Item doesn't match listing return, but the buyer is wrong

[*magpieinthesky*]

I've just had my first return request opened, with the buyer claiming as the reason that "the item doesn't match the photos and description".  The thing is, the buyer is trying to justify their return (based upon their comments and uploaded photos) on flaws that I very clearly DO describe and show in the listing photos.  I mean I'm very clear about it.  It seems as though they just didn't look properly at the listing.  

The only options for a seller are to refund, send a shipping label for a return, or ignore and let it get bumped to a claim.  When I called customer service, they told me to accept the return, but call them again for further instruction once I receive it.  What's the deal here?  Is ebay actually likely to take my side in this or are they just trying to convince me to accept the return?  Is there no option here but to reward buyers for bad behavior?  Thoughts?

[bonjourami]

Dont ignore the case, or ask Ebay to step in, they will immediately refund the buyer without him returning the item, and you will receive a major defect to your account. Just provide the return label, then refund after return, Ebay will not side with you.

[monica-sells]

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@*magpieinthesky* wrote:

I've just had my first return request opened, with the buyer claiming as the reason that "the item doesn't match the photos and description".  The thing is, the buyer is trying to justify their return (based upon their comments and uploaded photos) on flaws that I very clearly DO describe and show in the listing photos.  I mean I'm very clear about it.  It seems as though they just didn't look properly at the listing.  

This is all irrelevant to the immediate situation

The only options for a seller are to refund, send a shipping label for a return, or ignore and let it get bumped to a claim. 

When I called customer service, they told me to accept the return, but call them again for further instruction once I receive it. 

No need to call CS (you will probably get different guidance). Just follow the return procedure, get your item back, then and only then inspect and refund, and resell it. Any questions, just post them here in your thread. 

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[kensgiftshop]

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@*magpieinthesky* wrote:

What's the deal here?  Is ebay actually likely to take my side

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No.

Since you already got Ebay involved and you want the item returned before refunding, accept the return and provide a shipping label.

If you don't they'll refund the buyer from your account, let them keep the item, they'll keep their fee's and give you a defect for not handling the return.

[chevymontecarlo88]

Others have already posted great advice. Don't wait and have Ebay decide to refund and let them keep your item.

[frugalmarketplace]

@*magpieinthesky* 

Unfortunately everything that has been posted here is correct. Just do what you have been told and the issue will be resolved. 

‘Just to add a chuckle to your frustration…I take returns..no issues. HOWEVER this weekend I Had a horrible woman contact me swearing in every other word…She got a box of perfume, and there was nothing in it. Guess what I was as described..the Title said EMPTY BOX, so did the description, and the details. It was a 20 year old box for a very collectible fragrance. When I ask her if she read what she was buying, “Oh, I must have missed that”.   Finally I had to block her because of all the threats… people can be horrible. 

[*magpieinthesky*]

Thanks for the prompt advice!  Basically affirms similar posts I've seen.  Guess it's just a cost of doing business.

[monster-deals]

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@*magpieinthesky* wrote:

Is ebay actually likely to take my side in this 

Is there no option here but to reward buyers for bad behavior? 

Thoughts?

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No, they will almost NEVER enforce the MBG against a buyer.

Report your buyer, that's all you can do. If enough buyers report abusive buyers they get spanked.

Learn to live with returns if you want to sell on ebay. Buyers lie cheat and steal multiple thousands of times a day on ebay, there is little or nothing ebay wants to do to stop it. Your best defense against those faulty returns is VOLUME.