Handing Returns

[vag44]

I recently sold an authentic designer bag to an individual who now wants to return because the bag is too large. I posted measurements, photos with the tape measure on the bag, and scale photos on a mannequin. There is no way they spent this much money without knowing the size of the bag. I have lately added ‘no returns’ to my listings because I’ve been burned in the past but of course I don’t want to burn a bridge.

I’m still fearful that the bag could come back damaged or replaced with a replica bag.

What advice could you offer? The buyer has not officially opened a return, just asked if they could return and noted it was their fault for not reading the listening properly before buying. I am also aware that there is no such thing as "no returns" on eBay.

[sextons-sweet-deals]

did the bag go through eBay's authentication process?

[stainlessenginecovers]

All you can do is say 'sorry, but we give all the information required and do not allow returns'.

Then, if they open a return, only for 'not as described' will you be 'forced'. If that happens and they send you a rock, a fake etc. then there is nothing you can do. Same as being mugged in an alley. 

But, I would start with the response and hope they don't open a return that way. Of course, if they open the return as 'changed mind' etc. then you can deny it.

Of course, they can then go to their Payment and try a chargeback if they dare.

[josephb555]

If the size of the bag was on the listing page then you don't have to accept the return since you did nothing wrong. The only time a buyer would have to accept a return even if the listing page says "no returns" is if the item was damaged or if the description was inaccurate. You are in the clear.

[vag44]

Yes, measurements were given as well as photos of the bag hanging on a mannequin for scale. 

[vag44]

The bag was selling for $395 and I accepted $350, so it didn't go through the authentication process. I purchased the bag new and have all of the documentation for the bag. 

[bonjourami]

With your no returns policy, you should be ok refusing this remorse return, unless she opens a snad..but I wish you good luck, nice bag.

[monica-sells]

 "...I posted measurements, photos with the tape measure on the bag, and scale photos on a mannequin..."

Unfortunately, The returns arbitrators don't care

"... I have lately added ‘no returns’ to my listings..."

"... I am also aware that there is no such thing as "no returns" on eBay..."

You are close....no returns does not mean no refunds

If the buyer is not happy, they are going to get their way one way or another

tell them to initiate a return based on (changed mind or didn't fit i guess)

accept the return, i assume it goes back to the authenticator (which protects you from receiving a bogus bag in return) and upon receiving your handbag, refund the customer

you do not want ebay to "step in" or delay until this reaches a chargeback......

[simba6]

It's the fashion rental crowd.  Stores often put a LARGE tag on such items and don't allow returns if it's been removed or tampered with.  But, you can't do that on eBay.   Just have to refund as the others said. Return abuse has gotten out of hand here and it's running off sellers.

[m60driver]

Always, always allow a return regardless the reason.  Your policy of "no returns" is meaningless when dealing with online sales and it is somewhat stupefying that Ebay deludes sellers into think that is really an option.  Trust me, failing to accept a return will likely lead to a major headache and misery such as the possible loss of the bag and money.  If the buyer returns a damaged or replica bag then report it to Ebay but Ebay is unlikely to do anything about it.

[mtgraves7984]

I see a couple of sold bags (neither listed with a tape or mannequin, though) that'd certainly be worth not losing . If the buyer opens a Return, approve it. You won't have to refund until it's back to you. For what it's worth, I find that if an item sells once, it will again. Get your bag back to relist for the right buyer. Fingers crossed for you.

[albertabrightalberta]

I assume it's the Prada bag that is in question. 

Here's how I would have handled this remorse return request with a no return policy.

Even without a return policy, when a buyer was honest in her reason for wanting to return, I never refuse a return. I tell the buyer that I don't expect her to keep an item if she isn't happy with it so yes, she may send it back for a refund of the purchase price. Since you charge separately for shipping, you could have accepted the return with buyer paying return shipping and you could have withheld the original shipping and only issued the refund for the purchase price of the bag, $350.

Understand that the buyer could have lied and claimed fake, damaged or otherwise NAD and you would have had to accept the return and issue a full refund. 

[m60driver]

By the way, if I were an infrequent seller like yourself I would be very hesitant to list a $400 item as that is way above your average sold price.  As an infrequent you are inviting a scam by listing such an item.

[vag44]

I just sell items I no longer use. Those items range in price and category - I never once thought of it that way, probably because I am actually honest and assume the best in others.  

[mtgraves7984]

I never once thought of it that way, probably because I am actually honest and assume the best in others.  

@vag44 

Hopefully, the Return request (if there is one later) will cite the honest remorse reason. Hang in there...