Back Story
I sold a precision electronic device worth around $4000, after receiving the item the buyer discovered that it wasn't fully functional and asked for a refund. After talking with the buyer about the problem I agreed to refund him. I knew I could send the item to the manufacturer and have it repaired, resell it, and still make a profit.
Actual Issue
Because of the high price of the item I was required to purchase signature verification for delivery. But when the buyer shipped it back ebay did not require him to get signature verification for delivery. And because there was no signature verification when the item was delivered it was left by the front door and sat out in the rain for about 5 hours. The box was soaked through and the item was wet which damaged it beyond repair.
eBays Response
#1
You knew the delivery time and should have been there to receive it.
- Someone was there but without signature verification, the carrier just left it by the front door.
#2
It's not covered for damages during shipping because it was delivered.
#3
You issued a refund so the case is closed.
- I only issued a refund because you have 2 days to do so after it's delivered or they just take the money from you. And I didn't want it to reflect negatively on my seller rating.
End Result
The item having spent a few hours exposed to the elements is not something eBay is authorized to compensate or assume responsibility for.
If eBay had required signature verification for the return this would have never happened. An obvious flaw in their return policy but they will never admit to it. So in the end I have no recourse and I'm out thousands of dollars, this goes to show that eBay really doesn't care about its small-time sellers, very disappointing.
