Buyer wants to return item used which was new and sealed

[g.goodenough360]

Evening all, 

Have a quick question around a return from a buyer. They contacted me asking if they can return the item in question because there is damage to the product (that being said, if would be hard to prove what they're saying is true - they're also saying it's a manufacturer fault). The item I sold was new and sealed and worth a decent amount.

How do I approach this? My concern is, as much as what they're saying could be true, it does seem somewhat unlikely all these has happened. Also, it would also mean the item is worth considerably less as it has now been used and opened.

Any advice would be much appreciated 

[Anonymous]

Advice is to accept the return. You aren't going to win this fight. If the buyer says that the item is damaged it doesn't matter if it was new, in the package, buyer damaged it, whatever...you aren't going to win.

You've never bought something in the store that didn't work properly?

[g.goodenough360]

Okay, no worries. Makes sense!

I guess the key difference there is that the shop is insured for damages/losses. In this instance, the item which will get returned has lost all value, even if the buyer has damaged it/returning a different item. Just seems potentially unfair on the seller in this instance that they solely lose out...but then again, I guess being in this position probably highlights that.

[glyph01]

It’s the cost of doing business. There is risk selling online and you have to occasionally deal with returns for some reason. Your energy is better used in focusing on the next sale if you are a prolific seller. Accept the return as this is a case of Not as Described. Have them open a return request and provide return label. Then the ball is in their court to return it or the case times out on them in which either they’ll do nothing or file a PayPal dispute or a chargeback.

[glyph01]

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@g.goodenough360 wrote:

Okay, no worries. Makes sense!

I guess the key difference there is that the shop is insured for damages/losses.

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If you work with a wholesaler/distributor to source your inventory, you can return it or work with them for a refund/credit.

[g.goodenough360]

Sadly I was just selling some of a personal collection of vinyl. I very rarely sale so unfortunately it seems I'd just have to bin it if its no good. I originally bought it 6 years ago and kept it sealed since then. 

I guess it happens, just a shame.

[postingid7659]

While the buyer is not required to do so, I would ask them if they can send pictures of the damage.