Return Request for Non-Functioning Game (Specifically stated it had not been tested)

[femme-finds]

I have been slowly listing & selling off a family collection of 60 vintage SNES / NES games over the last few weeks. I have sold several already and have received excellent reviews. 

Out of the 8 I have sold so far, everyone has been pleased. In the description, I specifically state that the games have not been tested. (I do not currently have any consoles / equipment to do so but am hoping to purchase something soon.)

However, a buyer just requested to return a $200 game / box set stating that they were able to test the game and that it doesn’t work. (About 2 weeks after delivery.  I realize buyers have a 30 day window, and I do understand that a proper look-over can take time, but always wary of any funny business.) I empathize, particularly considering the price point, but I made zero written claims in the description about functionality. No other buyers have come to me with such an expectation. 

➡️ That said, I am wondering if I am potentially liable to have to do a return based on the fact that I categorized the set as “Very Good”. It was listed under Games and Consoles > Video Games. So, considering it posthumously, I assume the description probably entails function condition, and on that (important) technicality, I am at fault.  

(I may search for a different  category more appropriate to the situation, maybe as a collector’s item? Suggestions welcome.)

Thoughts / Advice welcome.

I will definitely call eBay to confirm this information and see if there is anything to be done.

At best, I am hoping I can accept the return with the stipulation that the buyer pays return shipping. I am not worried about being able to resell the set, as I had a lot of interest, so I don’t have any preservationist interest in that sense 🙂 But I do feel that there should not have been an expectation as to whether the game would work.

If I am being at all unreasonable, feel free to let me know. Always things to learn!

[femme-finds]

(The buyer has also already left me a review stating that the item was as described, if that matters.)

[luckythewinner · Accepted solution]

Thoughts / Advice welcome.

What condition did you assign to these games?

If you chose a condition that says the game is operational, it is against eBay policy to contradict that in your description.

Acceptable: An item with obvious and significant wear but is still operational. May have tears or holes in VHS/DVD box. The video game instructions and box may not be included. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections

[titipeo]

Dear buyer, I'm sorry that game was not operational. Please submit claim through eBay to request return for refund. 

[m60driver]

Alas, untested does not imply not working.  You have two choices.  You will either have to pay for a return label and then refund upon the return or just refund and abandon the game. 

[stainlessenginecovers]

1st and FOREMOST: DON'T CALL EBAY!!

There is nothing they can do for you; they may tell you there is, but again, there's not. 

Also- if you sell something 'not tested'; you have to figure that if it 'DON'T WORK', it's coming back. 

YOU not being able to test is becomes YOUR problem, not the buyers. 

As suggested by others; simply approve a return, refund upon it's return. If it's truly non working; it is worthless to both you and any buyer. 

[titipeo]

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@femme-finds wrote:

Thoughts / Advice welcome.

I will definitely call eBay to confirm this information and see if there is anything to be done.

At best, I am hoping I can accept the return with the stipulation that the buyer pays return shipping. I am not worried about being able to resell the set, as I had a lot of interest, so I don’t have any preservationist interest in that sense 🙂 But I do feel that there should not have been an expectation as to whether the game would work.

If I am being at all unreasonable, feel free to let me know. Always things to learn!

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The above is not going to happen. eBay has an excellent Money Back Guarantee that allows buyer return items that are not as described, as in your case, as shippers/sellers cost. So no, buyer wont pay for return shipping. 

[fern*wood]

It's an expensive game, so it is in your best interest to get it back.  Since it sounds like they filed a not as described return (you don't have a remorse return policy), you must provide return shipping.  Thankfully, games like that aren't too expensive to ship.   Occasional returns are part of selling for most of us.  

[bonjourami]

A $200 game thats nonfunctional? Thats what seems unreasonable to me.

[duffy4444]

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@femme-findswrote

➡️... That said, I am wondering if I am potentially liable to have to do a return based on the fact that I categorized the set as “Very Good”. It was listed under Games and Consoles > Video Games. So, considering it posthumously, I assume the description probably entails function condition, and on that (important) technicality, I am at fault... 

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@femme-finds:

    Good assumption on our part... you've answered your own question in the realm that matters. You put the buyer in the position of taking a leap of faith.

    Take the high road. Send them a return label, apologize as others have recommended, and cheerfully refund AFTER  the item is returned to you.

Cheers, Duffy

[house*of*paws]

Hi @femme-finds 

Unless you list an item as 'not working' ... the assumption is that the item works.  [You can NOT avoid responsibility for refunding a buyer for a nonworking item by saying it's 'untested'.]

I noticed you recently sold a 'game' ... but listed only the 'box and the manual'.  You are also responsible for refunding that buyer if they complain ... because you listed the item under the category of Video GAMES, and not under 'boxes'.  [I doubt anyone would spend $200+ if they realized they were buying only a box and manual.]

You apparently are unfamiliar with eBay policies.  If you don't want to do the all the reading necessary to know whether you are listing items correctly ... then you should at least check with experienced sellers and ask whether you can do what you want to do before listing. 

>>  (I may search for a different  category more appropriate to the situation, maybe as a collector’s item? Suggestions welcome.)  <<

Perhaps a 'paperweight'?  Not everything is worth selling.  I'm sorry to sound so pessimistic ... but 'working' items are expected.

[lesegouts]

There is always the possibility that the buyer had one that was not working and is sending that one back to you. Compare the returned game to the pics you've posted.

[monster-deals]

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@femme-finds wrote:

➡️That said, I am wondering if I am potentially liable to have to do a return based on the fact that I categorized the set as “Very Good”.

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It doesn't matter what category or what condition or what your return policy is...if they open a INAD case you have 3 choices:

1: Refund with return

2: Refund without return

or if your buyer agrees

3: Partial refund.

[femme-finds]

They are highly collectible. Some of them are worth $200-$300 for the box alone without any game whatsoever. Some are worth upwards of $500. 

[monster-deals]

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@lesegouts wrote:

There is always the possibility that the buyer had one that was not working and is sending that one back to you. Compare the returned game to the pics you've posted.

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They will still need to refund.