Best Way to Handle Return Request

[deesthings6]

I sold a videogame console bundle ruth games and controllers. It wasn't even received by the buyer yet and he is already requesting a return stating he didn't mean to purchase it. Mind you he purchased it days ago and is crying mistake days later. I literally just shipped the item out today and payed $18 of my own money to ship. Any advice on how to handle? Ebay said I don't have to accept the request but I'm thinking i may so this guy doesn't trash my seller rating. Also how do i accept the request and ensure the item will be shipped back to me when received? I don't want to pay shipping AGAIN 

[heckofagame]

Has the buyer officially opened a return through eBay?

[toomuchstuffagain35]

File a parcel intercept with your post office NOW before the buyer gets a chnce to receive it. Yes, this will cost you $15 or so but better to have your stuff back to resell again than let this possibly nefarious "buyer' get his hands on them. Do NOT refund until you get it back.

Did you charge the buyer shipping? Do you mean you used your 'own money to ship' because your funds are on hold?

Has the 'buyer' files a dispute with ebay? If so, was kind of return claim was it?

[deesthings6]

Yes. He filed a return request. 

[chapeau-noir]

@deesthings6  I've had this happen. I just told the buyer to NOT open the item and simply mark it return to sender and drop it off at the post office.

Forcing the issue in these cases really doesn't work very well - it's just one of those things that tends to happen in this business.

[stuff4divas]

@deesthings6  go to the USPS website and open an intercept package request. it'll cost about $16 or see if ur post office still has the package and ask them to hold for u to pick up

to me, it does not sound like buyer's remorse, it sounds like a scam in progress

[deesthings6]

I paid for shipping because it was listed as free shipping. 

[huntfishdie45]

He has buyer's remorse; tell the buyer you will gladly refund his money once he sends you back the items he purchased. Whether or not you will have to pay for a return label depends on your return preferences. Good Luck

[oldschool718 · Accepted solution]

accept the return , purchase shipping label through ebay for the buyer,  refund once  you receive your item back. you can report the buyer and ebay should refund you the return shipping cost. 

[toomuchstuffagain35]

From what the OP said, I wouldn't be trusting this particular buyer to not open and RTS.

[huntfishdie45]

It sounds to me you have done everything right so far. Do not refund until your items have been inspected for damage and make sure nothing is missing. If everything checks out refund the money so you don't lose your fees paid to eBay for the sale. Send him a polite email stating your sorry the sale didn't work out for you so you don't have to face a bad feedback and then BLOCK the you know what out of him! Good Luck

[toomuchstuffagain35]

What does tracking show? Has it been delivered?

[creativecrisis]

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@deesthings6 wrote:

I paid for shipping because it was listed as free shipping. 

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Free shipping doesn't mean the seller has to pay for shipping out of pocket. Incorporate shipping into your item price along with the other cost factors.

[luckythewinner]

If you shipped it today, I would file an intercept for the package. I would not trust the buyer to return it intact.

[deesthings6]

I wound up doing exactly this Fingers crossed. The buyer has until July 12 to send the item back to me. If i don't receive by then I can close the case and not have to issue a refund.