Buyer returning item that was either damaged in shipping or his original damaged part.

[logsuppustang]

I'm not a big seller, I sell stuff to clear out a closet or a corner in the garage to give you an idea of the type of seller I am. I have have made a total of 3 sales including this one, the first I was almost burned on and this last one I am pretty certain I will get burnt on. The item was sent out in great condition and was well packaged as to prevent any issues with shipping(not a really hard item, its a seat for a motorcycle that was never installed or used). Anyhow, The night I get my payout not more than a few minutes later, I get the refund request with a picture of a seat that has a puncture and some scrapes on it- the one I sold had no marks on it. I kind of already know Ebay has little to no protection for sellers or so I have been led to believe. I sent him his return slip but he has until the end of the month and won't get his refund until I get the seat back- the seat has a production number on it akin to a serial number and I took a picture of it. If the seat he sends me does not match up can I do anything with ebay or am I still boned- If it was damaged in shipping can I fall back on a USPS claim for the loss? Once this gets resolved I don't think I'll be risking anything more on ebay as a seller, but I would like to know if I have any hope of a positive resolution in this situation.

[bonjourami]

You can always file an appeal with the production number you have. You can file the insurance but tell the buyer to send you photos of the packaging too, and to hang onto the packaging in case the p.o. wants to see it.They usually claim insufficient packaging. Good luck.

[simba6]

It makes a big difference.  If it's damaged in shipping, they are allowed to return it.  Shipping damage is your problem.

[logsuppustang]

Thanks for your replies, I got the item back today- It had been punctured through the side of the box by something like a flat blade screwdriver. It most probably happened during shipping and not by the buyer- He really needed the part as this was an original and never used. I'll most likely have to either call USPS to make the claim or go down to the post office with the items/box to recoup the loss. I gave the buyer the full refund after seeing what had happened, Again thanks for your replies.

[kensgiftshop]

Since it was returned, an insurance claim probably wouldn't do any good now.

[logsuppustang]

I submitted an insurance claim to USPS and was told they may actually ask to see the item at the local post office.  For all its worth I am not too interested in selling on Ebay knowing the risk and considering I only was testing the waters with about 4 items anyhow, I'll stick to being a buyer at this point.