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CD Returns
Summary: madsoundsdj, a new eBay seller, shared their experience selling a high-value CD for $95, which the buyer returned claiming it was defective. disneyshopper advised to accept the return request as per eBay's policy and relist the item if it plays fine. lady_madonna reminded not to issue a refund until receiving the item back, while profitweb offered reassurance and tips like having predefined responses for returns and ensuring refunds are processed only after items are returned. madsoundsdj clarified their concern about the potential dishonesty from the buyer, suspecting they might have copied the CD. The discussion focused on handling returns and minimizing losses in such transactions.
For those who sell CDs on eBay: I am fairly a new seller on eBay and I recently sold a high-value CD for $95, which was in excellent condition and had been personally played without any issues. The buyer has had the CD for approximately four days and has decided to return it, claiming it is defective and does not play properly.
I understand this may be a long shot, but how can I determine if the buyer is being dishonest and potentially ripped the CD before claiming it was defective to receive a refund? Has anyone else experienced similar concerns, and what actions did you take in such situations?
Any help, feedback or advise is greatly appreciated.
MadSounds
madsoundsdj
OP3 weeks agoBTW when I say "Ripped the CD" meaning he probably made a copy of the CD, either to his hard drive or can easily copy it to another CD. Then claiming its defective to get back his money and got a free copy of the CD.
disneyshopper
Mentor3 weeks agoIf the seller filed a Returns Request for Item Not as Described, you need to accept the return and pay for return shipping. If you do not, ebay can refund the buyer from your funds, a defect is recorded on your account, you do not get the FVF refunded, and the buyer is not required to return the item. If the returned item plays just fine, relist it for a few dollars more.
madsoundsdj
OP3 weeks agoThanks for you reply, I did the refund and I will check the cd when I get it back and relist.
But we will never know if we are being scammed or not.
lady_madonna
Mentor3 weeks agoYou are not supposed to issue the refund until after you receive the returned item.
If you already issued the refund before the buyer shipped the returned item, they are not required to return it.
madsoundsdj
OP3 weeks agoI didn't give him the refund as yet, waiting for the CD to be returned. I just sent a return shipping.
lady_madonna
Mentor3 weeks agoAccording to your previous post: "Thanks for you reply, I did the refund and I will check the cd when I get it back and relist."
So I based my reply on your statement that you refunded the buyer already.
arraus
Mentor3 weeks ago · Edited@madsoundsdj
I'm sorry. This must be so frustrating.
You're learning a few lessons on this one. When I started selling, I was worried I'd get these types of returns all the time... I don't.
I adjusted by Terms, what I say on my listings, etc.. I also wrote pre-written responses to return requests so I don't have to stress every time they come in.
SUGGESTIONS:
1. If buyer messages you about an issue/return, have them file a Return Request (no outside bargaining, it won't hurt you as long as you work through the Case on time).
2. Never refund UNTIL item is returned (unless it's trash and you don't want it returned, then don't give them return label either). @lady_madonna was 100% right on that.
3. Have canned responses ready (please file a Return request from the order page, etc.)
madsoundsdj
OP3 weeks agoExactly it is frustrating, especially it's a high ticket item, if it was a $5 or $6 item I let them keep it and refund their money, I've done that in the past, but with a big ticket item that's what makes it frustrating. He did file a return request, I send the return shipping and waiting, haven't seen it shipped back yet. I didn't refund the money until I get the CD back and check it.
Thank you all for the response. It helps greatly and give me a little peace of mind.
arraus
Mentor3 weeks agoIf he doesn't ship back, the case will automatically close in 15 business days (about 21 days) and they won't get a refund.
It happens sometimes. But usually only on cheap items OR if it was resolved some other way (I provided a replacement, etc.).
I hope they return it in the condition they got it. I think some CD players can be finnickier than others. And, to your point, they could've ripped it BUT there are so many downloadable MP3s, I'd think they could just pirate and download some other way.
Hang in there!! I swear... hardly ever happens. Hurts the most when starting out for big items. I totally remember my first one. Was an expensive kitchen faucet.