What is the definition of an item that "doesn't match the listing description"

[gdewert4a4x]

I sold a used  fishing reel, and in the description I said that "Everything seems to work as it should", but the buyer told me that there is a pin that is supposed to pick up the line for "hands free casting" that only worked 50% of the time.   I didn't know about this feature, I tried everything on the reel without line on it, and it all seemed to work fine.  The buyer paid $35 for it, and with taxes and shipping it cost him a little over $50.  I had it listed as no returns.  I figure that if I bought a used fishing reel, I would take some of the risk in the condition of the reel.  If I buy a used car and the radio only works part of the time, I wouldn't return it.  Am I wrong in thinking this way?  The reel still works, you just need to grab the line with your finger while pulling the trigger, in one smooth motion.  It wouldn't be such a big deal to return it, but with the cost of shipping, and the ebay fees, it would cost me about $60 for me to get my $35 reel back.  Should I just refund him the $50 and let him keep the reel?  Then I am out $50 and the reel?!  He threatened me right away with the first message, saying that if I didn't accept his return he would dispute the charge on his card!  I told him that if he payed to ship it to me I would refund him $50 once I got the reel back, and it's been over five weeks ago.  He just sent me a message saying that he hopes that I got the reel, and I would send him his money back.  He never sent me a tracking number like he said...I'm wondering if he is trying to scam me somehow, but it's only $50, not much of a payout...

[alcoforever]

If the buyer says an item doesn't meet the description, then the item doesn't meet the description.   That's the definition.   No proof, photos, etc. are necessary to back up the assertion.

[lamber9347]

This platform offers a money back guarantee to all buyers. Your own no returns policy is superseded by eBay’s return policy in the TOS. Unless this is a buyer’s remorse type of return, which it wasn't. You got very lucky the buyer didn't open an Item not as Described case because you would have had to pay for the return shipping or eBay will deduct it from your account, regardless of what you stated in your own listing. You can't expect that another (stranger to you) will react the same way as you to a used item. 

It sounds like the buyer shipped it back or will claim to have. They can still open a case on eBay, although it's been 5 weeks these types of cases have opened successfully before. Buyer also has six months to go to their credit card or even PayPal to open a case against you. You're not out of the weeds just yet. Best of luck to you....

[lakefor94]

@gdewert4a4x 

If you sold the reel in used condition, here is the eBay definition of used:

• Used: The item was previously used. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but it is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that was used. See the seller's listing for full details and a description of any imperfections

[threelittlelambs]

I would definitely not issue a refund until I got the reel back. Did he open a return case with eBay? It sounds like he just shipped it back on his own without going thru eBays MBG process.

[pargran3]

"Everything seems to work as it should" 

It doesn't. 

Not as described.

You could offer a partial refund. Otherwise you will pay for the shipping back to you and have to give a full refund including the original shipping.