Altered purchase before return

[java335]

Buyer reported to eBay my item came damaged but she never said that to me she loved it but couldn’t find the 3 screws that go to the legs that were removed for shipping. I initiate a return, she just massaged me said she had someone at the hardware store replace the 3 screws & “glue” the legs in place she said she deserved a partial refund or she would return. Well shipping will dbl now that she glued the legs, but being that she altered the table isn’t that in my favor? 

[buyselljack2016]

So why not just do a partial refund for the screws/work rather than offering to pay return shipping and refunding the full initial payment upon return?

Altered? Now assembled as shown.

[12345jamesstamps]

Ask for a bill receipt of the 3 screws that were purchased to send the partial refund.

Sorry but someone at the hardware store is not coming to a house to put 3 screws in a table.

Return however, can cost you a lot plus it will be impossible for a person to return it who couldn't handle 3 screws to put in a table.

Ask her how much of a partial refund does she want.

Buyer can do a item not as described and you have to pay return shipping which would be a nightmare.

Because you are a new seller...a nasty feedback can hurt.

Work with this buyer...think of it as a learning experience...and what a 'drama buyer' is like.

Don't let eBay handle it and ruin your beginning of a seller.

And block the buyer from future purchases.

[java335]

Hi, thank you responding. The buyer opened a claim w eBay saying it was damaged & missing parts. She messaged me she loved the table but didn’t know how to attach the legs, told her 3 screws in a ziplock bag in box. She couldn’t find them… so wouldn’t I have to pay for the return shipping? Which will double so yes but I think she thinks she keeping it also. 

[buyselljack2016]

@java335 

Unless they are asking for an inordinate partial refund I just don't understand why you want to pay the return shipping when the buyer can be placated with a partial refund. May feel like a bit of extortion, but it may not be.

If you continue to not do a partial, as you know it will be costly.

Table is not altered. It is assembled. 

Yes, seller has to pay return shipping on a "not as described" return request. 

Do not block the buyer now. It will block all communication from them.

[java335]

She didn’t specify the amount of the partial refund, I’ve never done it. The table I think I’d altered because she glued the legs so it can’t be taken apart for shipping, which would be bad for the table & double the amount for shipping.. so I agree it would be cheaper to refund partial payment but how does one figure what’s fair… it’s a $200 table

[buyselljack2016]

That is something that you will have to work out with the buyer before making the official partial offer as a response to the claim.

You must act withing the case time limit.

[splendidthreads]

Respectfully, it's not mentioned that it would be broken down for shipping. Not knowing that, if I bought that table I would have expected it to come as shown in the pics.   

As a seller, I'd refund something for leaving out the screws and her having to have it assembled.  Maybe $20-30? That's a lot for screws, but a lot less than the return shipping is going to be.  

[java335]

Thank you & you’re right. It’s a learning experience for sure. 

[java335]

Agreed I just felt like I was getting scammed because I didn’t for get the screws or packing sheet. But guess that’s part of the game.