eBay buyer claiming resealed items

TXRunner · 12-26-2025, 07:38 AM

I have a buyer who purchased a brand new sealed 2024 Donruss football Costco bundle from me. These boxes I received directly from Costco last year and have been sitting in my game room since. The buyer is trying to tell me all the packs were opened and resealed. Not a chance. Everyone else who has purchased has left positive feedback. He wants me to refund him. Do I tell him no and tell him to file a dispute with eBay? I have near 1,900 positive feedback and not one negative.

As I am sitting here thinking about this, these Costco bundles are pretty much impossible to open without damaging the outside box to get the inner tray out. There is no way someone could have opened the box and then put it back together in what looks like new condition.

I already sent a message to eBay reporting the buyer. No response yet. How should I handle the refun request from the buyer? Tell him to open a case and then respond to it and let eBay decide?

JSMPGA · 12-26-2025, 08:43 AM

Sorry that you are in this situation. There is zero protection against this.

DynaEtch · 12-26-2025, 04:21 PM

I would try to fight it and respond to the ebay claim as such, but I realize it’s an uphill battle. A determined, possibly scamming buyer will be able to get the return, unless eBay has wisened up to returns on wax lately.

It’s possible maybe it is from a confusion- I know nothing about that set but Upper Deck blaster boxes for 2024 marvel masterpieces ‘92 platinum had a quality control issue where the interior pack wrappings were bad, many with split opened ends right from the box. The outer blaster box and seal totally fine- but the packs were sealed not great. So many people on Amazon reviews etc complained the boxes and packs were resealed (they were not)…but I can’t imagine how many people tried to return or even get refunded for them, which would be a joke.

As for this…it’s possible if neither party has a history of returns or defects eBay could even end up paying off one side with a courtesy refund…but it just sounds wrong what the buyer is doing here. If the buyer does return to you, you could claim it’s opened and not in state it was sent, and possibly get a deduction up to 50% off refund (assuming courtesy payments not already made).

DynaEtch · 12-26-2025, 04:28 PM

eBay should be super stringent on returns with any wax. I don’t think they are.

Whats surprising is with breaks they are stringent. I had a case a month ago where a big time breaker on eBay literally didnt send me the big card I hit in a break- it wasnt in the package with the rest of the common cards I got from the break. After some unsatisfactory messaging, I went to file for INAD….within the 3 days…and couldn’t! The only time ever I remember eBay actually not letting you file for INAD- you cannot do it on a break listing for that. After calling eBay they confirmed that too- you simply cannot file INAD on those listings. I was blown away.

(Turned out the breaker later got a message from another buyer in that break they got my hit card by mistake- so breaker sent it to the wrong person- and that breaker eventually corrected it and sent it to me). But that was an eye opener than in the chance a breaker shorts you out of something…INAD not even an option.

Maybe they should get similarly tough on returns with wax…it’s a similar concept.

TXRunner · 12-26-2025, 04:56 PM

I didn’t respond to the buyer. I am waiting to see if he actually follows through with a refund request. I also haven’t heard back from eBay after reporting him. I am hoping that by not responding to him he just moves on.

discodanman45 · 12-27-2025, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXRunner

I didn’t respond to the buyer. I am waiting to see if he actually follows through with a refund request. I also haven’t heard back from eBay after reporting him. I am hoping that by not responding to him he just moves on.

I think there are a decent amount of buyers that reach out to sellers this way, hoping they just get a free refund. If they actually file through eBay, then a history is on file. I have had people do things like this before and tell them to file through eBay, then I never hear from them again.

I am also sick of hearing buyers complain about the eBay authentication. It is not for the buyer, but for the protection of the seller. Sorry it takes your card another week to get to you, but I don't have to worry about someone saying I sent the wrong card and the buyer getting a full refund.

Vikingsguy76 · 12-27-2025, 12:43 PM

On the contrary, I feel protected as the buyer buying through authentication. I think it protects both parties. I bought a $1000 card that had scratches on it not visible in the eBay listing pictures and had basically no recourse. That protects the seller how?

Budler · 12-27-2025, 08:21 PM

Has not anyone learned this:
buyer/sellers/traders do it at your our risk!!! No middleman can save you from the jerks/scammers both buyers and sellers. The middleman will do what he can, but it will be in the best for him. (time/effect and money)
If you are being scammed all you can do is try your best and see how it comes out. As a buyer or seller.
Yes over the years I have opened boxes with a pack or two that appears to have been opened, but not the hold box.

cruiserdaddy7 · 12-28-2025, 01:05 AM

Look the buyer up online. See where he works and if he has a spouse, do the same. Let him know that if they plan to scam you, you will let their employers and others know what they are capable of.

TXRunner · 12-28-2025, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiserdaddy7

Look the buyer up online. See where he works and if he has a spouse, do the same. Let him know that if they plan to scam you, you will let their employers and others know what they are capable of.

Look up has been done. Let’s just say I have plenty of info.

But I did wake up this morning to a message from him. Now his claim was that the box was opened when he received it. I politely responded and asked him why he proceeded to open the packs if the box was opened when he got it. I also explained to him how it would be near impossible to get the tray out of the box without destroying the packaging. Things just don’t ad up. I also politely let him know that I would not be providing him a refund and that if he wanted to peruse things he could file a claim with eBay.

For those that would like to block him, user name is davileec-31.

TXRunner · 12-29-2025, 03:27 PM

The buyer now opened up an itemed not received case with ebay. His notes are:

"When we ordered this, we thought it was completely factory sealed with no defects. When we opened the packs, they were already openings on the sides of the packs. There were also cards paced in weird spots, plus we didn't recieve any "red pandora" cards in the box. There is suppossed to be at least 2 to 4. Since we already opened the packs, we cant really show pictures, but i will try my best to provide evidence."

Come on man. Just say you didn't get a downtown and have buyers remorse. So you saw "weird openings on the side of the pack" but continued to open them all up without taking pictures or saying anything first?

I guess I will send another message to ebay now that he has officially opened up a case. I am not refunding the guy. Letting this go to ebay. It says ebay will step in on January 2nd.

Bosoxfan5990 · 12-29-2025, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXRunner

The buyer now opened up an itemed not received case with ebay. His notes are:

"When we ordered this, we thought it was completely factory sealed with no defects. When we opened the packs, they were already openings on the sides of the packs. There were also cards paced in weird spots, plus we didn't recieve any "red pandora" cards in the box. There is suppossed to be at least 2 to 4. Since we already opened the packs, we cant really show pictures, but i will try my best to provide evidence."

Come on man. Just say you didn't get a downtown and have buyers remorse. So you saw "weird openings on the side of the pack" but continued to open them all up without taking pictures or saying anything first?

I guess I will send another message to ebay now that he has officially opened up a case. I am not refunding the guy. Letting this go to ebay. It says ebay will step in on January 2nd.

The buyer opening an "INR" case instead of an "INAD" case may help you...

JeffG1954 · 12-29-2025, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXRunner

The buyer now opened up an itemed not received case with ebay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan5990

The buyer opening an "INR" case instead of an "INAD" case may help you...

Exactly this^^. Just reply to eBay with the tracking number that shows "Delivered", and that should be enough to close the case in your favor.

jamcas997 · 12-29-2025, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffG1954

Exactly this^^. Just reply to eBay with the tracking number that shows "Delivered", and that should be enough to close the case in your favor.

Pretty sure Buyer can still open up the INAD also.

JeffG1954 · 12-29-2025, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamcas997

Pretty sure Buyer can still open up the INAD also.

Maybe, maybe not....but my reply was for the INR case....shouldn't be a problem winning that one if tracking shows "Delivered".

TXRunner · 01-04-2026, 09:56 AM

Yesterday I was able to have ebay step in. I explained my case. Within a half an hour ebay closed the case in my favor.

discodanman45 · 01-04-2026, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXRunner

Yesterday I was able to have ebay step in. I explained my case. Within a half an hour ebay closed the case in my favor.

Hopefully it is over. Unfortunately the buyer can open the case again or even do a credit card chargeback.

Oriole Way · 01-13-2026, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXRunner

Yesterday I was able to have ebay step in. I explained my case. Within a half an hour ebay closed the case in my favor.

Glad this resolved in your favor. Many other sellers have been in your situation and been forced by eBay to accept a return.

My solution isn't very helpful for situations like yours, but I simply refuse to sell any sealed products over $50 or so on eBay. It just isn't worth it for me to take the risk when so many scumbags like your buyer are out there, and when eBay typically screws over their sellers way more often than buyers.

I mostly deal in singles anyway, but whenever I wind up with any kind of wax, I sell to LCS's, at shows, or via social media to trusted buyers.

YayNJ · 01-14-2026, 10:41 AM

Can I just say that it's a sad reflection on society when we're on a trading cards forum and people are actively encouraging finding out information about workplaces and spouses of eBay buyers, and one where people feel the need to scam another out of a few bucks they spent on coloured cardboard.

TXRunner · 01-20-2026, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by discodanman45

Hopefully it is over. Unfortunately the buyer can open the case again or even do a credit card chargeback.

Never heard anything further. Blocked the buyer and never will have to deal with him again.

12-26-2025, 07:38 AM	#1
TXRunner Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Posts: 1,174	eBay buyer claiming resealed items I have a buyer who purchased a brand new sealed 2024 Donruss football Costco bundle from me. These boxes I received directly from Costco last year and have been sitting in my game room since. The buyer is trying to tell me all the packs were opened and resealed. Not a chance. Everyone else who has purchased has left positive feedback. He wants me to refund him. Do I tell him no and tell him to file a dispute with eBay? I have near 1,900 positive feedback and not one negative. As I am sitting here thinking about this, these Costco bundles are pretty much impossible to open without damaging the outside box to get the inner tray out. There is no way someone could have opened the box and then put it back together in what looks like new condition. I already sent a message to eBay reporting the buyer. No response yet. How should I handle the refun request from the buyer? Tell him to open a case and then respond to it and let eBay decide? __________________ SF GIANTS - SF 49ERS - SAC KINGS

12-26-2025, 04:21 PM	#3
DynaEtch Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 9,890	eBay buyer claiming resealed items I would try to fight it and respond to the ebay claim as such, but I realize it’s an uphill battle. A determined, possibly scamming buyer will be able to get the return, unless eBay has wisened up to returns on wax lately. It’s possible maybe it is from a confusion- I know nothing about that set but Upper Deck blaster boxes for 2024 marvel masterpieces ‘92 platinum had a quality control issue where the interior pack wrappings were bad, many with split opened ends right from the box. The outer blaster box and seal totally fine- but the packs were sealed not great. So many people on Amazon reviews etc complained the boxes and packs were resealed (they were not)…but I can’t imagine how many people tried to return or even get refunded for them, which would be a joke. As for this…it’s possible if neither party has a history of returns or defects eBay could even end up paying off one side with a courtesy refund…but it just sounds wrong what the buyer is doing here. If the buyer does return to you, you could claim it’s opened and not in state it was sent, and possibly get a deduction up to 50% off refund (assuming courtesy payments not already made). __________________ ~~~ '90s trading cards === Golden Era ~~~

12-26-2025, 04:28 PM	#4
DynaEtch Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 9,890	eBay buyer claiming resealed items eBay should be super stringent on returns with any wax. I don’t think they are. Whats surprising is with breaks they are stringent. I had a case a month ago where a big time breaker on eBay literally didnt send me the big card I hit in a break- it wasnt in the package with the rest of the common cards I got from the break. After some unsatisfactory messaging, I went to file for INAD….within the 3 days…and couldn’t! The only time ever I remember eBay actually not letting you file for INAD- you cannot do it on a break listing for that. After calling eBay they confirmed that too- you simply cannot file INAD on those listings. I was blown away. (Turned out the breaker later got a message from another buyer in that break they got my hit card by mistake- so breaker sent it to the wrong person- and that breaker eventually corrected it and sent it to me). But that was an eye opener than in the chance a breaker shorts you out of something…INAD not even an option. Maybe they should get similarly tough on returns with wax…it’s a similar concept. __________________ ~~~ '90s trading cards === Golden Era ~~~

12-26-2025, 04:56 PM	#5
TXRunner Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Posts: 1,174	I didn’t respond to the buyer. I am waiting to see if he actually follows through with a refund request. I also haven’t heard back from eBay after reporting him. I am hoping that by not responding to him he just moves on. __________________ SF GIANTS - SF 49ERS - SAC KINGS

12-27-2025, 08:21 PM	#8
Budler Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Longmont, Co Posts: 1,585 budler	Has not anyone learned this: buyer/sellers/traders do it at your our risk!!! No middleman can save you from the jerks/scammers both buyers and sellers. The middleman will do what he can, but it will be in the best for him. (time/effect and money) If you are being scammed all you can do is try your best and see how it comes out. As a buyer or seller. Yes over the years I have opened boxes with a pack or two that appears to have been opened, but not the hold box. __________________ Looking for ALL players from Nebraska. Pro/College uniforms (mainly ones I do not have)

12-26-2025, 08:43 AM	#2
JSMPGA Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 71 Jsmpga	Sorry that you are in this situation. There is zero protection against this.

12-27-2025, 12:43 PM	#7
Vikingsguy76 Member Join Date: Jul 2025 Posts: 4	On the contrary, I feel protected as the buyer buying through authentication. I think it protects both parties. I bought a $1000 card that had scratches on it not visible in the eBay listing pictures and had basically no recourse. That protects the seller how?

12-28-2025, 01:05 AM	#9
cruiserdaddy7 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 15,621 Cruiserdaddy7	Look the buyer up online. See where he works and if he has a spouse, do the same. Let him know that if they plan to scam you, you will let their employers and others know what they are capable of. __________________ Show me your friends and I'll show you your future.

12-29-2025, 03:27 PM	#11
TXRunner Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Posts: 1,174	The buyer now opened up an itemed not received case with ebay. His notes are: "When we ordered this, we thought it was completely factory sealed with no defects. When we opened the packs, they were already openings on the sides of the packs. There were also cards paced in weird spots, plus we didn't recieve any "red pandora" cards in the box. There is suppossed to be at least 2 to 4. Since we already opened the packs, we cant really show pictures, but i will try my best to provide evidence." Come on man. Just say you didn't get a downtown and have buyers remorse. So you saw "weird openings on the side of the pack" but continued to open them all up without taking pictures or saying anything first? I guess I will send another message to ebay now that he has officially opened up a case. I am not refunding the guy. Letting this go to ebay. It says ebay will step in on January 2nd. __________________ SF GIANTS - SF 49ERS - SAC KINGS

01-04-2026, 09:56 AM	#16
TXRunner Member Join Date: Oct 2022 Posts: 1,174	Yesterday I was able to have ebay step in. I explained my case. Within a half an hour ebay closed the case in my favor. __________________ SF GIANTS - SF 49ERS - SAC KINGS

01-14-2026, 10:41 AM	#19
YayNJ Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: London / Oahu Posts: 8,631 hanelcocards	Can I just say that it's a sad reflection on society when we're on a trading cards forum and people are actively encouraging finding out information about workplaces and spouses of eBay buyers, and one where people feel the need to scam another out of a few bucks they spent on coloured cardboard.