She Returned the Merchandise to eBay. What Happened to Her

FEATURED COLUMNIST

She Returned the Merchandise to eBay. What Happened to Her Refund?

By Christopher Elliott

When Gloria Lenoir returns her merchandise to eBay, the company doesn’t refund her $29 and closes her case. How does she get eBay’s attention?

•••

Irecently bought two tubes of Voltaren, a pain medication, through eBay. I paid $29 for the product but decided I could not use it. I tried to return the product, but the seller did not respond. eBay provided a USPS shipping label so I could return the item. I returned the item to the seller about a month ago but I did not get my refund.

When I tried to enter the USPS tracking number, the eBay website will not accept it. eBay has closed the case. Can you help me get my refund? — Gloria Lenoir, Austin, Texas ••• So let me get this straight: You returned your tubes of Voltaren to the buyer via eBay and you received nothing? Come on.

The seller should have responded when you asked to return the product. This isn’t the first time we’ve had an nonresponsive eBay seller. When that happens, eBay should reconsider whether the merchant belongs on its platform. No ghosting customers! And after talking to eBay myself, there’s no evidence the merchant got a talkin’-to.

I’m glad eBay got involved and sent you a return label. For a few days, at least, it looked as if eBay had taken your side. “We have reviewed this case and decided in your favor,” it said in an email to you. “You should return the item to the seller for a refund. We’re sorry you had a problem with your purchase.” eBay should have been able to track your return and issue a refund, but for some reason, it couldn’t. The tracking number USPS gave you was valid. Someone in New York accepted the merchandise after you sent it back. But it looks like the tracking number didn’t quite work with eBay’s system.

Closing your case was the wrong move; eBay should have opened an investigation and not closed it until it was resolved. Your case just slipped through the cracks.

I think you did everything you could to keep your case alive. You kept your correspondence in writing (good work!), and you kept all emails and messages (nice going!), but you still couldn’t get to the right place at eBay. Next time, try one of these executive contacts at eBay: https:// www.elliott.org/company-contacts/ebaycustomer-service-contacts/. A polite, brief email with your entire paper trail attached should get to the right person.

I asked eBay about your case. Although it wouldn’t reveal what went wrong with your refund, the company promptly refunded your $29 after I contacted it. n •••

Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer for Elliott Advocacy. Email him at chris@elliott.org or get help with any consumer problem by contacting him at http:// www.elliott.org/help • ©2022 Christopher Elliott.

“Rose” from page 25 The angel who has the best answer will be this year’s pick.”

“The challenge is quite easy, or so it might seem, Just show me the Secret of Love and you’ll join my team.”

“Show him the Secret of Love? That’s a weird question to ask.” The girls all looked puzzled at this Valentine’s task.

Then some girls tried to show him Love, through their hugs and big kisses, While others tried candy and money and jewelry – all misses.

“Is that everyone?” Cupid asked as he gave the crowd a glance, What about you, in the back, would you like a chance?

Come out from the dark, so that I can see you clearer” And as Rose came forward, she was holding a mirror.

“Is that a mirror?” Cupid chuckled, “And what is your name?” And what is your answer to our Valentine’s game?” A nervous Rose replied, “My name is Rose, and I got this mirror from an elf, He taught me a song about loving myself.

The girls they all laughed, “What a silly show of Love.” But as Cupid began smiling, the trumpets sounded above.

“That’s it!” said Cupid, “The Secret of Love has been found, You must Love yourself first and then it spreads all around.”

The girls were all shocked, how could Rose win the prize, And what was that light, shining out of her eyes?

They had been so mean to her, but could it be true? That Rose was still able to shine Love on them too?

“Congratulations Rose,” Cupid said, “You’ve discovered Love’s greatest power, So in honor of you … I’m creating a brand new flower.

The flower will stand for Loving yourself and sharing your own special glow, This is the Secret of Valentine’s, that now you all know.

And we’ll call it a Rose, named after you, my red friend, To remind everyone that through Self-Love, all broken hearts mend.

SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Suicide Prevention Services is recruiting volunteers for training, which starts Feb. 17 and ends April 21.

After working for 20 years with suicidal people and the painful aftermath of a suicide death, Celeste Cisneros says suicide is individual, complex, and personal. She says what helps is a compassionate volunteer trained to connect with the caller by validating, believing, and caring.

Most suicidal callers agree to be safe and follow a safety plan by the end of the call. Lives are saved. Families, friends, and communities are spared unbearable pain.

More than 80 volunteers answer 400 calls per month from residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. These courageous people are neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

They may be the person in front you in line at the movies or the grocery. Volunteers work behind closed doors and perform heroic acts of kindness. They pick up the phone, weave an invisible lifeline of caring, and commit to the safety and well-being of the caller.

More volunteers are needed. Previous experience is not necessary. What is needed is a willingness to learn new skills and to listen. If you have questions, call 831-459-9373.

WILDFIRE SURVIVOR WEBINARS

United Policyholders is offering free workshops in February for people affected by any California wildfire.

Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. — Taxing Matters for Wildfire-Impacted Households: CPAs with extensive experience advising disaster survivors share key tips on: Tax strategies for the underinsured; Casualty loss tax filing options; Are insurance proceeds taxable?

Thursday, Feb. 24, at 5:30 p.m. — Roadmap to Recovery: Q&A for wildfire survivors

UP staff members and expert panelists answer pre-submitted and frequently asked insurance claim questions. To register, visit: uphelp.org/events

SENIOR OUTREACH

Family Service Agency Senior Outreach offers free one-on-one counseling for people 55 and over via the phone, Skype or Zoom. Counselors are experienced.

In-person counseling has been suspended to prevent Covid-19 spread.

Groups for men and women will be restarted as soon as possible, with a women’s group starting in February. Dates are not available due to the changing Covid situation.

Hopes are to restart peer training, for which there is a waiting list. To express interest in participating, call Barbara Salata, 831459-9351 ext. 206, who will return your call in 24 hours.

UC MASTER GARDENER CLASSES

UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties offers free and low-cost gardening classes for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Coming up:

Winter Fruit Tree Pruning: Feb. 24, 5-6:30 p.m. (online) and March 12, 10 – noon, in-person, San Juan Bautista Historical State Park.

Cost is Free. Donations appreciated. Register at mbmg.ucanr.edu.

Winter is the best time to prune most fruit trees while

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by Feb. 22

they are dormant and their structure is easily seen. Winter pruning invigorates fruit trees to produce and support strong fruit production. Join Diane Mahan, UC Master Gardener and professional landscaper, to learn the why and how of winter fruit tree pruning of both old growth and newly planted fruit trees. The class is free to all with the option to provide a suggested donation of $5 or more to support the all-volunteer Master Gardener program.

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More information: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealing center.org

AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Applications are now being accepted for Class 52 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers and/ or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry.

The program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States.

The phase one application are available online at www.agleaders.org/apply.

Phase one of the three-phrase application process is due no later than April 27 — the earlier the better.

HELP FOR LOCAL EMPLOYERS

A coalition of local governments and nonprofits in Santa Cruz County has launched the Behind Every Employer initiative.

This is a business resource network for local employers interested in workforce and other local business services.

Behind Every Employer Santa Cruz County connects businesses needing assistance recruit-ing talent, identifying needed workforce training, consulting about challenges facing a busi-ness, finding information about the local market and locating needed financing.

Behind Every Employer is a project of Workforce Santa Cruz County, the County of Santa Cruz; the cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Capitola and Scotts Valley; the Santa Cruz Small Business Development Center and El Pajaro Community Development Corp. For information: https://behindeveryemployer.org/santa-cruz/

CAREER ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries invites you to jumpstart your future by earning an accredited high school diploma and career training through Career Online High School.

Is your 2022 resolution to go back to school and get your high school diploma? Santa Cruz Public Libraries offers a program called Career Online High School, designed for adults who were unable to complete high school and could benefit from additional job training.

This nationally accredited program allows adult students to earn an accredited high school diploma — not a GED — while gaining career skills in one of ten employment fields, from home care professional and office management to homeland security.

SCPL awards scholarships to qualified adult learners on a first-come, first-served basis. Career Online High School is a solution for those who need extra academic support and flexibility. Once in the program, students are assigned an academic coach who helps keep them on track and connects them with tutors if needed.

The online curriculum is accessible 24/7, which is helpful to those balancing work and family obligations. Students have up to 18 months to complete the program, but many finish sooner because previously earned high school or GED test credits are accepted. For more info, see https://santacruzpl.mycareerhs.com/.

MAH EXHIBITIONS

Thurs. thru Sun., Noon-6 p.m., 705 Front St., Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History presents two exhibitions starting in January.

Jan. 14–May 15: Atmosphere, an exhibition by artist and filmmaker Enid Baxter Ryce featuring paintings and soundscapes that explore the phenomena of Monterey Bay’s fog and atmospheric rivers. Ryce’s work will be exhibited with collections of archival photos, an interactive musical sculpture, and fog collectors created in collaboration with historian Dr. William Cowan, musician Lanier Sammons, sculptor Natalie Jenkins, and scientist Dan Fernandez.

Jan. 21–March 20: Rydell Visual Art Fellowship exhibition, honoring the legacy of local philanthropists Roy and Frances Rydell and featuring the 2020-2021 Rydell Visual Arts Fund recipients: Printmaker and illustrator Ann Altstatt; sculptor and designer Marc D’Estout; choreographer Cid Pearlman; and photographer Edward Ramirez. Presented in partnership with Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. Suggested admission: General, $10; students / teachers / veterans, $8, free for members and children under 5.

POINT-IN-TIME COUNT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Point in Time Count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January is scheduled for 5 to 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28.

Data obtained will be used for federal funding allocations and national estimates of home-lessness. The numbers reported by our community are used by the U.S. Interagency Coun-cil on Homelessness and all federal departments including Housing and Education.

Volunteers must wear masks, be fully vaccinated (including having received a booster) and are encouraged to sign up in a pod with 1 or 2 people they know. This requires a charged cell phone and walking 2-3 miles if needed. Training will be virtual. Sign up at https://asr.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6x0Ht1UYELXAdSu For questions, contact John Connery at 831-227-3323 or John@appliedsurveyresearch.org.

CULTIVATE GRANTS AVAILABLE

Dreaming up a new artistic creation or leveling up your artistic career? Apply for a Cultivate Grant to fund your creative project or professional development.

Grants of up to $3,000 for artists, nonprofit organizations, and other partnerships are available. Application closes at 5 p.m. March 23.

Grants awarded in July.

ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL DATES SET

The Artichoke Festival has set the dates for the 2022 festival, Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12.

This year’s festival theme: “The Heart of the Harvest.”

Now in its 62nd year, the festival will take place at the historic Monterey County Fair and Event Center at 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey.

The festival will showcase the tastes that the Monterey County farming community has to offer: artichoke cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs; a bountiful farmer’s market with freshly harvested produce from Monterey County and beyond; an artichoke agricultural education exhibit; live stage entertainment; family-friendly fun activities; and artichokes prepared in delicious ways, including the fan-favorite fried baby artichokes, plus artichokes steamed, grilled, and in unusual forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice cream.

The wine tasting event features the wines of small production, boutique wineries from around California. https://artichokefestival.org/sponsors/

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR VISIT SANTA CRUZ BOARD

Visit Santa Cruz County and its Nominating Task Force are seeking nomi-nations to the Board of Directors.

Deadline to apply is Thursday, Feb. 24.

Responsibilities of the 25-member board include participation in general advocacy for the tourism industry and active participation at board meetings six times per year. Board members serve for two terms.

Members represent regions of the county, 13 lodging seats, and a cross-section of representatives of businesses, cultural, governmental and organizations with affiliation to the travel and tourism industry.

For a nominating form, see https://tinyurl.com/visitscc-board-nomination Call 831-425-1234 for more information.

PUBLIC LIBRARY CAREER WORKSHOPS

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries presents career development workshops for teens and adults through April, thanks to grant funding.

Second Wednesdays: Resume and interview skill workshops at 10 a.m.

Third Wednesdays: Resume and interview skill workshops in Spanish, 10 a.m.

Hours for English/Spanish bilingual career assistance at the downtown Santa Cruz library will begin in January.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

Alzheimer’s Association is offering video and phone meetings for caregivers throughout the month:

Second and Fourth Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 2-3:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitators: Jill Ginghofer and Laurie McVay. First and Third Wednesdays Santa Cruz, 5:30-7 p.m. via video or phone — Facilitators: Francie Newfield and Kathleen McBurney. Second Saturdays Scotts Valley, 10-11:30 a.m. via video or phone — Facilitator: Diana Hull. Register by calling 800-272-3900 or email ymflores@alz.org. ••• Second Wednesdays Spanish, 7-8:30 p.m. via phone — Facilitator: Yuliana Mendoza. Register by calling 831-647-9890 or email ymflores@alz.org.