Author Topic: Another eBay Travel/Holiday Seller bites the dust? (Read 41128 times)

*wheels* · « **on:** May 22, 2010, 05:47:57 PM »

Check out the growing negs for gifts_2_u who were still selling on eBay up until yesterday. Apparently the business has gone into receivership. Another beachesaustralia?

http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=gifts_2_u&ftab=AllFeedback

*r3830* · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2010, 05:53:17 PM »

SNIPE! Crikey.... did I get one???

Yes wheels - was just reading about this at the other place. Feedback looks great doesn't it!

*wheels* · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:05:36 PM »

You gotta be quick around here Loco!

Yes, I just logged on to eBay and had a quick scan of the bored. I wasn't going to get back onto the computer but I keep getting email dings and I do love those little blue dollar signs.

tellomon · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:06:56 PM »

Seeing RED!

*smee* · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2010, 06:10:38 PM »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wCbB0uMlkA

Roo · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:01:04 PM »

Quote from: *wheels* on May 22, 2010, 05:47:57 PM

Check out the growing negs for gifts_2_u who were still selling on eBay up until yesterday. Apparently the business has gone into receivership. Another beachesaustralia?

http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=gifts_2_u&ftab=AllFeedback

It looks that way wheels......

Can anyone with a half fast internet connection try to get a list of name copied?

A lot of these people may have paid by credit card.....and they need to be reminded that they have a few options with their credit card provider.

Roo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:03:54 PM »

I have a funny feeling that I have seen that ID elsewhere, as well.

This may be bigger than just Ebay.

Roo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:07:37 PM »

Is it against forum policy to have that ID in a thread title?

I have a feeling that there will be quite a few people googling right now....and maybe we can be of some help.

tellomon · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:13:54 PM »

Kill the scammers!

Shoot 'em in the head. They go down pretty easy.

Roo · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:20:04 PM »

Quote from: tellomon on May 22, 2010, 08:13:54 PM

Kill the scammers!

Shoot 'em in the head. They down pretty easy.

Yeah...but it doesn't get people's money back.

You can be in charge of keeping them entertained when they get here.

Polish your drum kit up!

tellomon · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2010, 08:28:02 PM »

Bullshit! Zombie suppression equipment is the ticket.

*smee* · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:18:51 PM »

Just reading some of those negs ..... some of those poor buyers seem to think that they have some sort of buyers protection from paypal ..... there is none on a purchase of a service !!!!

tellomon · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:30:47 PM »

That's BOGUS!

Roo · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:34:39 PM »

Quote from: *smee* on May 22, 2010, 09:18:51 PM

Just reading some of those negs ..... some of those poor buyers seem to think that they have some sort of buyers protection from paypal ..... there is none on a purchase of a service !!!!

You are totally right Smee!

No protection from Paypal on these listings....you have to read the fine print though.

I doubt that even the ones that used Paypal would have realised that though.

Roo · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2010, 09:40:13 PM »

I just did a google search on gifts_2_u ....and all I get is airey fairy nice stuff!

If we mention gifts_2_u enough.....will it show on searches?

*r3830* · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2010, 10:57:19 PM »

How do the people stand who payed via Paypal - using their credit card? Is a chargeback via card issuer an option? I know they cover for item not received.... but for a trip not received???

Roo · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:22:48 PM »

Loco...they stand a much better chance of getting their money back with their bank!

They have real people there...that actually listen!..lol

And yes....with the fact that the company has gone down...the bank will be very pro-active.

*r3830* · « **Reply #17 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:32:45 PM »

Roo... I did a google search on the user about five minutes ago. The responses from about four down refer directly to feedback.... virtually all negative.

Roo · « **Reply #18 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:47:58 PM »

Google can be a funny thing....

I just looked at the first page of links....and if you look at it quickly....without actually clicking and reading the link.....there is nothing that jumps out at you to warn you!

The google links have just a line or two for comments.....and unless you actually click to read the feedback...you would be none the wiser.

I was expecting to see something like....

gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!

but there was no hint in a quick glance.

Roo · « **Reply #19 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:54:06 PM »

If I wrote...

gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!
gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!

Would that have a better effect to get this site noticed in a google search?

I am working on the assumption that Google works on producing links for the most mentioned and relevant stuff.

Is that the way it works?

*smee* · « **Reply #20 on:** May 22, 2010, 11:56:53 PM »

as much as I feel sorry for the buyers at this stage there is nothing to suggest that the seller is a "scammer" IMO

A scammer suggests that they deliberatley ripped people off ....this may not be the case

someone who is deliberatley ripping people off does not phone their buyers to advise them that they are in liquidation

*Brum6y* · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2010, 12:11:22 AM »

I'm inclined to agree with Smee.

From the feedback it would seem a lot of people had a great time - it's just those that got caught up in the period immediately around the collapse were the unfortunate ones.

But credit card charge-back through the banks is real.

You may have noticed though, that the banks don't advertise that facility and market it the way PayPal wave their so-called 'protection' around. They just do the job properly.

As for Google .. you have to wait for the Google-bot to come looking at our site to find the information (Poddy or Countessa could tell you how often that occurs) and then it has to pick out the 'interesting' bits and index them. Once all that is done, you will find things in a Google search.

Roo · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2010, 12:32:43 AM »

Quote from: *smee* on May 22, 2010, 11:56:53 PM

as much as I feel sorry for the buyers at this stage there is nothing to suggest that the seller is a "scammer" IMO

A scammer suggests that they deliberatley ripped people off ....this may not be the case

someone who is deliberatley ripping people off does not phone their buyers to advise them that they are in liquidation

Yep...Cuedos for them writing to people to let them know....but...they accepted deposits to the last minute.

A company does not go into liquidation overnight without any warning. They would have known what was going to happen. They should have pulled all their listings when it got to the point that they knew they couldn't cope.

And I am well aware that companies can sometimes trade their way out....but at who's expense?

low-enghooi · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2010, 12:53:59 AM »

Quote from: Roo on May 22, 2010, 11:54:06 PM

I am working on the assumption that Google works on producing links for the most mentioned and relevant stuff.

Is that the way it works?

Unfortunately that is not how Google works.

The simplest way to look at it is, the Google Page Rank. www.ebay.com.au has page rank 7 (10 being highest) while www.ozroundtable.com has page rank 0.

When you are fighting with a top position for a keyword, in this case "gifts_2_u", Google will take ebay as most relevant because of the high page rank. But if you post this in oztion forum, maybe you stand a better chance. www.oztion.com.au has page rank 5 (quite good)

However if people search for this exact phrase "gifts_2_u... SCAMMER!" then chances are Google will find this page and list it.

I give you another example, say if you type "Google" for 1 million times in this page, and you wait for Google to index this page. Then you go to google.com and search for "Google", do you think you will see this in page 1? My guess is NO.

This is what people call search engine optimization (seo) and this is complex business.

*Brum6y* · « **Reply #24 on:** May 23, 2010, 02:59:32 PM »

Thanks for the insight Low.

Well, I didn't say how easy (or not) it would be finding it in Google....!

tellomon · « **Reply #25 on:** May 23, 2010, 04:49:01 PM »

Yes, Roo. And if you google Ron Tello a hundred times, I get a rash on me bum.

*smee* · « **Reply #26 on:** May 23, 2010, 05:45:19 PM »

dont go making any rash statements !

*FluffyDuckee* · « **Reply #27 on:** May 23, 2010, 11:29:29 PM »

You were just itching to say that weren't you Smee?

Roo · « **Reply #28 on:** May 24, 2010, 12:59:55 AM »

I bet his cheeks are all red now..lol

tellomon · « **Reply #29 on:** May 24, 2010, 01:35:16 AM »

*wheels* · « **Reply #30 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:35:04 PM »

seller is now NARU

neg feedback:
http://toolhaus.org/cgi-bin/negs?User=gifts_2_u&Dirn=Received+by

*wheels* · « **Reply #31 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:36:44 PM »

info from the eBay boards:

link to article in Gold Coast newspaper
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/05/23/220515_gold-coast-news.html

Holidaymakers left in limbo
Shannon Willoughby | May 23rd, 2010

ANOTHER Gold Coast accommodation provider has gone into liquidation, leaving employees out of pocket and holidaymakers in limbo.

Accommodation 1 managed bookings for 100 units in Circle on Cavill, Q1 and Chevron Renaissance.

It is understood holidaymakers with bookings from May 19 have been left stranded, while employees have been told they no longer have a job and have not been paid.

Accommodation 1 was directed by Rodney Turner and operated by Flatworld Trading Pty Ltd.

It accepted bookings through the website www.ourholiday.com.au

It is the second private accommodation company to go under in two months after Tailly Pty Ltd filed for voluntary liquidation, leaving more than 260 about $300,000.

Last night, an employee of Accommodation 1 told the Bulletin the eight staff had not been paid.

"(I am owed) the last week's pay, but we didn't know this was going to happen," she said.

"We were still making bookings until yesterday when the insolvency company came in and told us we had lost our jobs."

The woman, who declined to be named, said she saw problems ahead of yesterday's liquidation move.

"Things were a little bit quieter but I didn't know it was quite this bad," she said.

"I just feel sorry for the people who have made bookings. I am assuming they are not going to get their money back."

Competitor Mantra Group said the liquidation was a warning.

"Consumers using faceless website operators have no way of knowing the financial circumstances or capabilities of the company and are putting their hard-earned money and holiday experiences at risk by using them," said Mantra distribution general manager Luke Jamieson.

Mantra is offering up to 25 per cent off its best available room rate at the building to holidaymakers booked with Accommodation 1 or at others in its Gold Coast portfolio.

*wheels* · « **Reply #32 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:37:13 PM »

Sign on the office door.....contact Worrells Solvency...07 55533444 or goldcoast@worrells.net.au

*wheels* · « **Reply #33 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:41:46 PM »

Contact details for Flatworld Trading

[attachment deleted by admin]

*wheels* · « **Reply #34 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:45:16 PM »

http://www.eglobaltravelnews.com.au/hospitality/mantra-group-warns-consumers-as-another-online-operator-goes-bust.html

Mantra Group Warns Consumers As Another Online Operator Goes Bust
May 24, 2010 Hospitality 1 Comment Print Print Email Email

One of Australia’s leading accommodation providers Mantra Group has warned consumers they risked losing their hard-earned money and holiday experiences by booking accommodation online through unlicensed operators.

Today liquidators were appointed to another online company, Accommodation 1, operated by Flatworld Trading Pty Ltd, who sold holiday accommodation on the Gold Coast. Holidaymakers with holidays booked from May 19onwards have been left high and dry. The company accepted bookings through a website called www.ourholiday.com.au.

This follows the voluntary liquidation of another operator Tailly Pty Ltd being placed in voluntary liquidation two months ago, leaving more than 260 consumers out of pocket to the tune of approximately $300,000.

Mantra Group which operates as an official onsite accommodation manager and letting agent in many of the buildings where Flatworld sold rooms is extending a lifeline to guests who have been left in the lurch by offering a discount of at least 25% on their best available room rate at either the building they booked with Accommodation 1 or at other’s in their Gold Coast portfolio.

Mantra Group General Manager of Distribution Luke Jamieson says this is an unfortunate reminder to consumers to make sure they are booking through legitimate and official channels.

“Consumers using faceless website operators have no way of knowing the financial circumstances or capabilities of the company and are putting their hard-earned money and holiday experiences at risk by using them,” he said.

“If you have any concerns over the legitimacy of the booking, you should contact the property directly to confirm details,” Mr Jamieson.

*wheels* · « **Reply #35 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:50:36 PM »

According to ASIC records, company officebearer resigned/retired on 19/5/10 yet they were still selling on eBay on 21/5/10!

[attachment deleted by admin]

*wheels* · « **Reply #36 on:** May 24, 2010, 10:57:16 PM »

ASIC records for Accommodation1 - Liquidator appointed 21/5/10

[attachment deleted by admin]

Roo · « **Reply #37 on:** May 24, 2010, 11:06:26 PM »

Wow Wheels! You have been a busy beaver!

Some very good and useful information there.

Where it says that there was a change in names...could that mean that someone else bought the company at that time?

*wheels* · « **Reply #38 on:** May 24, 2010, 11:09:23 PM »

eBay seller gifts_2_u

gifts2u.com.au domain registration

[attachment deleted by admin]

*wheels* · « **Reply #39 on:** May 25, 2010, 05:40:25 PM »

eBay threads are disappearing ...

Buyers seeking further info about Accommodation1 Pty Ltd, trading on eBay as gifts_2_u , should contact:

Dean Phillips
Worrells Solvency & Financial Accountants
Gold Coast Office
Postal Address - PO Box 1563, Surfers Paradise Qld 4217
Street Address - Level 6, Fifty Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise Qld 4217
Phone - 07 5553 3444
Fax - 07 5570 1884
General Email - goldcoast@worrells.net.au

*r3830* · « **Reply #40 on:** May 25, 2010, 06:33:08 PM »

wheels, This one has just started up on the Ebay boards. Feels like nostalgia.

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Community-Spirit/Gifts-2-U/500125932&start=15

Centuries · « **Reply #41 on:** May 25, 2010, 07:16:25 PM »

I wonder how long that thread will stay.

*smee* · « **Reply #42 on:** May 25, 2010, 07:30:05 PM »

its been there for 4 days now , so it appears that they are letting it run

tellomon · « **Reply #43 on:** May 25, 2010, 07:41:00 PM »

Run this!

*Brum6y* · « **Reply #44 on:** May 25, 2010, 09:25:59 PM »

On that thread, I found this comment interesting - especially the bit about what the BANK was prepared to do.

fishomat82 (14)
View Listings

Posts: 2 (17 of 28) 25/05/2010 16:40 Report
the liquidators contact no. is 0755533444. There accountant advised me to call my credit card provider as ebay and paypal dusted their hands of me as i paid back in early march. i went and saw my bank manager who said they will send me forms to fill out and bring back and they would credit me and recover the debts themselves in the case of insolvency. Rebooked holiday with chevron towers for a very pleasing price so it now looks like our holiday will cost us less for accommodation. Happy with my bank but screw ebay and screw paypal!!

So much for Paypal being the 'safer' way to do business!

*wheels* · « **Reply #45 on:** May 25, 2010, 11:30:35 PM »

Threads have popped up all over the eBay boards:

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Ask-A-Member/Waring-Dont-Buy/500126188

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Ask-A-Member/Gold-Coast-Accommodation/500126162

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Ask-A-Member/Gold-Coast-Accommodation/500126057

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Recent-Ebay-News/Lost-Accomodation-Due/500126183

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Buying/Seller-Has-Gone/500126063

http://forums.ebay.com.au/topic/Community-Spirit/Gifts-2-U/500125932

and a link to a forum set up by some of the buyers:

http://www.mylhasa.com/accommodation-1.html#/accommodation-1-liquidation/

bnwt · « **Reply #46 on:** May 26, 2010, 09:36:10 AM »

Accommodation 1 collapse stings visitors

One victim said: "We too have been ripped off. So much for thinking eBay and PayPal are safe."

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2010/05/26/221345_gold-coast-news.html

*r3830* · « **Reply #47 on:** May 26, 2010, 11:23:51 AM »

I pinched this off one of the above threads..... Ebay Mod Message:

eBay is aware of reports that seller “gifts_2_u” has been placed into liquidation. The seller’s eBay account has been suspended and eBay is reaching out to the external administrators to establish precise details of the situation.

eBay will not speculate on this matter. We’d appreciate conversation regarding this matter be kept to this discussion thread however please adhere to all discussion board policies.

eBay plans to provide further information on this matter directly to buyers who have purchased from this seller as soon as we better understand the situation.

Regards
Michelle
The eBay team
Reply|Reply with Quote

*wheels* · « **Reply #48 on:** May 26, 2010, 11:30:34 AM »

Quote from: *loco* on May 26, 2010, 11:23:51 AM

I pinched this off one of the above threads..... Ebay Mod Message:
eBay plans to provide further information on this matter directly to buyers who have purchased from this seller as soon as we better understand the situation.

Loco, that's great if eBay do contact the buyers concerned. There is nothing worse than logging in to eBay to find your seller NARU and on asking eBay for help you get the standard response 'we can't discuss sellers due to privacy concerns'.

Mind you, eBay told us they would be sending out info about LI in October 2008 and we're still waiting!

*r3830* · « **Reply #49 on:** May 26, 2010, 11:43:15 AM »

Wheels,

I think this is a hard one. The company has been trading for quite some time - successfully and has now failed. I, too, think it great that Ebay are attempting to do their bit - but, really, if you purchased accommodation longer than six months ago..... is it fair to blame Ebay - or Paypal for that matter? The seller would have received the money at the time of purchase.

News:

Author Topic: Another eBay Travel/Holiday Seller bites the dust? (Read 41128 times)