Locked
Discussions in this board are limited to the original poster and Community Mentors
Seller returned a set of bowls with damage. How do I handle the refund?
Summary: **everything_and_anything**6504 sold a set of bowls at a reduced price due to their condition, but upon return, one bowl was chipped, significantly reducing the set's value. **everything_and_anything**6504 is unsure whether to hold the buyer or FedEx accountable, as the buyer returned the item using FedEx, despite it originally arriving undamaged via USPS. rfmtm suggests filing a damage claim with FedEx, mentioning the challenges if the shipment was done through eBay's system. They also advised on shipping standards for fragile items and the possibility of appealing a claim denial.
So I sold a set of bowls, not in optimal condition, for a lower then usual price because of the condition. Pictures were posted with close ups of the bowls etc and still they said it wasn't as described and started a return. Fine. The return is finally here after they waited two weeks to mail it and one of the bowls is chipped now. This significantly impacts the value of the set. Like the bowl is basically worth nothing now and impacts the value of the whole set. How do I handle this because I don't feel I should have to refund them 150 dollars (125 for the set plus shipping) when I now have an almost worthless product. I'm not an expert of pyrex or anything but I know I'm not going to be able to sell a chipped set. Do I go after fedex? Do I hold the buyer accountable for the state of the box and packaging? FWIW the buyer did not mention any issues with the box when they received it. But this is what I got back. I sent USPS originally, they returned using fedex. Google tells me that the value is reduced by at least 40 to 50 percent. Thank you for any help.
comics-scifi-collectibles
MentorSep 9, 2026 at 3:51 PM@**everything_and_anything**6504 I am confused by you saying the buyer chose to use Fed Ex. Didn't you provide an eBay return shipping label?
FYI eBay return labels do NOT have any insurance. That is why experienced sellers provide their own return labels purchased from a third party site such as Pirateship.
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=
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
rfmtm
MentorSep 9, 2026 at 1:37 PMFedEx has basic $100., damage claim, so file a claim with the return tracking number and photos of box and damage. Be prepared to appeal the first denial or go through ebay if you used ebay FedEx to create the return label.
rfmtm
MentorSep 8, 2026 at 11:34 PMSince the box shows visible damage you need to file a claim with FedEx. And good luck with that if you used ebay FedEx and not your own account or some other third party and did not get the carrier to note the damage when delivered. Also the box appears to be inadequate for shipping fragile glass, which should be at least double wall, if not double boxed.
**everything_and_anything**6504
OPSep 8, 2026 at 11:42 PMThey are the ones that shipped fedex, would I even be able to file a claim? The box made it there just fine, with no damage to the bowls.