Hello fellow frustrated PayPal users... Here's one I just can't figure out and PayPal doesn't feel like they have any responsibility.
I purchased a 3D printer ($650) from a well known and (usually) reliable company, Creality 3D. What I received looked like it had been used and returned. I didn't even assemble the unit, from just taking the main parts out of the box it was clear it was NOT what I purchased.
The order was drop shipped from what appears to be a fulfillment office - the label read:
- Express
(***) ***-****
SHIPPER ONLY,NOT SELLER
**** **** STREET
PERTHAMBOY, NJ 08861
I reached out to their support department immediately to start an exchange. At first they blamed the scratches and loose screws on not being assembled properly, but when I pointed out that I still hadn't even taken the machine fully out of the box yet, they offered a $100 refund. I refused, as I simply wanted a new machine, not one that I would have to fix for them. 3D printers are very finicky machines, and trying to restore one that has been damaged is almost always wasted effort. We went around for a while with them literally begging me on Facebook messenger to keep the printer, they'd refund $100, they'd send me a free roll of filament, just PLEASE keep the printer... (Well, they'd do anything *except* refund more than $100...) I repeatedly declined, and they finally agreed to refund my money.
They sent a return shipping address entirely written in Mandarin, which I can't read, nor can my local UPS, FedEx or USPS offices. (Literally shown in their response to PayPal as "518051GUANGDONG****************168***************China", the *s being Chinese characters that the message board apparently prohibits...) I sent back repeated requests for an English language address to ship to. They finally replied and gave me an office in Shenzen, Guangdong, China.
The rates for a 25x21x13 box are as follows:
- Priority Mail Express International: $310.85
- FedEx International: $865.73
- UPS: $948.55
Clearly there is ZERO chance I will pay ANY of that to return their defective merchandise, but PayPal has closed the dispute because I did not provide a tracking number in time. I've been on the phone for more than 2 hours today before being hung up on when I asked for a supervisor. The seller intentionally did this so I would not be able to return the printer and they could keep my money.
Who do I call for this issue? Is it time to involve the Florida Department of Consumer Services? Florida Attorney General? Local TV news? I can't afford an attorney, and I don't have any in the family.
Advice appreciated...
-DJ
