American Express, Merriem Wombacher - SweetSue98, eBay Seller, Fraudulant claims Iowa Florida

I am an eBay seller, I have a great feedback score and I always deal honestly with people, even when it has cost me money. . Here's my dilemma, I met another eBay seller and after finding out that I live close to a major shopping outlet she agreed to buy makeup and skin care products that I get at a deep discount, she sells them on eBay and makes a profit. I have sold her several large orders throughout February and March. She appeared to be very happy with her purchases and even occasionaly asked if I was willing to keep this relationship going.

The last time I shipped anything to her was on April 13. And it was a large shipment, with over $4,000 worth of makeup. When she got the order 4 days later she emailed me and told me that I cheated her out of products. I told her that was not possible. I kept out certain things for myself but that I had sent everything to her that was on the invoice. She resorted to name calling and personal attacks; all the while I kept my temper in check and tried to act like a lady. This went on for about three days and I finally sat down and reviewed the invoice and found that I had indeed neglected to send her products.

I want to add at this time that I had a houseful of out of town guests the weekend that I did this invoice and boxed up her order. I should have never attempted to do this with all of the distractions that I had going on at the time. At any rate, the products that I kept out for myself I billed her for. I clearly saw where I screwed up her invoice and set about to repair the damage. I immediately emailed her and apologized, I also sent her a refund of $60.00 and boxed up the rest of the makeup (worth aprox. $400.00)and shipped it to her at my expense. This is all that I can do. She continued to harass me, and threatened to sic American Express on me. I told her I would rather deal with them than with her.

On May 1, I received an email from PayPal that they had taken $217.54 and froze that money. She was asking for it back. I went about gathering my evidence and submitted it to PayPal. I called PayPal and spoke to someone in that department and she told me that it was American Express that would decide this chargeback. I have my UPS bill and all pertinent e-mails and sent them over and they are reviewing it now. I have tracking numbers, emails where she said she "received all items and was satisfied"

My question is this? What if AM EX decides in her favor and refuses to release my money? Am I within my rights to take AM EX to small claims court? I am not afraid to do this because I have all of the paperwork showing she got the products. I just do not know how the system works in favor of the one that doesn't have an account with them. As obviously she does have a business account with the credit card company. Has anyone had to deal with AM EX in the past and what was your experience with them?

I called and spoke to the sargent at the Waverly, Iowa police dept last night, while he was symphatic he told me that I must call my local sheriff and get a report as I am the victim and it has to be done in my local.

Pamela
Mulberry, Florida
U.S.A.