Buyer claims item didn't work to avoid paying return shipping
Had a buyer [Removed by moderator] claim an item didn't work when it did. I tried working with the buyer trouble shooting and when asked for pictures of an item they should have & followed manufacturer instructions, they refused to supply pictures. Now they ship it back and fully tested it and of course nothing wrong with item. So now I'm out almost $40 for a return shipping label. Talked with Ebay agent and they claim can't do anything because buyer clicked the item don't work button. I have been with Ebay since 1998 and I am just about done them letting buyers act this way. Starting to think it's not worth being a seller anymore.
10 comments
broto_64
·5 months agoThis has happened to me more times than I can count.
I have found that, and/or any communication to inquire what the problem might have been to be mostly a complete waste of time. Buyers like these know what they are doing, and from my real world experience dishonest people rarely if ever come clean when confronted.
To go one step deeper, I have found this happened to me most often with MQ items...
Long story short I eventually switched to OOAK items and the problem has mostly gone away.
Over a time frame of a good 5-6 years I lost a lot of MQ items this way and it's a lot harder time wise, OOAK items are far more time consuming than MQ's but I am 99% free of the headache.
inhawaii
·5 months agoThis happens all the time.
You have to plan on a loss like this every now and then.
Hopefully it doesn't happen to you that often.
It hasn't happened to me in years.
kickin.assets
·5 months ago@christworks
Actually had to do a couple returns a few days ago. It was a bulk order (all the same seller), all items sent in several packages, all in one big box. Several items were missing and one package had none of what I ordered, but instead a pair of random shoes.
All this said, I DID have to provide photos to be able to continue the return process or I could not open one.
Side note:
Funny that one has to include photos of items you did not receive.
Sent them photos of empty packaging + shoes that were not ordered.
As soon as my return was scanned, I was refunded.
😁
happyjax4u
OP5 months agoSee, that's the difference between a legitimate claim and one just to cheat someone.
stainlessenginecovers
·5 months agothe picture could be of Santa feeding the Reindeer as nobody looks at them.
Not as described flies through without any intervention, proof required etc.
@happyjax4u it's just how it is selling online. Some people are crooked. Most are not. You play the percentages just like any Brick/Mortar store does (absorbing 3-5% 'shrink' on an annual basis (loss).
christworks
·5 months agoYes, you do when you open an INAD return. That was not what happened here. The seller asked the buyer send them photos before a return was opened. They wanted the pictures to help troubleshooot. The buyer was not interested in that. They wanted to return the item. I'm sure they had to upload a picture to be able to proceed with the return.
Funny thing though, I don't think AI scans the picture to ensure it actually makes sense. Someone could upload a photo of a tree and still be able to go through with the INAD or, do as my buyer did a couple of week ago, and take a screen shot of one of the pictures from the listing. 🙄
christworks
·5 months ago@happyjax4u You cannot name and shame buyers on the fourm.
For being a seller since 1998, it surprises me you do not know what tools you have available to you. They won't make you whole, but it can help.
Buyers are not required to send you photos. If they refuse, they refuse. So all of that is irrelevant.
First, report the buyer for return abuse. When you do this, eBay will verify they abused the return policy. Simply explain in your report the facts. Leave all this emotion about it and crying over $40. You've been in business nearly 30 years. $40 should be nothing to you at this point.
Once eBay determines the buyer abused the return policy, they will refund you $6 of the return shipping. It's something. They will also remove the INAD from your account and remove any negative feedback you receive from the buyer. Keep an eye on things and if they do not automatically remove them, reach out to them.
You are a TRS. You have resources available to you to help recoup some of your funds. I reduce refunds if a buyer does not repack it in any other condition then how I sent it. If it so much as came back with an extra scratch on it, use your ability to reduce the refund. You will not get your selling fees back if you do this, so make it worth your while. eBay gives guidelines on how much to take, but they are guidelines not policy.
happyjax4u
OP5 months agoYou miss the point. It's not about the $40 and the tools you mention do nothing. Some people work hard for their money. You get excited about possibly getting $6 back and being out the rest. Yahooooo I'm happy for you.
christworks
·5 months agoNot about the $40? You brought it up.
Listen. You came here to moan as most people like you do. I offered you some suggestions because you played the "O, woe is me" card. Don't want my advice? Fine. Stay miserable. Leave eBay. I could really care less and, newsflash, nobody else here does either. Your attitude and the fact you lied about the item condition when you listed it is exactly why eBay has to have a MBG.
cityslickercreations2004
·5 months agoI am sorry this happened to you. It is part of cost/ risk of selling on ebay.
Fortunately, your item was returned in good condition. It sold once, it will sell again.
You should be able to recover that money quickly.