From Sale to Saga: My eBay Nightmare Selling an Xbox One X!

My Frustrating Experience Selling the Cyberpunk 2077 Special Edition Xbox One X on eBay

Introduction: A Cautionary Tale for Sellers

Selling items online can be a rewarding experience, but it can also lead to unexpected challenges. Recently, I found myself navigating a frustrating situation while trying to sell my Cyberpunk 2077 Special Edition Xbox One X on eBay. This article recounts my journey and serves as a warning for others considering selling high-value items online.

The Purchase Decision: An Impulse Buy

Why I Bought the Console

When Microsoft announced the release of the Cyberpunk 2077 Special Edition Xbox One X, I made an impulsive decision to purchase one. Despite already owning two Xbox One X consoles—the launch Scorpio edition and a standard model—I was swept up in the excitement surrounding Cyberpunk 2077. At that time, I was eager to dive into this highly anticipated game.

Changing Plans: Opting for PC Gaming

After receiving the console, it remained unopened in my office as I ultimately decided to play Cyberpunk 2077 on my PC instead. With better hardware comes a superior gaming experience, right? Although I showcased it during live streams, I never unboxed it because part of me considered returning it.

The Decision to Sell: A New Opportunity

Timing is Everything

As marketing ramped up for both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, I thought about selling my unused console on eBay for some extra cash. Typically when selling items like this online, I’d add only a modest markup—around $50—to recoup what I’d spent without being greedy.

Listing It Online

I took several photos of the console and listed it on eBay with some trepidation; after all, it’s been two years since I’d sold anything over $100 due to past negative experiences. My last sale involved an audio/video receiver that returned damaged despite being in perfect condition when shipped—a nightmare scenario that left me wary of future transactions.

The Sale Process: Initial Success Turns Sour

Multiple Listings Before Success

After relisting my Cyberpunk console three times due to buyers backing out or shipping costs being too high, someone finally committed to purchasing it after confirming that it had never been opened.

Trouble Arises Post-Sale

However, about two weeks later came an unsettling message from the buyer claiming they received an opened box and alleging that I’d scammed them. They even sent images showing tape used on what they claimed was evidence against me—only for me to clarify that their image depicted only the slipcover around the package while assuring them that everything inside remained untouched.

Escalating Issues with PayPal and eBay

Buyer’s Claims Become Suspicious

The buyer then claimed their console wouldn’t start but failed repeatedly when asked for proof regarding any included codes or images of their supposed broken unit—raising red flags about their intentions.

Opening Cases Against Me

Soon enough, PayPal contacted me regarding a case opened by this buyer against me—a situation compounded by difficulties reaching customer service through phone or chat channels at either platform. To make matters worse, PayPal placed holds on funds from my account while leaving me without both money and merchandise!

Navigating Customer Service Chaos

Frustration Mounts

Days passed with no resolution as communication attempts were met with silence or disconnection until finally getting through after extended wait times only led back into hold queues! My wife noticed how upset I was during this ordeal; we shared mutual frustration over what seemed like blatant dishonesty from this buyer who likely had scammed others before us!

Resolution at Last

A Breakthrough Moment

Finally speaking with someone who understood helped ease some tension; she investigated further into our case revealing inconsistencies in claims made by our buyer—including confirmation from Microsoft stating there were no records indicating any connection between them & said device! This revelation proved pivotal—it became clear they were attempting fraud!

Conclusion: Lessons Learned

In conclusion? While things looked grim initially—and despite feeling defeated throughout much of this process—I ultimately regained control over both funds & property thanks largely due diligence shown by one empathetic representative willing help resolve issues fairly! Moving forward though? I’m done selling big-ticket items via platforms like eBay where sellers often feel unsupported amidst potential scams lurking around every corner! Instead opting local sales options whenever possible seems wiser choice going ahead…