eBay Seller Faces $19K Legal Bill After Suing Buyer Who Left Negative Feedback

Ohio-based company, Med Express, is facing a hefty legal bill amounting to $19,250, after attempting to sue an eBay customer for leaving negative feedback. Amy Nicholls purchased a microscope light via eBay for $175, and was charged an additional $12 shipping fee. Unfortunately, she was forced to pay an extra $1.44 in postage costs and became quite dissatisfied with the company’s lack of customer service. Subsequently, she voiced her concerns and left negative feedback regarding the transaction. Unbelievably, Med Express suddenly acted in an audacious manner and claimed that they offered a $1.44 partial refund before demanding the feedback to be withdrawn.

Med Express massively misjudged the situation and Amy refused to alter her original feedback rating. Med Express’ founder, Richard Radey, decided to file a lawsuit thinking Amy would be scared into removing the feedback in an act of complete arrogance. Thankfully, Amy is a strong-willed individual and acquired the help of Paul Levy, an infamous lawyer who campaigns against big-business bullying tactics.

After this information was disclosed to Richard Radey, he suddenly had a change of heart and dropped the case. However, he had a notorious reputation and was involved in a number of similar lawsuits. Levy described Radey’s apology to Ars Technica in 2013 and said:

 “Problem is, I don’t believe a word of what he says,”

Given the chain of events, Levy sought to recoup the legal costs of two lawyers representing Amy Nicholls and another undisclosed individual. After a long dispute, a Medina County, Ohio judge ruled that Med Express and Radey must pay $19,250 to Tom Haren and Jeffrey Nye who were the laywers in question.

This is a fantastic day for consumer rights and most-of-all justice. Med Express underestimated Amy Nicholls’ tenacity and learn’t a very expensive lesson about consumer freedom. Far too many companies take their customers for granted and behave in a disgraceful way. Finally, one of these companies employing bullying tactics has got their comeuppance. If you ever feel the need to leave negative feedback for an unsatisfactory service, do so!

What is the worst experience you’ve had on eBay?

Thank You Ars Technica for providing us with this information.