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Is this attempted extortion by a buyer?
Summary: ethicsfirst shared an experience with a buyer who claimed there was undisclosed damage to a collectible item. Despite offering a refund and adhering to their return policy, the buyer refused to return the item, citing a lack of time and stated they would leave feedback instead. ethicsfirst believes this might be a veiled attempt at extortion, but eBay did not agree. disneyshopper responded, clarifying that for it to be considered extortion, the buyer would need to make a direct threat, which they did not. ethicsfirst thanked them for the response.
So last night I received a couple of photos from a buyer that there was "damage- a small line" to a collectable and it was not disclosed. To be honest these come directly from the manufacturer/distributor box we were swamped with orders last week and we probably missed it.
I responded to his photos and statement within 35 min after his message with "Needs to be returned. These all come from distributor cased packed/sealed and come directly from the 2 pk case to ship. This wasn't something that was intentionally missed sorry it happened start the return process and I will process immediately for you."
His response was: " That’s ok. Can’t find anything cheaper or same price. No time to go to the post office. Busy weeks ahead. Will leave feedback instead." Offered a full refund and encouraged him to return the item what other option would there be?
After reading his response my thoughts are 1. He wants money back and not to return the item. 2. If he does not receive money back, "he will leave feedback instead". No, he didn't directly say pay me or feedback but it seems clear to me. I stuck to my return policy, and I have received negative feedback. He has every right to leave feedback (though in his feedback he wasn't really factual I can go into that as well), but I think the veiled extortion is against TOS. eBay disagrees.
Thoughts?
fashionsandbeauty4u
Mentor2 weeks ago@ethicsfirst
I'm sorry this happened to you. Your response was perfect. I agree that it's not extortion.
I would encourage you to try to have the negative removed. If you go to your Seller Hub, you can submit your removal request.
Keep it short and to the point. Such as "Tried to work with Buyer by offering a return. Left negative instead".
That's really all you need to say. Ebay can read everything else.
Best of luck.
disneyshopper
Mentor2 weeks agoIn order for what the buyer said to be "extortion" he would need to say if you don't do this, I will then do that. He didn't. I am glad you responded to his feedback.
ethicsfirst
OP2 weeks agoThank you for responding.