Be as vague as possible when listing items

[pikeman2210]

Having received a returns request (an unjustified one in my opinion) I have been informed by eBay that I have to fund the return postage. This seems most unjust in my opinion. I took lots of photos from all angles showing the item. I stated I don't accept returns & that the photos show the condition of the item. I also state in my advert that if any questions or for more photos then ask. The buyer received the exact item as shown in the advert. They obviously thought they would buy it to see what it looked like & decided it isn't what they wanted. Yet I have to pay the return postage. I don't mind giving a refund on the initial payment but to force me to pay for the return postage is tantamount to theft in my opinion. 

I described the item in the title (Make, model & colour) The buyer claims the colour listed in the title does not match that received, yet the colour is shon in the photos. Seems if I had just stated the make I would have been ok. So the motto of my story is be vague. 

What are people's thoughts? 

Regards 

Stephen

[calntom]

Welcome to internet sales, 2020. It just ain't the Wild, Wild, West it used to be. 

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@alcoforever wrote:

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As for photos,  you may refer to my current 3 listings for examples of how to take great photos.

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OMG, muffler bearings 😂

[voguevintage]

I am specific as possible. I point out every possible flaw with an item, no matter how small.

I also live by this motto: under promise, over deliver.

When using words like "mint", "excellent", "very good", "good" and "fair" I always use the word below what I think it actually is.

I also find that grading scales work the same way. i.e. "I give this item based on condition a 7/10" or whatever.

I also mention it's "sold as is" and to "see photos for full details"

If I'm not sure about something or have any doubt, I under sell (i.e. if I'm not sure if a part of something is original to the item, I'll say "I'm not sure if ____ is original so I am selling it as not")

I'm never afraid to say "I'm not sure if..." or "I don't know if..."

[kensgiftshop]

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@pikeman2210 wrote:

I described the item in the title (Make, model & colour) The buyer claims the colour listed in the title does not match that received, yet the colour is shon in the photos.

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I try not to mention any colors in my titles or descriptions.

If I do, I try to stick to the basic colors or say something like a shade of red.

[turquoisetulips]

While listing the color of the item  you might mention  that the color can look different depending on the buyers  perspective . I received an  item that was described as red and looked red   arrive  in more like a purple color.  As far as I know there's no fool proof way  to accurately get around  this from happening  .Different monitors .  I just received a return today on a pair of earrings . The reason the buyer  stated was  '' they don't look antique '' . However nowhere in the listing were they described as antique . I don't sell antique jewelry ,, only new and unused . So  as the previous poster mentioned  if someone wants to scam  you ,, then they will .  😞 

[dbfolks166mt]

     Welcome to the sellers life on eBay these days. This kind of thing happens all the time and you have no recourse but to refund the buyer and pay the return shipping. That is unless you want to refund them and tell them to keep the item because the cost of the return postage outweighs the value of the item which may be exactly what they are hoping for. 

     I would for sure add the person to your BBL list. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. 

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

Don't forget colorblindness is more common in males than females, so don't use the flowery color words like seafoam, fushia, Prescott green! And never be vague ever,  it's all about being the most professional seller ever!

[northernlightsofoz]

Do you know where I can get some Blinker fluid??😐

[alcoforever]

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@northernlightsofoz wrote:

Do you know where I can get some Blinker fluid??😐

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I just ordered a case lot.   Will be a great addition to my muffler bearing line.   Thanks for the suggestion.

[xcomicstore]

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@alcoforever wrote:

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@northernlightsofoz wrote:

Do you know where I can get some Blinker fluid??😐

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I just ordered a case lot.   Will be a great addition to my muffler bearing line.   Thanks for the suggestion.

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Looking for a bucket of prop wash here...

[alcoforever]

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@xcomicstore wrote:

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@alcoforever wrote:

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@northernlightsofoz wrote:

Do you know where I can get some Blinker fluid??😐

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I just ordered a case lot.   Will be a great addition to my muffler bearing line.   Thanks for the suggestion.

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Looking for a bucket of prop wash here...

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That only applies to the aviation market.  Just like a length of water line only applies to the nautical market.   I have to stick with what I know - the automotive market.   Thanks for the suggestion though, in case I ever want to broaden my market.

[marie185antiques]

I have always subscribed to the same methods when selling my items.  I describe each and every detail, any defects if they exist and take loads of photos from different angles.

I would say, in most part, this definetly pays off.  However, there will always be a percentage of scammers out there waiting in the wings to rip you off no matter what.  And they will always get away with it!

[johnrj1226]

Kanutin valves are popular

[pikeman2210]

Hello Caldreamer, thankyou for your reply. It is something I wasn't aware of but having never fully read ebay's policies then I'm not surprised. I will indeed from now on list returns accepted if it means I don't have to pay return postage. I've actually put my issue with a legal expert so I'm waiting for their feedback. I don't mind returns but only when I think they are justified. Thanks again for the information. Regards Stephen

[pikeman2210]

Hello Annadryl, that was my problem. I was precise, even down to the colour of the item & the buyer disagreed with my description of the colour.  By being vague I meant rather than do as i did: Abu Cardinal 4 (Champagne) 2nd version. Just state : Abu cardinal 4. Collectors should know what version & colour it is from the photos.

I have been advised that the best way to avoid paying for return postage is to accept returns in the advert. That way, I am told the buyer has to pay return postage. Regards Stephen