I sent wrong item, buyer wont return, what can I do?

[guerita_bonita]

I accidentally sent buyer the wrong item. I first said i would EMAIL a "prepaid" label and was told he was "unable" to print it... so I told buyer i would send label in envelope with CORRECT item and asked for original item to be sent back... It took longer for a reply email to show up, but i got a confirmation and it gave me pause, making me think maybe i should request he go through a "proper" return request... but i went ahead and paid for and printed the label, and packed up the item... around Midnight i received an email stating he is UNABLE to return the original item due to the fact his wife through it and the box away, but it was, of course, MY FAULT for sending the wrong item in the first place.

I am NOT sending the replacement item. And i am NOT refunding his money until i get that item back.

How do i get Ebay to help me???

Can i report this buyer?

Is there any way i can keep my item AND my money WITHOUT ebay taking it from me???

[jasst5076]

Dealing with a situation like this can be challenging, but it's important to follow the proper steps to resolve the issue and maintain a positive reputation as a seller. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Communicate with the Buyer:

   • Respond to the buyer's message professionally and express your understanding of the situation.
   • Clearly state your expectations for the return of the incorrect item before issuing a refund or sending the replacement.

2. Use eBay's Resolution Center:

   • If the buyer is uncooperative, you can use eBay's Resolution Center to report the issue and seek assistance.
   • Go to your eBay Resolution Center and open a case regarding the incorrect item sent. Provide all relevant details, including the communication with the buyer.

3. Report the Buyer:

   • If the buyer is violating eBay's policies, you can report them. In your eBay account, go to the buyer's profile and use the "Report buyer" option.

4. Provide Proof:

   • Keep a record of all communication with the buyer, including screenshots of messages.
   • Ensure you have proof of shipment and tracking for the replacement item.

5. Call eBay Customer Support:

   • If the issue persists, consider contacting eBay customer support for assistance. Explain the situation and provide any evidence you have.

6. Be Patient:

   • eBay typically investigates cases thoroughly, so be patient during the process. Keep all communication professional and avoid any hostile language.

[jocapogross0]

Thank you for this explanation.  It sucks, as we seem to have very little protection or representation as sellers on Ebay, It truly feels that all the burden is on us, for the most part, and Ebay does nothing to assist, besides (seemingly) chastise us.  There are also buyers who grossly misuse Ebay and it's buyer protections, and create very bad experiences for sellers as well, as I am personally experiencing.

All I can do is chalk this up as a learning experience and move on. 

I worked for a company years ago (Silicon Valley) when I was in my 20's, that accidentally paid me an extra paycheck as a temp worker, after I stopped working at that location. I was unsure if this was back wages owed etc so I cashed the check. (not maliciously). The company then contacted me explaining what had happened, and setting a date/time for me to come back to their location (in person!) and pay them back for those wages, which I had to fill out forms for, for them to take back the money out of my account. 

They had the legal protection behind them to do this, even though it was their error...and basically (politely) order me to come back to the company that I didn't work for anymore,  and pay them back the money they accidentally sent me. Yes, they were very apologetic, polite,  and seemed embarrassed over their mistake, but best believe they had the legal right to get their money back. 

No such luck with Ebay. 

[jocapogross0]

@guerita_bonita Thank you for your original post. (it is appreciated) I have been beating myself up over this, this week, but only because this error I made has cost me about $100.00. 😔 . I am not a big company, record store, pawn shop, etc..I'm just one guy selling things on Ebay. While I will work harder from now on to avoid any shipping errors, I am glad to see I am not the only seller in Ebay history that has made an unfortunate mistake, and experienced this.

[jasst5076]

Dealing with a situation where you sent the wrong item and the buyer won't return it can be challenging. Here are steps you can consider taking on eBay:

1. Report the Issue to eBay:

   • Go to the eBay Resolution Center.
   • Open a case under "Item Not Received" or "Return an Item."
   • Explain the situation, providing details about the incorrect item sent and the buyer's refusal to return it.

2. Communicate Through eBay Messages:

   • Keep all communication with the buyer within eBay's messaging system. This provides a record that eBay can review in case of a dispute.

3. Wait for eBay's Response:

   • eBay will evaluate the case based on the information provided by both parties. Be patient during this process.

4. Refund Policy:

   • Ensure your eBay listings have a clear refund policy. If the buyer is within their right to return the item, eBay may enforce a return and refund.

5. Consider Blocking the Buyer:

   • If the issue is resolved, you may want to consider blocking the buyer from future transactions to prevent similar situations.

6. Contact eBay Customer Support:

   • If the issue persists, contact eBay Customer Support for assistance. They may provide guidance or escalate the matter.

[house*of*paws]

Hi @jocapogross0 

Many buyers decline to return a legitimately ‘not as described’ item because they consider it too much of a hassle.  They prefer to eat the cost.

The fact that you sent a buyer a more expensive item than they ordered doesn’t obligate the buyer to fix your mistake.  It certainly doesn’t warrant their being punished … assuming that you were allowed to give them bad feedback.

I’m really sorry this happened.  It’s not an uncommon mistake.  [Often a seller mistakenly switches items they send to 2 buyers … and only one buyer is willing to return the wrong item … costing the seller a hunk of change.]   You’ve learned an expensive lesson, which actually may end up being worth the money that is very hard to lose at this moment.  

It’s also possible the buyer may end returning the item.  [Just because it’s more expensive doesn’t mean it’s necessarily something more valuable to the buyer.]  Most buyers and sellers are honest.

BTW, you posted to a thread from 2022.  It’s usually best to start a new question to be sure you get accurate and timely answers.

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[kensgiftshop]

None of that will do any good when the seller ships the wrong item and the buyer will not return it.

Ebay will not do anything to help the seller get the wrong item back.

[srands1981]

According to the Federal Trade Commission Laws, if a person receives an incorrect item from the seller they have NO LEGAL OBLIGATION to return the item. The Seller however is LEGALLY OBLIGATED to provide the buyer with the correct items they paid for OR FULLY refund the buyer. 

The error was yours. The buyer doesn't have to return anything to you. Sorry. It happens. I've sent the wrong item too. Document it as a business loss on your taxes. 

[srands1981]

Actually per the Federal Trade Commission, the buyer is under NO LEGAL OBLIGATION to return the incorrect item. The buyer is also still entitled to receive the correct items they paid for OR a FULL refund. 

Similarly, if a package is delivered to you by mistake, you are not legally obligated (again per FTC Laws) to return the misdelivered package or try to locate the correct owner. Keep in mind it is mail fraud to open a package or mail that's not addressed to you but you legally have no obligation to report it. 

[ebooksdiva]

ZOMBIE THREAD FROM 2022 

[kh-jean]

Hi everyone,



Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread HERE if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.



Thank you for understanding.