Buyer asking to provide funds for a return that I paid

[adva2368]

I am a new seller and I recently sold a Special delivery charizard  promo card in mint sealed condition. But the buyer recently requested a INAD and I accepted knowing that I would not win the case (after reading a lot of cases). I bought the return label from eBay and now the buyer is asking:

“I need you to provide another label that is compatible with the priority mail boxes, or provide the funds to purchase another shipping box to use the label you provided. Let me know what you would like to do.”

Because the return label was rejected with the box I sent (buyer is reusing my box). What is my next step? I know my only job is to provide the shipping label not more funds to get them a new box or label. 

Also, I am worried that they might send it back in a worse condition. What can I do if that happens? Thanks for your time.

[lamber9347]

@adva2368 This is a decision only you can make. Buyer is not supposed to ask for an upgraded label. However, buyer is holding the card and as you've already wisely deduced, they can turn around and damage the card in retaliation. Buyer most likely thinks that shipping it back priority helps them out- they are mistaken but you'll never convince them of that. 

I would suggest you send them a priority label in order to get your card back. Then you can resell it to someone else and up the price a bit to make up the difference. This is a part of online selling; these things happen occasionally. Just keep your selling account in mind, do what's best for your account and keeping the card safe. Best of luck to you.... 

[adva2368]

Thank you for your response. I forgot to mention that since I accepted the return and already bought the return label. Ebay says that they have until the 26th to send it back to me. So it is a given that they have to send it back either way.

[coolections]

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@adva2368 wrote:

Because the return label was rejected with the box I sent (buyer is reusing my box).

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Why would the return label be rejected with the box you sent? If it was the same box, I do not see a problem, tell buyer to put the card in the box and slap the label on it.

[lamber9347]

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@adva2368 wrote:

Thank you for your response. I forgot to mention that since I accepted the return and already bought the return label. Ebay says that they have until the 26th to send it back to me. So it is a given that they have to send it back either way.

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Nope, nothing is a given. That's not how it works on this platform. The buyers have all the rights as you will learn from this experience. Stop focusing on what the buyer should or should not do, that will not help you. Always keep your own best interests in mind. You need the card back undamaged so you can resell it and get money for it. 

The return system is all automated on this platform because there are literally millions of individual sales in any given day. No one is actually monitoring the returns; it is all automated and handled with bots. Buyer only has to say they cannot print the label and the system will find in their favor. You will lose your card and your money if you start playing games here. Get your card back, that is all you need to do, get your card back.... 

[lamber9347]

You sold that card for $80. Now you want to stand your ground by not sending them an $8.00 label because, what you think you will win here? Eighty dollars is much more than eight dollars. Send them a priority label and be done with this.... 

[inhawaii]

How was the item originally sent by you? First Class Mail -or- Priority Mail?

If First Class Mail it should be returned  via First Class Mail.

If Priority Mail it should be returned via Priority Mail.

For such a small, light item I would imagine the difference would be just a few dollars.

To get back your $80 item back it might be worth the few bucks.

The question is how would pay the buyer?

[jahood1984]

Doesn't eBay send a priority label if you did?  I've had large items returned and it would of never shipped first class.  Did eBay change it up to make free stuff easier, if you sent a first class label eBay should.  Same with Priority, nothing else makes any sense 

[adva2368]

The buyer sent me a picture of the card unsealed showing a cut on the plastic wrap, so the worth of the card is diminished. Plus usps provides free boxes/mails. It seems suspicious to me to ask to pay for free items. This is what I am referring to what eBay has told me

“

The buyer has until Sep 26 to ship the item back. If you choose to refund the buyer now, then the return will close and you shouldn't expect to receive the item.  

If the buyer doesn't ship the item back by Sep 26, we may close the return automatically and you will not be required to refund the buyer. “

[cardsforauction]

I think when you buy the USPS Priority Mail box it comes with $50 insurance.  That covers most of your card price.  That's a pretty good option.

[lamber9347]

@adva2368 I can see you want to stick to your guns regardless of all the advice you've received from multiple people here.  I wish you all the best. I do hope you get your card back in whatever condition it comes and hopefully the next time you have an issue such as this you will better understand how best to respond.... 

[dakotasnowshine · Accepted solution]

What type of label was sent? You should be able to see this in Seller Hub. It sounds like the buyer maybe received a First Class label and tried to use the free Priority shipping stuff USPS offers. USPS won't allow Priority/Flat-Rate boxes to be used for other USPS services. I would not send funds to purchase anything.