New open box item returned after used

[bestpricedeals247]

I sold some astronomy binoculars that were never used open box item. The buyer originally asked me if they would be there by a certain date that they were taking a cruise on. I shipped them next day FedEx and I had them listed as free shipping although I did pay 25 dollars to ship them. They used them on their cruise and after submitted a return request as "just didn't like them" for reason they didn't like how heavy and bulky they were. They are about 9 pounds and 17 inches long and intended for use on a tripod. They were returned not in terrible shape, but with a few noticibale marks and a couple of spots on the lenses and one of the clips on the carrying strap was broken. I obviously can't sell them as unused open box anymore. And I usually just use free shipping and still price at the lowest price for comparable item and absorb it into the overall price. So given the fact that I paid 25 shipping and they now look slightly used with a broken clip, is there anything I can do to withhold shipping cost to them or the slightly used condition of the return since I will probably be losing $50 off of the original sold for cost plus the $25 shipping it cost me? I am guessing I am pretty much screwed on that, but just wanted to ask to make sure. Thanks 

[titipeo]

I cant say there is much you can do. Issue the refund and move on. 

[itscalledapostingid]

Ebay allow eligible sellers to withhold up to 50% of the refund for just this sort of situation.

I don't know if your item would be eligible though. That depends on several factors.

[asset_liquidators]

Unfortunately you were just enrolled in the "ebay free rental plan." 

Sorry you had to go through this but yes as you stated you are pretty much screwed. Sometimes it helps just to come here and vent a bit to know you are not alone in getting screwed over by ebays "we don't care about our sellers" policies.

[katzrul15]

Yes, you are a Top Rated Seller.  You can deduct up to 50% for the damage to the item and e-Bay will protect you regarding same, including negative feedback.

[itscalledapostingid]

Thanks for posting. It's good to see people posting good correct advice!

[whattheactualfox]

>submitted a return request as "just didn't like them" for reason they didn't like how heavy and bulky they were.

If a buyer submitted that return reason that falls as a grievance return and you can deny those if you have a no returns policy.

Now If you did have free returns, you can deduct 50% of the item price and ebay protects you

[bestpricedeals247]

Yeah I was kind of expecting that to happen since when I bought them on auction I wasn't expecting them to be that big either. It just irritated me a little since I am such a small time seller that uses eBay to make ends meet, and that return has tied up my funds for almost a month and I am still 188 dollars in the hole. She waited until the very last day to ship them back after a long thought out message saying she could buy a cheap tripod mount for them if she didn't know. I thought I had a slight chance lol

[bestpricedeals247]

Thanks for your reply, are you sure there's no negative consequences for this? I don't want to screw her over, but just to make a fair deal. From what I understand, the buyer will always be found in the right no matter what. If I was a bigger seller this wouldn't be a big deal but in my current circumstances it kind of is right now because I don't usually sell items that expensive.

[whattheactualfox]

Not Katz, but I am an imposter....Okay all joking aside.

Since you are Top Rated, this is a bonus ebay offers to you. If the item was damaged:

• You can deduct up to 50% from the refund to recover the lost value of the item
• We will work directly with the buyer to resolve any issues associated with the item being returned, including removing any negative and neutral feedback, defects, and open cases in service metrics

I would read more about it below. It goes into good detail about the seller protections. And there are no negative consequences if you follow policy.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/selling-policies/seller-protection-policy?id=4345

[lightlily_arts]

I looked at your listing and return policy.  As a Top Rated seller with a 30 Day return policy you are eligible to decrease the refund up to 50% for any damages to the item.   Open Box means the item was new never used.  The buyer purchased, used the binoculars and damaged them.  Therefore you can deduct what is fair since you can no longer resell them in the same condition. Figure out what you would lose to resell.  However, be aware that they may seek another avenue to remedy and  recover their loss.