eBay

justlikenew2u · ‎02-25-2023

I sold a NWOB bottle of parfum spray that was given to me. I never sprayed the bottle. In fact, I never even took the lid off to smell it because it seemed to be "sealed." My buyer received the item and left positive feedback, but then I received a message from them stating that the bottle was completely empty and accusing me of being a scammer (which, of course, I am not.) I have been selling for about a year and a half and have 100% positive feedback.

I want to do the right thing and did offer to let the buyer send the bottle back, so that I could weigh the bottle and confirm it to be empty. My concern is, who's to say that the buyer didn't empty the bottle into something else and then tell me the bottle was empty?

What is the best way to handle this situation?

stainlessenginecovers · ‎02-25-2023

There's nothing to say the customer did what you said, and nothing you can do about it- even if they 'return' a rock.

Did the customer open an 'official return'? If so, what 'reason' did they use?

I would have, initially, stated 'see my feedback and you can tell I am not a scammer; but I do wonder, did you notice any breakage or cracks in the bottle? was the box wet?

But...since you already 'offered' a refund- I would just wait till they open an official return and not respond any further until then; then, you just have to 'honor' it if they used 'not as described'- unless you offer returns, then it doesn't matter.

PS- I can see a.) no box and b.) you don't offer returns so,

unless buyer opens a 'not as described' (which they you are forced to pay for return shipping as well as refund' and because you don't offer returns, you cannot use seller protection of refunding only 50%. So, if it does come back and it's empty, chalk it up to 'that's business on the internet' and think whether 50% would be worth it in the future for you to offer returns.

simba6 · ‎02-25-2023

I have seen old bottles that did evaporate and were never opened. Or worse a few that took on a gross smell. So, it could be true. How old was it ? More than two and I would worry about it's condition. Some do last a lot longer but not all.

lamber9347 · ‎02-25-2023

This platform offers a money back guarantee to all buyers. If the buyer selects Item Not as Described, you will lose the case. Your best bet is to accept the return once she opens it and issue the return label or you will also receive a defect on your selling account. It happens; it's a part of selling online. Nothing you can do about this.

Also, I have had brand new perfume bottles remain unopened and they too dissolve to nothing after time. I'm sure it wasn't actually empty but not full would be the same to a buyer. You may not have had the bottle for that long, but you have no idea how long it sat on a shelf before you purchased it. That was how I learned the trick is to open them and use them as they are designed. Best of luck to you....

justlikenew2u · ‎02-25-2023

Sounds good. They have not opened an official return. When I received the initial message from the buyer, I replied and did exactly what you said - I told them I have a 100% positive feedback and that I am in no way a scammer. I told them that I was out of town and would look into this as soon as I got back (which was today). I told them initially that I would have them return the bottle and, if confirmed to be empty, I would issue a refund. That was two days ago, and I haven't had any response from them positive or negative.

I appreciate your feedback.

justlikenew2u · ‎02-25-2023

Thank you for your feedback. Yeah, it's probably a "learning experience" situation for me.

lamber9347 · ‎02-25-2023

@justlikenew2u wrote:
Thank you for your feedback. Yeah, it's probably a "learning experience" situation for me.

That right there is the BEST response to have. Everything is a learning experience for all of us. We've all been in your shoes before. Keep your buyer happy and she may return to buy again. Best of luck to you....

fab_finds4u · ‎02-25-2023

Weighing and confirming won't matter because you have to refund in full and tell them to keep the pretty bottle or send them a return label and refund when it's returned.

Shipping cologne should be via ground not air. That's a USPS rule, BTW.

FIrst Class goes by air unless it's to a nearby state. Air pressure in planes fluctuate and probably in a cargo hold there's nothing to regulate the pressure and pressure at high altitudes can cause leaking.

You can't fight the return is what I'm saying and please from now on ship cologne surface mail as required by the PO.