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Changing Feedback *Before* Refund??
I have had to make a few returns (maybe a bit more) in my long tenure as an Ebay buyer. I've had sellers offer a whole range of options, from a full refund and return of item, to a partial return and keep item, to even a full refund and still keep item. Sometimes I've had to leave negative feedback about the item (never the seller, I think.) And so sometimes the exchange would include a request to change feedback. But never once was I asked to change feedback *before* I got the refund (full or partial.)
Until this week. And I find that more than a bit suspicious. [First red flag.] For this current return I need to make, I've been offered a partial refund (25%) and can keep the item, in exchange for changing my review to positive. They're bluetooth earbuds with an MP3 player/charging case. Loved the idea and the versatility would've suited my needs well, but the in-ear part hurts my ears. To boot, the MP3 part doesn't seem to work. (I did read the manual first.) I'm pretty tech savvy, which I told them, and have tried everything I could think of... from reformatting the micro SD, to changing the order of connecting the buds and turning on the MP3 player. (Which I also told them.) They, of course tried to troubleshoot with me in a few messages, but none of it was something I hadn't yet tried. At that point, I just told them I'm gonna have to return the item, and I initiated a refund request via Ebay. (Which required photos, because I marked it as defective. But you can't show an audio-related function in pictures, so I just took an image of the case and the buds inside.)
This is when they offered the feedback/refund exchange. $5 and keeping the item isn't a bad offer, but I don't think it is going to get used much for the reasons above. (Unless I can find some silicone covers.) I told them I'd be more comfortable if they initiated the (partial) refund first, but they continued to insist on changing the feedback first. [Second red flag.] They added the excuse that the refund request I initiated will force them to make a refund anyway, and again asked for the feedback first. [Third red flag.] Thing is, I had already done some reading on refunds in Ebay, and it seems that a refund isn't always guaranteed when making a request this way. And given my issue is not one you can prove without perhaps a video... It's likely I could get denied the refund because of that, and then I'd be stuck with an unusable item and out $20.
Suggestions? Wait for the redund request to "expiration/deadline" to kick in, and Ebay step in? Keep talking with the seller to get the partial refund initiated before changing feedback?
I mean, has anyone had a seller be so stubborn with a refund? I find this whole thing suspicious and ridiculous.
inceptions
Mentor2 years agoNo ethical seller is going to ask you to to change the feedback in exchange for resolving the problem. Good sellers resolve the problem, and if you're satisfied they ask if you would be willing to change the feedback.
I can guarantee that as soon as you change the feedback, you won't hear from the seller again.
Here is the feedback extortion policy:
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/feedback-policies/feedback-extortion-policy?id=4230&st=3&pos=1&query=Feedback%20extortion%20policy&intent=feedback%20extortion&lucenceai=lucenceai&docId=HELP1225
You can report the seller here:
https://www.ebay.com/help/action?topicid=4022
girl_gamer_2012
OP2 years agoThank you for the info! This, by Ebay's definition, most definitely falls into that category.
lady_madonna
Mentor2 years ago@girl_gamer_2012
Do NOT change the feedback.
Wait until you can ask Ebay to step in to help you, make sure you do not pass the deadline to do so. You will not be denied because you DID attach a photo. (video not necessary)
girl_gamer_2012
OP2 years agoThe deadline I mentioned was not for me, but for the seller to respond.