I listed a phone for parts and repair, stating that,
1.) The screen was working at one point, but there were no guarantees
2.) The volume keys were non functional
3.) No returns on items listed for parts
This buyer filed for a return earlier with the message, "Phone was clearly taken apart. Missing all screws. Seller clearly tried to repair phone then sold as parts with out disclosing this info."
This indicates he opened it as there are no screws on the outside of the device, only on the inside. eBay, with their infinite wisdom on what's fair and not, advised me to try and get him to admit that he opened it. Because obviously the only people on this planet who could see that he opened the phone from that statement are those with triple didet IQ's; in eBay's own words: "He may have guessed that the screws were not there."
I did as the all knowing, omnicent eBay advised. I messaged him. He replied back, "The back was already loose and fell off when I opened the package. I would have never bought the phone if you mentioned you already took it a part."
This is a ***BLATANT*** lie. There are specialized clips on the back cover which prevent it from just 'falling off'. The clips on that back cover are not like the broken back cover to a TV remote controll which needs duct tape to prevent it from coming off. There are many clips around the sides, bottom, and top which stop this from happening. In fact, this back cover, like many phones nowadays, needs a special tool to even get it off. You wouldn't even be able to remove it with just your fingernail. I even looked through the pictures of the listing and the back is clearly secure and would not just have fallen off like he said.
He opened it which technically means he altered the device. I have dealt with these kinds of buyers in the past. They buy items listed for repair, try to fix it then return it when they realize they cannot. It is very risky for me to accept these types of items back since they could easily swap out parts or damage something in the device. This is very frustrating considering eBay forces me to accept the item back or face penalty.
I have accepted the return and am going to file an appeal when I receive it. eBay has documented this in their file for the case. Does anyone else have any experience with this kind of situation. How often does eBay take the sellers side in these types of cases?
