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Returns on non working items
If I purchase an item that is listed as new but when I receive it it’s not working, am I obligated to return the item at my expense if the description says that return shipping is my responsibility? The item is from China and shipping back the item would probably double my original cost (or more) and I’d still be left with nothing.
What are the rules when it comes to an item that is delivered but not working? Would I have a choice of getting an identical item sent at no additional expense or possibly just a refund?
This item i refer to is no longer manufactured by the company and only seems available by sellers in China.
5 comments
wooden_flower
Mentor2 years ago@juliegphd
The seller is responsible for the return shipping on an item that is not as described in the listing. IF he is in a different country, eBay can instruct him to send you the funds to pay for the shipping. They can not force him to reimburse you, so do not pay for the shipping until the seller sends you the funds.
You are always better to get a refund, not an exchange. If there is a problem with the 2nd item, you would have no recourse through eBay - there is only 1 return per item. So always get a refund, then make a new purchase if the seller has another and you trust that it might be better.
When you receive an item not as described, you always want to open a formal return request - in your purchase history you select return this item. Under reasons select does not match the description, and follow the prompts.
The seller has 3 business days to send you a return label or a refund. If he doesn't, or says he can not send a label, you go to your case and click 'ask us to step in'.
juliegphd
OP2 years agoThank you. That is very useful. I have not ever bought anything on eBay and I’m having nothing but negative experiences.
I just made an offer with a different seller on that item, they sent me their offer and when I clicked on counter offer, it said that I cannot purchase it as I have already purchased something from the seller, which is not true. it is near impossible to speak to an eBay agent and I am just getting so frustrated. I think I sent a message to that seller letting him know what is happening but I have no idea if that went through.
wooden_flower
Mentor2 years ago@juliegphd
I’m sorry to hear of the problems.
I don’t know what would cause the error you describe. There is a limit that sellers can put on buyers, but if you have not purchased from him before, I don’t know why it would stop you. Maybe somehow the system is counting offers like purchases. The seller can change the limit, although he might not know how.
juliegphd
OP2 years agoThank you so much for your responses and empathy. Luckily this item is not life altering. It was just a back up if mine dies. But it does make me very reluctant to use eBay.
Even when I finally was able to speak with eBay agents, not only did they not help, they added to the frustration. Oh well, it is what it is. But I do appreciate you responding.
wooden_flower
Mentor2 years ago@juliegphd
There are lots of good sellers here, and unfortunately, many not so good. Always check the seller's feedback before buying or making an offer - you can avoid many problems that way.
If your seller doesn't know how to solve the issue, you can suggest he ask us - we can usually help 🙂