another way to get out of it.
posted on January 4, 2002 10:19:47 AM new
welcome to the world of retailing-
the message you received from billpoint-Reason for Verification: Fraud Transaction - No Cardholder Auth" basically means that the cardholder received his cc statement and dispute this item on the statement with his cc issuer,either he does not recognise the charge or in your case,he did not receive his merchandise.
his cc issuer then relay this to billpoint and the fun begins,you have x number of days to show this is a legitimate transaction by producing either a signed order receipt which you do not have or an itemised invoice of what you ship with signature receipt which you do not have(as this package is returned to you as undelivered).
since you have the merchandise in your possesion,you will have to accept the chargeback ,not sure if you can argue with billpoint on the 10 dollars cahrgeback fee.
since he has disputed this item,then we may assume he is alive and well and could be contacted by phone,try to call him and see if he still want the item?
if he does,then make sure it is sent with signature receipt.
good luck.
once again welcome to the world of retailing where credit cards scam is rampant and chargeback is becoming a way of life.
this may slow down ebay if sellers insist on money orders and buyer insists credit card.
posted on January 4, 2002 11:08:21 AM new
Thanks for the addvise all! I guess it is just the cost of doing business. Actually, my new year's resolution was to stop selling (maybe I can slip an item or two in a week) because it was just becoming too distracting. So I guess this is just another nail in that coffin.
Anyhow, I requested the buyer's info. We shall see what happens. Unfortunately, the buyer waited 60+ days until he filed (which means that no FVF nor NPB). Argh! If he had done it sooner, maybe I could have sold it for Christmas.
posted on January 4, 2002 12:40:26 PM new
your buyer probably has disputed the item earlier,but the way it works is that he has to dispute in writing ,then his cc issuer send him some form to fill out and mail back,then it will forward to billpint and billpoint will contact you.
it could easily take 6 weeks,so this is something ebay has to consider allowing more time for seller to file for fee refund.
too bad storefront does not work,it would be easier for seller if we just keep items in the store .
