eBay

jerseydevil1848 · ‎11-02-2020

Last week, I sold a Vietnam War photo album. After two days the buyer still hadn’t paid, so an unpaid item case was automatically opened. Almost immediately, I received a series of nasty emails from the buyer. “What’s the problem?” “Nowhere in your listing does it say I have to pay within 2 days!” “I am NOT HAPPY!” “What a clown!” On and on. Fast forward to Saturday, buyer has received the album - which cost me extra to ship, since for my own protection I had to add signature confirmation and extra insurance - and says it isn’t as described and he wants to return it.

I called eBay, and the rep closed the case, saying that it was clearly buyer’s remorse and as far as he was concerned the buyer got what he paid for. Today, the buyer reopened the case. This has nothing at all to do with the photo album. Nothing. He wants revenge for the unpaid item complaint, he is obviously emotionally disturbed, and while I don’t mind accepting a return, I shouldn’t have to pay for return shipping.

Now I just have to wait for eBay to make a decision. Any advice?

kako_5344 · ‎11-02-2020

@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
buyer has received the album
and says it isn’t as described and he wants to return it.

Did the buyer claim that the item isn’t as described and wants to return it?

@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
Now I just have to wait for eBay to make a decision. Any advice?

Then when you escalate the return request, eBay applies this policy:

When a buyer isn't required to return an item

In some instances, we may not require that an item be returned to the seller. In these situations, we refund the buyer and may seek reimbursement from the seller, for example if:

- The buyer claims the item isn’t as described and wants to return it.

kensgiftshop · ‎11-02-2020

@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
I called eBay, and the rep closed the case, saying that it was clearly buyer’s remorse and as far as he was concerned the buyer got what he paid for. Today, the buyer reopened the case.

If the case was closed, they can't reopen it.

If the buyer filed an INAD, you don't want to wait and let Ebay decide.

They could refund the buyer from your account and let them keep the item.

Have a great day.

kako_5344 · ‎11-02-2020

@kako_5344 wrote:
@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
buyer has received the album
and says it isn’t as described and he wants to return it.
Did the buyer claim that the item isn’t as described and wants to return it?

@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
Now I just have to wait for eBay to make a decision. Any advice?
If so, when you escalate the return request, eBay applies this policy:

When a buyer isn't required to return an item
In some instances, we may not require that an item be returned to the seller. In these situations, we refund the buyer and may seek reimbursement from the seller, for example if:
- The buyer claims the item isn’t as described and wants to return it.

When you contacted eBay, the rep closed the return request AND OPENED A CASE for you.

By definition, eBay cannot take action during a return request, as the seller and buyer are working it out on each other, so eBay has to invite itself in by closing the return request and opening a case in order to take action against the seller.

You are now on track to

1. earn a "case closed since seller couldn't fix the problem themselves" defect,

2. no refund of all Fair Value Fees and processor fees, and

3. lose the item.

luckythewinner · ‎11-02-2020

@kensgiftshop wrote:
@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
I called eBay, and the rep closed the case, saying that it was clearly buyer’s remorse and as far as he was concerned the buyer got what he paid for. Today, the buyer reopened the case.
If the case was closed, they can't reopen it.
If the buyer filed an INAD, you don't want to wait and let Ebay decide.
They could refund the buyer from your account and let them keep the item.

And give the seller a "Case closed without seller resolution" strike.

steppenwolf73 · ‎11-02-2020

I had one like that, and he kept badgering me, so I blocked him. I had another that didn't pay and finally the item was closed. He then opened a claim and the system acted like he paid. I would automatically refund when time ran out. Ebay said to ignore it. I hoped that fixed it. So anyhow.... When they don't pay and once the case is closed, I consider them closed as well, and block them.

jerseydevil1848 · ‎11-02-2020

But they already closed the case. eBay determined that the item was indeed as described. My photos were representative of the 54 in the album. They’re not professional photos. They were taken by an American soldier in Vietnam and are actually really cool. It’s a fascinating album that any collector would be happy to have. And this buyer has a screw loose. I’ve never been attacked like that by a buyer before. He bragged about his selling site, which was fairly easy to find with a little creative sleuthing. He has his picture on it. Miserable looking, weedy little man. I guess I really should just feel sorry for him and not get ticked off.

kensgiftshop · ‎11-02-2020

@luckythewinner wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
@jerseydevil1848 wrote:
I called eBay, and the rep closed the case, saying that it was clearly buyer’s remorse and as far as he was concerned the buyer got what he paid for. Today, the buyer reopened the case.
If the case was closed, they can't reopen it.
If the buyer filed an INAD, you don't want to wait and let Ebay decide.
They could refund the buyer from your account and let them keep the item.
And give the seller a "Case closed without seller resolution" strike.

And keep their fee's.

Have a great day.

ittybitnot · ‎11-02-2020

while I don’t mind accepting a return, I shouldn’t have to pay for return shipping.

When a buyer files a "not as described case" you DO have to provide for the return shipping on your dime. This is only if you want the chance of actually getting your product back.

Your other option is to refund the buyer and let them keep the item for free.

When you ask ebay to 'step in and help' 99.999999% of the time they "find in favor of the buyer" and eBay will pick an option for you, and award you the dreaded case closed without seller resolution defect. It is basically an automated process. I am surprised you did not get the news in your ebay message inbox already.

jerseydevil1848 · ‎11-03-2020

It would really help if I could speak with American customer service. I don’t think the reps understand the problem. Is there any way to reach a US rep?

I looked at the buyer’s feedback. I found two negatives from sellers, hidden behind a green +. Both for non-payment - one for an $800 purchase.

But of course, eBay won’t take his history into account.