05-15-2025 09:30 AM
I have a buyer asking for a refund/return because the item listed was not as described, which is not true. The buyer requested pictures of the item (it glows in the dark), and they were sent. The buyer purchased the item and is now saying it doesn't glow- I have pictures that it does. Anyway, I am happy to take back the item as I am new and sold it for too little. My problem is I don't think I should have to pay for the return shipping when her reason behind the return is not true. Is there a way to accept a return but refuse to pay for return shipping? They only put that excuse because they know they don't have to pay for shipping if they do.
Any advice to a new seller is greatly appreciated. And encouragement that most people are not like this. Oh, and will her feedback show to other buyers? If so, how would I combat that?
Thank you in advance!
Jaime
05-15-2025 09:38 AM
If the buyer filed a Return Request with a reason that it is valid per the Ebay Money Back Guarantee, you will be obligated to accept the Return Request. If you try to argue it, the buyer can ask Ebay to step in to help them and Ebay will find in favor of the buyer.
Even though you say the reason the buyer chose is not true, Ebay cannot judge the case by your opinion since they cannot inspect the item.
05-15-2025 09:48 AM
When a Buyer opens an INAD and the Seller accepts the return, eBay will issue the Buyer a return label. If the Buyer never returns the item the Seller is not charged for that label.
If the Buyer returns the item and it's exactly as described after all, you will still need to issue a full refund. But after that, if you report the Buyer for misuse of the Money Back Guarantee, eBay may issue you a credit for the cost of that return label.
05-15-2025 09:58 AM
Thank you for the quick responses!!
Should I wait to report the buyer until after I get the item back? I have pictures showing the item and emails—the buyer emailed me directly and asked for pictures, not through eBay. Is this a battle not worth having over $10? I really do think this buyer is trying to take advantage of the INAD policy.
05-15-2025 10:03 AM
Definitely wait until you have the item back to report them.
To clarify, there is no option to report a Buyer for lying. You can only report them if they return the item and is it exactly as described after all.
05-15-2025 10:03 AM
You need to wait until the item is returned since you have no idea if it actually works or not. The buyer may be telling the truth so to report them would not be a good idea.
05-15-2025 10:13 AM
Got it! Can I take back a report? Oops! Also, it isn't really just the $10 shipping fee, it is now $20 because I have to refund what they paid for shipping and add another $8 in Ebay fees. I'm losing closer to $30. 😞 Is there a way to accept but suggest another price for return that doesn't include original shipping, or do I have to pay for both now?
Does this happen often?
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