Fraudulent return requests

Question

What to do if i suspect a buyer is attempting to return an item that was not originally the item i sold them. They will not verify the serial plate for me and have requested a refund due to damage to item that i know was not a result of shipping. They claimed a foreign article was included in the box and caused damage to item. This article is something i have never seen before i know i didn't pack it with my shipment. What do i do?

comics-scifi-collectibles · Answer

@pecorella.ali

If the buyer files a refund request saying that the item is not as described then you need to accept the return and issue the return shipping label.

The eBay Money Back Guarantee overrules your returns policy. Your return policy only applies if the buyer files a buyer's remorse return: Doesn't fit, changed mind, etc.

If you do not accept the return willingly then the buyer can ask eBay to step in and forces a refund. You do not get your seller's fees back, you get a defect and the buyer may be allowed to keep the item.

If the buyer abuses the eBay MBG in some way then you can report them but it doesn't get your money back:

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/report-issue-buyer?id=4084&st=12&pos=3&query=Report%20an%20issue%20with%20a%20buyer&intent=report%20&context=9056_SELLER

Sellers have protection for return abuse if they offer FREE RETURN shipping on their listings OR if they are a Top Rated seller and offer 30 days or greater returns. The seller can then reduce the refund amount by up to 50% if the buyer sends a different item or somehow reduces the value of the item.

Seller protection:
https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/selling-policies/seller-protections?id=4345&st=12&pos=4&query=Seller%20protections&intent=seller%20protection&context=DEFAULT_SELLER