Obvious Red Flags on a 'Return' Request?

[itspopcorn_88]

I'm not a new seller by any means, I have dozens of sales with no issues. I have never had a single issue.

Today I received what I think is clearly a bogus return request... check me on this one but this sounds very suspect does it not?

"The item was smashed as there was no protection and the nicotine triggered a migraine headache. I need a refund."

Really? First of all I packed it myself with actual re-purposed cardboard 'corners' that were then surrounded with ample crumpled paper that filled out the box to every corner. I placed an inflatable air packet on top of the unit inside to protect the top. It was solid and shipped UPS via direct drop by my at the UPS store I frequent. It would involve a driver and or shipping error of uncharacteristic proportion for such an item to arrive 'smashed'. Then the nicotine migraine portion of the message? Can there be a clearer red flag? The statement doesn't even make sense especially as nobody has EVER smoked around the unit in question... does this sound as suspect to others as it does to me?

I asked for pictures of course but I think I'm in for a dispute on this one either way aren't I?

[supercharger-parts]

I would also ask for photos of the packaging because you packed it with protection so you need to make sure that UPS didn't repackage it for some reason.  I would apologize for the nicotine odor and explain that you don't smoke. 

Some packages arrive at my location pretty rough, so it's not unheard of in my world.   In my experience crumbled paper is a pretty crappy packing material for heavier items because it compresses, I'm assuming this is the Tivo dvr?  You say that you packed it so that it filled out the box to every corner, but was it "tight" leaving no ability for the item to shift around in the box? 

[itspopcorn_88]

Yeah it was or a Tivo unit... and it was packed with what, removed, would have been... 12ish full sized sheets of paper? For the box it was in it wasn't going to shift, it would have had to have been the cliche 'fell off the back of a truck' situation to incur damage. So, yeah it was tightly packed in there to the point where I literally couldn't have inserted any more... it was far from carelessly packed, and given that the units are basically metal how does one become 'smashed' anyhow??

I guess I await the photos but it seems to be a 'tell me you're making a false claim without actually admitting you are making a false claim" kind of situation, which bothered me enough to post about it.

Thanks for the reply!

[mtgraves7984]

Today I received what I think is clearly a bogus return request... check me on this one but this sounds very suspect does it not?

@itspopcorn_88 

Yeah, the bogus ones always sound very suspect. I especially hate it when they reach out to request a refund instead of just opening a Return request. We sellers empathize. Hang in there...

[nenu-5410]

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@itspopcorn_88 wrote:

Yeah it was or a Tivo unit... and it was packed with what, removed, would have been... 12ish full sized sheets of paper?

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Paper is not a packing material. It flattens, to the point where it regains the non-shock-absorbing properties of wood.

[albertabrightalberta]

@itspopcorn_88 

If the buyer claimed NAD and requested a return through the order, you must either accept the return  (paying return shipping) or issue a refund without a return. 

The buyer isn't obligated to send pictures unless ebay requires them prior to initiating the request. 

[lakefor94]

@itspopcorn_88 

Best play here might be a note to buyer, 

"Sorry you are not pleased with your purchase.  Please return for refund"

Nothing more, nothing less.

Put the ball in their court and wait and see what they do. 

Your packing strategy sounded very suspect and novice-like.  Good luck.