Not sure what i can do?
I recently sold some Apple Airpods 3rd generation. They were bought for me as a christmas present from a reputable high street retailer. The box was brand new, unopened and sealed, but annoyingly, we cannot find proof of purchase.
A buyer bought them and received them a few days ago. That afternoon they sent a request to return, citing that they had been and had them checked by Cex (clearly trying to sell them on) and Cex have told them that they are counterfeit. They then listed reasons that confirm the alleged confirmation that they are “counterfeitâ€. (Missing paragraph off a label, no airpod trademark sign on the manual and the text in the case is too dark?? I have checked with other AirPod users in person and everything is identical)
One of the main reasons they mentioned is that there apparently is no click flush with the pods. As the box was sealed, funny how there could be such a fault with a brand new, unopened, authentic product…. unlucky or suspicious??
Ebay have told me i am to accept the return but i do suspect what arrives back will either be broken in some way (click flush) or not the original item sent.
Ebay have said to check serial numbers when item arrives back, but either way, the item has lost value as it as been opened and messed around with!
I have triple checked the serial number with Apple who have confirmed authenticity, alongside a warranty until November 2024 and hardware service and chat and phone support.
The buyer is accusing me of selling counterfeit goods and obviously eBay always sides with the buyer, so I’m not going to win.
Is this a common occurrence? Scam? Anyone have any experience with anything similar?
ckimodog
·2 years ago@clar.simc
Sorry for your situation. If the buyer wants to return the air pods, tell them to open a return, send them a label and refund them when you receive back the item. eBay offers all buyers a 30 day money back guarantee for what ever reason, it doesn't matter. Since you're in the UK, it's hard to advise any more than what I just suggested. Know that if you have a no returns policy in your listing, you may or may not receive the item back, because you don't accept returns. No returns does not mean no refunds.
It's hard to tell anymore what is real and what isn't in this day and age. The people who told you that the airpods were authentic were probably customer service reps who were told to tell you that, even though they may not be. There is really no way to tell as a seller or a buyer. Fakes are everywhere! Bottom line, accept the return. If you don't, eBay will refund the buyer from your account automatically and you will receive a demerit on your account. I know you don't want that to happen. Don't jeopardize your account.
Good luck
clar.simc
OP2 years agoHi thanks for your reply. I have accepted the return and sent the buyer a label. The item is currently on its way back to me now.
i did make an appointment to take the AirPods into the Apple Store and to get them to check (just for my own sanity really!), but as I say, I’m skeptical about what might arrive back and in what condition. As I said, I have my suspicions…
Unfortunately I will just have to treat as a lesson and probably will not use eBay for higher value goods again.
Just a question regarding feedback - am I right in thinking that the buyer can leave me feedback whether positive or negative but the seller can’t leave the buyer negative feedback??
My buyer for example has over 1000 “positive†reviews, which are all the same practically word for word…
ckimodog
·2 years ago@clar.simc
All buyers have positive feedback. There is no way they can ever receive a negative. Hopefully, the buyer will refrain from leaving and feedback and if they do, simply state you had no idea the pods were a fake and honored their return with no problems. Keep it professional and you'll do ok. Again, sorry for your situation.
clar.simc
OP2 years agoThey aren’t fake, but I will just refund when the item comes back. Thanks for answering.