Ebay punishing sellers
I'm posting just to vent as it seems like Ebay punishes sellers. Buyers get all the protections and sellers get none.
I posted in the community last week about a game that sold for a high amount, paid for by the buyer, and shipped by me. Upon receipt, the buyer decided he no longer wanted the item, giving the excuse about a *tiny* tear for the game that was new and sealed. The buyer reached out and accused me of deception because I didn't list the tiny tear in the description field (because it was so miniscule, I hadn't noticed it). I actually create videos for all of my auctions in attempt to represent the game is fairly and honestly as possible.
I had to pay $6 to have the item shipped back to me. I received the item back today. In addition to the buyer getting a full refund on the item, I also have to pay to refund their shipping costs so...I'm out $12 just for back/forth shipping. On top of this, when I listed the game, I chose the option to promote the game, which cost me $15.50 out of the final sale. Of course, Ebay isn't refunding me that costs. So Ebay gets to keep $15.50 of my money, plus I lose $12 for shipping for a total net loss of almost $30 for the "pleasure" of doing business on ebay, and I have to relist the game again.
On top of this, while I've only been selling recently for the last month and a half, I've had one person win an auction and then cancel before paying 😮 ... and I had another person win an auction and never replied, so I had to relist the item. In spite of these transgressions, sellers are not allowed to leave negative feedback for buyers.
Really so frustrating!
kensgiftshop
·1 year agoYou might not think it's a big deal, but might be a big deal to a buyer.
You need to list any defects no matter how small they are.
mtgraves7984
·1 year agoI had to pay $6 to have the item shipped back to me. I received the item back today. In addition to the buyer getting a full refund on the item, I also have to pay to refund their shipping costs 1) so...I'm out $12 just for back/forth shipping. On top of this, when I listed the game, 2) I chose the option to promote the game, which cost me $15.50 out of the final sale. Of course, Ebay isn't refunding me that costs. So Ebay gets to keep $15.50 of my money, plus I lose $12 for shipping for a total net loss of almost $30 for the "pleasure" of doing business on ebay, and 3) I have to relist the game again.
@sirdidymus37
1) You're actually only out return shipping as your buyer paid for the first label.
2) Don't promote your item. Or at least revisit your promotion amount.
3) At least you have your game back. For what it's worth, I find that if an item sells once, it will sell again. Reprice it, relist it and hope that the next buyer is the right buyer.
onefootflipper
·1 year agoDon't ever promote an expensive video game again. People don't impulse buy $200 video games.
In general media does not need to be promoted, it nearly always sells based on either price or people already having an item from that seller in their cart.
dogofwar777
·1 year agoI remember the good old days when we could leave negative feedback on buyers. I hammered a few when I sold here and they tried to pull a fast one. One guy would buy and then leave nasty feedback on every seller. His negative feedback was pretty much the same, "Buys item, complains then tries to get his money back." Ebay eventually booted this guy.
gone.c-33
·1 year agoPeople who purchase New/Sealed old/vintage games
are mostly collectors. Those items need to be described to the last detail.
12345jamesstamps
·1 year agoI have 'returns...but buyers pay for return shipping'...might want to change 'no returns' which is somewhat meaningly to a seller. Never ever had a return and wouldn't know how to do it...LOL
It might, I say might...just make the buyer think twice about returning something...couldn't hurt.
We don't as sellers want to leave negative feedbacks...other buyers would read them and think twice about our personalities...and not maybe make a potential buy.
And yes, I read your past post.
hartungcards
·1 year agoYou lost me at, "I'm posting just to vent as it seems like Ebay punishes sellers."
lakefor94
·1 year ago@sirdidymus37 you have sold ~40 items in the last 60 days, is this your 1st item that a buyer filed a return?
Ohhh the woes on online selling.
ryry-jj
·1 year agoThis is all part of the cost of selling, doesn't matter if on eBay or at a brick and mortar store. Price accordingly to cover all your costs
amhsi03
·1 year agoWelcome to the true Ebay. Sellers always get screwed over on returns. The best way to protect yourself is to not accept returns unless item arrives damaged or does not meet the description. Even then buyers can state item is not as described and return it. However if it is as described you can report buyer and you might have a chance at an appeal and get reimbursed the shipping charges.
Ebay states that they have your back as a seller. I can tell you from experience that is not 100% true.
There are other options like ditching Ebay and selling on another platforms. There are several ones like Etsy, Amazon, Wallmart, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Bonanza, OfferUp and the list goes on.
mam98031
·1 year ago@sirdidymus37
Seems like normal stuff to me. I know it is still frustrating, but normal stuff that happens to sellers all the time. The only thing that I was surprised about was the amount you paid in Promotion fees. $15.50 seems like a lot.
Either it was a very expensive game or you have chosen to have a high percentage fee on your promoted listings. You may want to revisit the rates you have committed yourself to.
tophobos
·1 year agoI don't take returns for this reason. And I've still had some ghost me after winning putting the transaction in limbo. Can't relist. Can't get payment....
mam98031
·1 year ago@tophobos
If you had a buyer file for a Request for Return like the OP did, you would have to process the return or just refund the buyer. Even sellers with a No Return policy have to process INADs. They can avoid properly filed Buyer remorse requests for returns, but NOT if there is something wrong with the item.
kensgiftshop
·1 year agoIf the buyer files an INAD, not accepting returns means nothing to EBay and you will accept the return or just refund the buyer.