Automatic Approval Is Garbage

[discountdenimdeals]

So I sold a computer hard disk drive. On the ad were many pictures along with a screenshot of the space available on the disk after formatting it.

The buyer initiates a return stating it is defective and doesn't work. Without having to provide ANY proof that it's defective, the return is automatically approved. Why? Because eBay is all about the buyers. Now, when I get the item back I have TWO days to test it and see if it's defective or not. Then I have to provide proof by taking a picture and sending it to ebay. Why do I have to provide proof it's working yet the buyer doesn't have to provide proof it isn't working? And plus, I've already provided proof in the ad. Wth?! Not only is it automatically approved WITHOUT PROOF IT DOESN'T WORK and a defect strike automatically put on my account, but I have to prove it does work and only have two days to do so. 

The lady I just spoke with said I'll have to provide a picture of the item and the picture will be sent to an expert. How the heck can you tell in a picture if a disk drive works or not?! Are you kidding me?  This is how top rated sellers with 100% feedback are treated. I've been perfect for 3 years and it means nothing to them. Automatic approval without proof and an instant defect mark against your account.

Thanks, ebay.

[lakefor94]

There are 2 types of "strikes" that I know of. 

Seller Account defects and Service Metrics defects. And there can be late shipping strikes.

Sellers get defects on their Seller Account for various reasons such as out of stock cancellation, having eBay step in to decide a case, leaving false positive feedback for a buyer,  etc. Etc.   Those are bad defects.

Sellers get defects on their Seller Metrics for any INAD case that is opened. These are minor defects and only cause harm if you get 10 or more within a year and are rated very high as compared to peers.

As long as this case is settled without eBay having to step in to refund the buyer, there is no defect on the seller account.

Thus no real harm.

Though the Service Metrics defect usually remains regardless of what happens or decision comes about.

[buyselljack2016]

My main complaint is automatic approval and an automatic strike against my account

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Yup, the buyer is seriously favored, and that bites.  Been there, had that.

One part of your complaint that you can scratch off, as has already been expanded upon earlier by another is the "automatic approval" of a return. The seller's return policy dictates how that works. Accepts returns is............. accepts returns, and as such is auto approved. (even for liar buyers/incompetent buyers) Did not reread to see if it has been mentioned, but "automatic approval" can be halted if you require a RMA for returns. RMA allows for a delay where a seller may be able to work out a problem with a buyer.

[pjcdn2005]

Just to add for the op.... even if an RMA is required, a seller will still receive a not as described mark on their seller metrics.  The claim being filed is what causes that, regardless of the outcome.

[kensgiftshop]

You offer free returns, so they can return it for any reason, even if it does work.

[kensgiftshop]

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@discountdenimdeals wrote:

The serial number. It is in the original ad. All I would need to do is show that HDD with that exact serial number being plugged into a port and accessed on screen.

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Ya, but how can you prove that is the item you shipped?

How do they know you didn't keep the working one and shipped them one that didn't work?

[buyselljack2016]

Yup, correct, and thanks for adding, and also to be mentioned is that I should have said "temporarily" halted. Must still be dealt with.

[discountdenimdeals]

Because they didn't say it wasn't the same item. 

[discountdenimdeals]

Yes, I know this. That's not my issue. My issue is the reason for the return automatically putting a strike on my account before I even get the item back to see if it is indeed defective.

[discountdenimdeals]

Well, what do you know, it works.

Proof.

https://youtu.be/iiE_U5GPpYs

I contacted ebay support once I received the item and told them I had proof that it works and offered to give them the video link. 

Their response? 

"We have closed the return in your favor. It will not affect your account negatively and you do not need to refund the buyer."

FYI: They cannot view video links on their end as the representatives are not allowed to access youtube from their stations. 

Basically they are going by my word and my overall account status and taking my word for it.

[sapphire_studio]

Congrats.  I know they give everybody one freebie when you tell them someone is abusing an INAD claim.  They don't actually  Take the money away from the buyer they just eat to cost themselves and pay you both.  They will only do this one time as a courtesy.

 I wonder if this was just your freebie (Since the message didn't mention anything about the buyer not being refunded).

[lakefor94]

Congrats,  this means you collected on a chump change item out of principle.  eBay refunded you and the buyer, thus your mulligan is likely used for this year and possibly more.

Way to go, man.

[discountdenimdeals]

I only get one a year?

Aww man...

[gloryglorygifts]

I HATE that automatic return policy. I had a customer that opened a return because she claimed INAD when it was actually a buyer's remorse. I know that she didn't read the description to see that the medal is 0.9". The pictures and the description is exactly what she received. Only the color of the box is different and it just states that it is gift boxed, not a color.

[johnson_junk_company]

It would be really helpful if people commenting here would back the sellers looking for support! Most of these comments sound like eBay reps defending the company. This seller, among many others including myself, are highlighting actual problems with eBay.

[johnson_junk_company]

This is a real problem I've been having with eBay.