I want to file a small claims in another state but do not want to physically go to court. I purchased an item on eBay for $445.00 from NY and never received the item and never received my money back. The guy played cat and mouse games for a month about returning my money. I live in ND. If filing a small claims is not possible, what are my other alternatives.

Hello jl:

Call one of the judge shows on TV. They'll pay for everything, including the trip and the judgment. They love eBay rip offs.

excon

Calling someone like Judge Judy is a great idea. Make sure whatever you do, you have copies of emails, receipts from paypal or money orders (or however you paid for it). Did you place a complain to eBay about the seller? Provide that too if you can. Sellers get away with quite a bit on eBay. Especially the power sellers. Been there, done that.

Good luck!

I would try filing it where you live, since that is where YOU bought the item. Your court may or may not accept the case, but it does not hurt to try.

But remember, even if you win, and they don't pay, what are you going to do, are you ready to search for their bank accounts to attach them money, or you willing to search for where they work, if they do and garnish their pay ?

Merely winning in court often gives you little help.

Also have you filed a notice with Ebay, if you paid over paypal, your money should be protected, I have this happen far to often on eBay and normally paypal pays me most of my money back each time.