Got Ripped Off !!!

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My credit card company told me to deal with the seller.......

Ok yeah, sounds like you're working through the process. I still think at the end of the day if the seller doesn't make it right you shouldn't be left holding the bag. Every transaction is different I guess and I've never dealt with Mercari. Good luck !
 
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The CC Company gets this sort thing all the time. Try to work with the seller to show them you tried. They will credit the money back once you have done that usually.
 
As far as Mercari is concerned, I have bought and sold a couple of kits on Mercari... well bought 4 and sold 1. The transactions were smooth and it is a legit company. But… I believe you're dealing with non rocket people most of the time. 1 kit was wrapped in shipping paper and nothing else. As a matter of fact, I have a kit on there now.

I saw those listings, but it did not look like they were hardware to me. So I never pulled the trigger.
 
First: my sympathies. What happened to you really, really sucks.

Second: you've already received several good suggestions and all I can add is that you do them all. You've already filed a complaint with Mercari and a dispute with the CC company. You can also leave a scathing review on Mercari. You can also file a report with the carrier. You can also file a civil fraud complaint. You can also file a criminal wire fraud and/or mail fraud complaint. Let this seller have the full broadside!
 
Sucks to have an order not work out.
Just curious though, is the listing the same as when you bought it, because it says it was updated 4 hours ago. And judging by the description, you get a hint that something s not right or the seller doesn't know what they're selling.

Description: Complete RMS 38/240 High Power reloadable motor. Hardware includes: Case, Forward Closure and Aft Closure. Uses High Power reload kits


It has a picture of a reload, says it's a reload, but then says it's hardware.
Hope everything works out!
 
My credit card company told me to deal with the seller.......

Everything you need to know about Disputing Credit Card Charges can be found here on the FTC website.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0219-disputing-credit-card-charges

Also, many credit card companies allow you to file the dispute online so no need for a letter. You don't need the credit card companies approval to file a dispute. You won't be required to pay until the investigation is complete. If in your favor, the charge is reversed. If not, they you will eventually have to pay.
 
Yeah, that picture is clearly a reload, while the description says it's a case.

Sorry - caveat emptor...

Whenever there is a difference between the picture and description - its always the picture. If there is any confusion - it's up to to the buyer to ask probing questions. That's the only way to make sure they are selling what you want.
The seller is not to blame for your disappointment. Really sorry - I know that's not what you want to hear. :(
 
The seller is not to blame for your disappointment. Really sorry - I know that's not what you want to hear.
I'm having a very hard time steering away from references to male bovine feces here. If the seller misrepresented the product, whether in words or in a picture, then the seller absolutely to blame. If I list an item for sale, I state clearly and in detail that its a motor scooter, charge you a fair price for a motor scooter, and then send you a couple of gallons of gas, then I've committed fraud. I can't stand up and say "The listing had a picture of the can of gas, so that makes it your fault!"
 
I'm with @jqavins on this one but the bigger issue is they apparently did a major violation of federal law by shipping a reload that needed hazmat, not by hazmat. Mentioning to the seller that a prolonged investigation of this situation and bringing authorities into it isn't in their best interests is probably helpful.

You've got them over a barrel here.
 
Well, after a bunch of e-mails back and forth and a hand full of pictures. I got a shipping label to send it back. I had to explain the difference to the Mercari rep between a reload and a motor case but in the end they realized the difference.

Paul
 
Is it all worth it? Maybe you should just move on.

Worth it, I took a few pictures and sent a couple of e-mails. I also had the chance to explain to someone about the differences between a reload and motor case. Yes it was worth it. I can also use those funds to get something for our hobby I will actually use or something for my Wife who has been so supportive.
 
Sorry - caveat emptor...

Whenever there is a difference between the picture and description - its always the picture. If there is any confusion - it's up to to the buyer to ask probing questions. That's the only way to make sure they are selling what you want.
The seller is not to blame for your disappointment. Really sorry - I know that's not what you want to hear. :(

Haven't you ever been excited about something and thought you have done due diligence to find out the information you based your decision on was incorrect. I have not looked at a motor case or reload in almost 10 years so I had forgotten what the packaging should look like. Pictures can be blurry, or even a copy and paste from a web sight so I prefer the written words. This time that choice was not the more accurate way to proceed. This does not put this on my shoulders though.
 
How exactly would you ship it back? Are you hazmat certified?
I'm not expert but I'm assuming all 38mm reloads require it. Please proceed cautiously so you don't get in trouble.

Mercari supplied the shipping label, I am not sure if that removes me from the equation.
 
Mercari supplied the shipping label, I am not sure if that removes me from the equation.
Absolutely NOT!!!

Sorry to shout but presuming the reloads meet the hazmat shipping requirements (size / weight of grains, others please comment), only certified vendors can ship them!

They violated Federal regs and could face jail time and heavy fines in shipping this to you, most likely.

Please state here explicitly what reload it is so knowledgeable folks can comment, but if you stick a hazmat reload in a regular shipment with no hazmat processing/labeling, you are exposing yourself to serious penalties.
 
Mercari supplied the shipping label, I am not sure if that removes me from the equation.

Most likely not. You are much better off keeping the reload, maybe sell it at a club launch or save for future use. If seller has communications with you ask for a refund for the difference in price. I would be scared to ship that reload. I'll add that even if it is not Haz Mat there are loops and hoops to go through if you want to ship it.
 
I guess I am keeping it....Maybe I can swap it for something I will fly at a club launch.

Thanks for the help folks, I don't need those kinds of issues in my life.

I have sent a message to see if I can get a partial refund and I can donate the motor to my club.
 
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For which carrier is the label that Mercari sent you? If you take the item to a retail location for that carrier and inform them that it requires haz mat labeling then they can probably give you the correct charges. Communicate that back to Mercari and the seller and ask how they want to proceed. You're still entitled to a full refund of what you paid. If they decide that the cost of legally shipping the item back isn't worth it to them, then it's your lucky day and their problem.

It may be that the seller defrauded you. It may be that the seller simply screwed up. Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity. Maybe the seller really thought that a can of gas is a scooter. In either case it's the seller's responsibility to make it right.
 
For which carrier is the label that Mercari sent you? If you take the item to a retail location for that carrier and inform them that it requires haz mat labeling then they can probably give you the correct charges. Communicate that back to Mercari and the seller and ask how they want to proceed. You're still entitled to a full refund of what you paid. If they decide that the cost of legally shipping the item back isn't worth it to them, then it's your lucky day and their problem.

It may be that the seller defrauded you. It may be that the seller simply screwed up. Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity. Maybe the seller really thought that a can of gas is a scooter. In either case it's the seller's responsibility to make it right.

Thank You my Friend, You and others have looked out for me on this and I truly appreciate it. I have been in court once due to ignorance and that is not much of a defense.... I have contacted my Mercari representative to explain the Haz-Mat situation and I am waiting on a response before I do anything further.
 
I don't think it's worth the risk....

No it isn't, expect another hundred posts to this thread with another 100 different ways to solve the problem. Some will steer you the wrong way some the right way. That is one problem with forums like this. It comes down to your decision, your risk. FYI:

.Shipping regulations for sending sport rocket motors via the U.S. Mail are found inPostal Publication 52, “Acceptance of Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Matter”, Section341.22a and Appendix 1A. The USPS will accept small sport rocket motors for shipment byindividuals, but only under certain limited conditions. First, they will accept only motors that areclassified 1.4S/NA0323 (30 grams or less of propellant), and that are packaged and markedappropriately (see below). Second, the shipper must present to their Postmaster a “Letter ofAuthorization”, addressed to them personally from the USPS Manager of Mail Preparations andStandards (475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260), which authorizes them to enterthese motors into the U.S. Mail. Getting such a letter requires 30-60 days, and requires theconsumer to provide specific information about the motors that he plans to ship, including adimensioned drawing and a Material Safety Data Sheet for each motor type. Once it is issued,the letter of authorization is valid only for 1 year. Estes, Quest, and Aerotech have provided thistechnical material to the USPS and have negotiated blanket letters for themselves and theirdistributors. They have to provide a complete list of all these distributors to the USPS each yearin order to maintain this authorization.USPS requirements for shipping small rocket motors are that the motors be in individualsealed packaging, well-cushioned from shock inside an outer package; that the outer package bestrong and securely sealed fiberboard, no more than 25 pounds in weight; and that the packagebe marked “Toy Propellant Devices, Handle With Care” and “Surface Mail Only” with noHAZMAT labels. The Surface Mail requirement means that the motors must be shipped byParcel Post, not Priority Mail or Express Mail. There is no surcharge for sending HAZMAT. Ifyou are willing to go through the effort of getting the letter of authorization, this is the easiestand cheapest way to ship small sport rocket motors.
 
Ifyou are willing to go through the effort of getting the letter of authorization, this is the easiestand cheapest way to ship small sport rocket motors.
Assuming it's going by USPS, as opposed to UPS or some other carrier. Which does not appear to be a well founded assumption. And it's all the sellers problem, once ThreeJsDad lets them know that special measures are required.
 
I’m 99.9% sure the seller shipped this without any idea of the U.S. hazmat regs. It happens with non-hobby vendors often enough. It’s just that knowing the regs we can’t in good conscience tell you to use that return label. Is there a club near you ? You can use nar.org or tripoli.org to find one.
 
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