Buyer Filed item not as Described- for the boots not fitting

[andreagranos]

Hi! 
I recently sold a NIB pair of size 8 Sorel boots.  I do not offer returns, as I am not a store just sell my personal things.  However, the buyer filed an item does not match description or photos  and then messaged.

“Hi, I ordered pair of Sorel boots. Normally, I wear a 7 1/2 size shoe but with boots I order size 8 as I wear heavier socks. I received the boots in size 8 and they are way to small (even though I ordered 1/2 size bigger). Would like to return for refund”

I  not sure what to do.  I explained I am not a store and that I listed as a size 8 which they are.  This seems like a false claim to get their money back.  I did write back I would be willing to reimburse for the actual boots minus any shipping fees.  (Otherwise I’m out almost $30 in shipping, because of what seems like buyers remorse). 

Any advice?  I haven’t heard back and EBay said I have to wait 3 days to ask them to step in.  

[maxine*j]

By the way, OP's listing for the boots said, "I have not worn or even tried on," so she wouldn't be able to say if the fit was true.

[ra_201044]

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@bonjourami wrote:

Ebay has a no returns option for sellers who are trs, that means they dont have to accept remorse returns.

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Ebay has a no returns option for all sellers who are trs  - that means they don't have to accept remorse returns.

[jeff1194]

Ask for the boots back and refund the minute you get them. Write a note apologizing for the hassle  (yes - I said apologize). - and get out! A disgruntled customer can do more damage to your rep than you can afford. You're going to lose the fight if you don't.   It ain't worth it.

jeff1194

[bonjourami]

I am not the op.

[alnor2010]

Believe it or not but the first 10 years or so of ebay, it was a haven for scamming sellers...now it's completely reversed.....

[farmalljr]

It's completely reversed BECAUSE OF scamming sellers. Upset buyers don't come back to buy again (likewise, the same can be said about sellers).

However, there should be a middle ground. It should be mostly fair to both sides, with more leaning towards the buyer. Who honestly cares if a scammer returns? But we do want decent to rock star buyers to keep coming back. There is a finite amount of buyers, but an honestly unlimited amount of people willing to line up to sell. Until those discrepancies level out, there likely won't be a tipping point to fairness. 

eBay defaults to buyers 1 because buyers are more important at this point, then sellers and 2 because they refuse to spend resources actually taking care of disputes/disagreements. These platforms have no skin in the game. Only the seller is really holding the bag. Until there is legislation or something otherwise making them take responsibility for their actions, nothing will change. 

These other platforms that some other sellers think are better, are bound to change at some point, just like eBay has. Once they have a flow of sellers to keep their virtual shelves stocked for shoppers, sellers will realize how little they matter or how little the platforms value the sellers. Any seller that thinks they matter to anyone but themselves is fooling themselves. Platforms do not value buyers or sellers, they value profits. 

[skeletonstore]

I didn't read all the comments but.....This almost has no hope at all. You just can't win in today's the buyer can pretty much never be wrong world.  Short of asking the buyer if they put on any weight during the holidays (devil face smile)Accept the return and when they come back check the soles. New shoes are so easy to scuff/get dirty.  I think very few buyers try on shoes in a pristine environment .  You see the slightest flaw maybe(like winning the 2 big lotteries)when you contact Ebay they could go to the slush fund for you?   Only thing I can think of. I hate returns, rarely get em...rarely get sales ha!  However I hear my brother's nightmares daily.  Selling shoes is tough online as probably been mentioned.  You might want to try craigslist/facebook marketplace etc instead for those. I know that's a hassle too but now you need a plan to get some of your money back.  

[coastaltechsolution]

I agree. If any buyer files INAD it is just best to be professional and move on, it is almost a winless situation. I always think of it as when I managed a brick and mortar store (does not matter what type) Shrink was always a problem to deal with, whether it was from employees or customers. Shrink is part of any business does not matter if a part time seller or full time reseller on here or any online platform. Sucks yes but keep your records of shrink for tax time 

[andreagranos]

I’m not promoting it 😂 I’m simply identifying the key policies that keep and deter sellers, like myself.   This is one! Until Ebay has a system in place to help smaller sellers (small fish here).  I doubt they care to lose them though.  I just don’t have the volume at all for the padding needed to be successful on this platform. 

[andreagranos]

I used to post on both platforms for more exposure.  I never had an issue until now.  It is what it is and now I know. 

[andreagranos]

I can understand your viewpoint for sure.  However, I have shopped in the past at discount stores that do not offer returns.  You know going into it the risks.  I view it the same on eBay.  If you go with a seller that offers returns and has high volume then they command more money.  

When you order from a low volume seller that does not offer returns and it’s clearly stated,

in my POV (worth only 2 cents) that is part of doing business.  

I just think if you have to be deceptive in the process, whether you are the seller or the buyer, then it is not acceptable.  Because you don’t want to be out money, you make the other person carry the burden.  That’s not cool

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@maxine*j. Thank you and not surprised at all!

[h.family]

@andreagranosDid you receive your boots back okay from the buyer? I just sold a pair of Sorel boot's but I'm being contacted from another seller advising me that someone is buying Sorel boots, and opening fraudulent cases then not sending back the original item so they can keep the boots and the refund. I've never been contacted like this before!