Should I accept a return even if the reason for return was marked incorrectly (defective instead of Buyer's remorse) and I talked to eBay support about it?
Summary: hai605653 is facing a dilemma about a return request on eBay for wakeboard bindings they sold. The buyer claimed the bindings were defective, which hai605653 suspects is due to user error, as the bindings were meant to be tried on wet. They were reassured by eBay support, but the return request remains unresolved. Other participants advise hai605653 to accept the return and provide a return label to avoid potential negative consequences and suggest blocking the buyer to prevent future issues. They also share experiences and assure hai605653 that such situations are common when selling on eBay.
I sell new old stock wakeboard bindings.
about a week ago, I sold 20 year old Hyperlite Byerly wakeboard bindings to someone. They were closed toe and a size large, so that would fit a US Men's size 9 - 11. Because these were old stock bindings, they naturally had a little cosmetic wear, but that wouldn't have impacted performance on the water, but I made sure that in the description it was clear there would be a little weathering and that the buyer should inspect the pictures further to make sure they knew the condition of the bindings I was selling. I do this for every listing, no matter if the weathering is noticable or not.
Last saturday, the buyer contacted me And told me that they couldn't fit the bindings, despite being a men's size 10. they also sent me photos of the bindings even further damaged, most likely from trying to get the binding on. However, I suspect there was major user error at play. Byerly are not like modern wakeboard bindings where you can slide them on dry. They are very tight and require you wet both the bindings and your feet at least before attempting to try them on. when I looked at the pictures the buyer sent me, the bindings looked very dry, so I know they did not try this method.
Despite the message for their return talking mainly about how the bindings did not fit, they marked the reason as Defective instead of Buyer's Remorse. I contacted Ebay support about it, telling them the situation, and assured me it was handled and that they were on my side. But there is still a return request sitting in my inbox. I do not want to have to pay for shipping, since by the nature of the error, it should have been the buyer paying, but I'm worried if I continue to let it sit, Ebay will eventually take matters into their own hands and take the funds from me directly. I can't object to the request. I can only purchase a return label from ebay, upload a return label of my own, or confirm I have already sent a new label to the buyer. I think the only way I can go about this is to accept the return at this point and report the buyer afterwards, but I'm unsure if I'll actually have that as an option considering how all my research is suggesting I do a lot of things that aren't showing up as options. I need to get the request solidified by the 30th.
Does anybody have any advice as to what I should do?
profitweb
·1 week ago · EditedThis is a shock the first few times it happens (and crazy making for any seller).
I always send a pre-paid label from eBay's return system. It's usually cheaper than buying elsewhere... else, use your own and upload it.
@stainlessenginecovers was 100% correct. There's no way out of refunding the money. IF you have an eBay Anchor store, or better, account ($350+ /month) and contact eBay's CS telling them you know it's buyer's remorse, eBay might refund the buyer for you (as a one-time courtesy, maybe more but rare).
It's the cost of doing business on eBay. BLOCK THAT BUYER!!! You don't want their business again.
I used to get very upset. Now, I have a canned email response and just accept the return, send the pre-paid label through eBay, and block 'em! I don't even bother. If it's expensive, I might call the buyer and ask exactly what the issue is. I've had some cancel their return request after I spoke to then on phone and told them their reason (if they said they changed their mind) is against eBay's policy and could put their account in danger. Their number is on the order page. I only do that for very expensive items. At the very least, to call and ask them to pack it up safely.
Good luck!! You're in good company feeling ripped off, frustrated, with a buyer who isn't abiding by the terms of the sale.
Accept the return (you have no choice, if you wait your account will get a mark and eBay will send them a refund and charge you).
I'll buy you a glass and pat you on the back. This too shall pass
bonanza125
·1 week agoMy advice is to accept the return as "defective" and start the return process. Once received give the buyer a full refund. Yes the buyer is trying to get you to pay for the shipping cost back. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do. If you fight this you will lose and get a defect on your record and the buyer will be refund/keep the item as well. Ebay customer service will tell you they will handle it but that's just a report. There are no guarantees anything will be handle. Just start the process and eat it.
stainlessenginecovers
·1 week agoReturns for INAD gives a seller 2 choices.
Refund in full NOT requiring the buyer to ship it back
Refund the buyer IN FULL when the item is returned from the shipping label that YOU, the SELLER, pays for.
All that other stuff
'talking to reps'
'esxcalating'
'appealing'
Will get you one thing if you add $10; A cup of coffee at Starbucks.
Stop giving yourself angina. There is NOTHING you can do. It is the BUYERS word against yours.... and yours doesn't count.
So, if you want the item back- click 'give label'...and do it quickly before the buyer escalates and you are forced a refund, no item back and a 'ding' to your metrics for ebay having to 'handle' your buyer issue for you.
hai605653
OP1 week agoI would also like to add I tried contacting ebay support a second time but that was getting me nowhere and I wasn't even getting a number to call.
bonanza125
·1 week agoCorrect there is no direct phone number to Ebay.