Blocking Buyer Question

[holmaneva-2]

Greetings All:

I don't take returns, but a buyer issued a return request through ebay with the reason for return "didn't fit." I list all measurements, so buyers can compare sizes to items they own or use their own body measurements to know if the item will fit before buying.

The request email stated I had a choice to refuse this return, but really, does a seller actually have a choice with anything on ebay concerning buyers--except not to sell to buyers on ebay? No, so that leads to my question: Can I block this buyer now or do I have to wait for the return process to complete?

[collectablesofliberty]

I was told by eBay to block them right away. They are still able to communicate with you regarding the item in question and you can respond to them. After the case is close however they are no longer able to talk to you. This way you are blocking them from purchasing any more of your items.

[missjen831]

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@collectablesofliberty wrote:
I was told by eBay to block them right away. They are still able to communicate with you regarding the item in question and you can respond to them. After the case is close however they are no longer able to talk to you. This way you are blocking them from purchasing any more of your items.

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@collectablesofliberty If customer service told you that, they were wrong as usual. The buyer can contact you after the case has closed. A closed case don’t block contact from them. 

[collectablesofliberty]

I believe I misspoke there, yes they can, but you can just ignore them after that, they can't do anything to you. Sorry about that.

[bigchief2472000]

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@mczombies wrote:

This kind of buyer should be courted here--and rewarded for their honesty, or at least given the most basic of courtesies--as in, not being ignored. As it is well known now that eBay will back them no matter what. We want to keep buyers here--especially the good ones--not run them off with rudeness. A buyer wanting to return a piece of clothing that just doesn't fit or flatter, is certainly no reason for any seller to get upset or angry-and it's certainly no reason to treat any buyer poorly.  If you decide not to accept the return, then fine--that is your decision. However, before any seller hits that "refuse" button, or before they try to rely on that "blocked" list to actually help in any way, in a situation like this one--they should be aware of the risks. And there are plenty of ways this can easily go South for a stubborn or rude seller. 

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Obviously the buyer ignored the "no returns" part of the sellers' listing, so I wouldn't view it as any less courteous for a seller to refuse their return and ignore them.  If the buyer chooses to react negatively after having their return refused, that would be a buyer that I would not want courted here.

[colorful*things]

If you have the option to refuse the return and want to, then refuse it.  If the buyer gives you a neg you can call eBay and they will remove it. If the buyer files SNAD, it will depend on who  you talk with at eBay as to whether or not eBay will side for you. Officially they say SNAD is SNAD per the fall update, but we've heard first hand reports of eBay waffling on that stance in the last 2 weeks or so, with some sellers winning the fake SNAD claims, so it's possible eBay *may* be changing their stance on that. No official word yet, of course.  

As for blocking the buyer, if the buyer asked nicely to return an item, I wouldn't block for that. If they were rude or ultimately filed a SNAD, then I would definitely block them.

[jlc_michigan]

A couple of things spring to mind with the "Didn't Fit" return request. First, purchases can be gifts, and having someone else's exact measurements is rare. Second, have you ever tried something on that fit okay, but was just butt-ugly on you? I have. Unfortunately, "fits okay and as described, but pooches in the butt and makes me look like a hippo"  is not one of the options for Returns.

Clothing sellers really do have my sympathy. You get people buying for special occasions and returning once they're done with it. I can see why you just don't want to deal with returns, but consider how risky it is for a buyer to not be able to even try on an item before purchase, and then not be able to return it for a refund if it doesn't work for them. 

This doesn't sound like buyer's remorse, but someone who bought an item that honestly just doesn't fit right on them.  But, if you want, you can block her now and she won't be able to bid on anything else you currently have for sale. Open claims and transactions with that buyer will complete as normal.

[city*satins]

I declined to accept a return today for an item that didn't fit.  Case closed.

If the buyer wants to go to Paypal, they can.  I won't be any worse off than if I'd accepted the return on eBay.  But I will resist if they try.

Also BBLd the buyer.

I usually offer returns but not on Free Ship items that weigh more than a few ounces, since I don't get to withhold the postage.  This item weighed over 1 pound, and I didn't feel like losing over $7 in postage just so the buyer could try on something.