Is there a time limit for someone to request a return?

[luckybeckyblue]

I sold a vintage hot wheels car. The buyer has had it for over two weeks and just today notified me that they "are not happy with the condition it arrived in. Can I return or some type of credit?"

They don't say it was not as described or damaged in some way. As a nearly 60 year old toy, it shows wear and tear. The auction included very clear, close up photos from every possible angle so the condition of the car was clear.

I'm concerned that he has had the item for over two weeks before reporting that he isn't happy. I don't know what he's been doing with it during that time.  Is there anything I can do? Shouldn't he have reported a problem (if there was one) promptly? Is there any rule regarding this? I tried looking at ebay policies but couldn't find an answer to this particular question.

And by the way, he waited until after I left him positive feedback just a few  days ago  😞

[inceptions]

A buyer has 30 days to return an item that is not as described.

Your listings state, "I want you to be happy with your purchase." That seems to contradict your return policy for buyer's remorse which is, "Seller does not accept returns."

I would invite the buyer to open a return using the option in the dropdown next to the order in his Purchase History and take care of the problem so that he IS happy.

[luckybeckyblue]

Thanks for your reply! I really do want my buyers to be happy, and if I make a mistake I always will make it right! But I don't want to be taken advantage of.  The buyer has further communicated to me that there isn't any damage, they just think "the description could have been better" and they regretted the price they paid. I don't feel like I should be on the hook for round trip shipping, when the item was sent and received in exactly the condition shown.  

This buyer is an experienced eBayer, with many feedbacks for both buying and selling. He is not naive. He knows how things work. I feel like he just changed his mind, and wants me to just cover his cost. In addition, he has had the item for two weeks and I don't know if it has incurred any damage while in his possession. 

[inceptions]

I really do want my buyers to be happy...

And yet, this buyer is not happy, and he explained why he has asked for a return. If the buyer opens an item not received case, you will either pay return shipping or refund without getting your item back if you refuse.

I wouldn't hesitate to accept a return, and I wouldn't spend a single minute trying to justify not accepting  because I truly do want my buyers to be happy. But that's me.

What I would advise if you were to ask is to either remove the statement in your listings that you want your buyers to be happy or change your return policy as they are in conflict.

Many, many buyers will not buy from sellers with a no returns policy. Not because they expect to return the item, but because if they aren't happy with it, they want to buy from a seller who will take care of them. Accepting returns doesn't mean you'll necessarily have more returns, but you WILL have more sales.