Buyer threatening feedback if I don't accept return/partial refund of used shoes

[ysl4lyfe]

Buyer sent me this today:

"I've had these shoes on for less than a hour and there already creases. I paid a 120 for a pair of shoes I will never put on my feet again. There trash. Not worth over a $100.". 

I politely replied that I'm not in control of the quality of the product (it was a Nike shoe) and that I will forward their feedback to Nike. Now, they've replied with this: "They should of cost me 90. I want a 30 refunded or I need to send them back to get a full refund. I should anyway. There trash. My feefback will be left according to my experience." 

What should I do?

[dabunk2000]

Nothing you can do he is not threatining bad feedback just his opion

[biggymoe]

You can refund the $30, that's up to you.

Or you can have them return for a full refund, remembering that you will have to pay the return shipping.

[terrycece62]

/Just accept a return of shoes "Sorry u r not happy with your purchase please return 4 a full refund "They r willing 2 keep these trash shoes a $30 discount
your choice of course either way I would add this buyer 2 BBL 2 bar from future purchases
Also this is feedback extortion report buyer

[ysl4lyfe]

Is there anything I can do to fight their claims/avoid negative feedback? I'm not about to refund someone because they didn't like the shoes, and I don't want to accept the return of a worn shoe either. My listing had detailed pictures and stated 'no returns'.

[chapeau-noir]

No fully vamped shoe ever made does NOT get creases from the nearly first wearing unless they're wooden clogs or a suit of armor, so along with not knowing how to spell, they appear to want the impossible. As well as a post-sale discount.

The only thing you can do is call their bluff and say 'return for refund' (because whether you take refunds or not, they're forced on you if the buyer files 'not as described' or "damaged" or whatever), and see if you ever hear from them again. 

[inhawaii]

Simple. Give the $30 partial refund -or- politely accept the return for a full refund.  Which ever you feel is better for you. 

Don't forget to block the SOB.

[dhbookds]

I would only do the return for refund route......  After she gets the $30 refund, she could well ask for more......

[ysl4lyfe]

Is my only real option to just cave in and accept a return of a clearly worn shoe (since they admitted they've worn them)? Sounds discouraging.

[chapeau-noir]

There's no predicting whether they'll neg you or not, so I wouldn't dance too hard to avoid that - instead do what you feel is best.  This account is fairly new so a neg will take your percentage down further than if you had a lot more FB, but OTOH, people play these games with low FB (i.e., they think are new) sellers just to try it on.  This isn't their first rodeo, either - they've worded their message to a low FB account to skirt FB extortion policy, but their threat to leave it is implicit.

Yes, it is discouraging.

[dhbookds]

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@ysl4lyfe wrote:

Is my only real option to just cave in and accept a return of a clearly worn shoe (since they admitted they've worn them)? Sounds discouraging.

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No, it's not your only option........as others have said......  but in the B&Mortar world people walk around in shoes, perhaps not for an hour, but at least they are "worn".........  I really don't know how shoe sellers expect someone not to return shoes......not trying to tell you your business......

[ittybitnot]

Is my only real option to just cave in and accept a return of a clearly worn shoe (since they admitted they've worn them)? Sounds discouraging.

Basically, yes....IF the buyer files with ebay.  Sounds like they are doing a bit of "tree shaking" here to see if you live in fear of the "red donut".....LOL...  bad feedback doesn't count for squat anymore as far as your seller rating goes and your ability to sell. ....sooooo... it is akin to "Do as I say or I will slap you with this wet noodle"....

There are indeed SOME buyers that are no longer allowed to file SNAD claims with ebay, and therefore try the seller shakedown (partial refund) intimidation first.  Remember, $30 is NOT going to make the shoes less 'trashy'.  No more so than a partial refund will get someone's fat rear end to fit better in the dress or pants they purchased. 

There are indeed some sellers that will do anything to avoid a possible red donut review as well.  Personally, though I don't sell here anymore, I gave up "cowering in fear" of a neg about 17 years ago.  Worked for me. 

Wait until they file a claim, and go from there.  

As suggested: 

Dear buyer, 
I am sorry you are not pleased with your purchase.  Please return for a full refund. 

Sincerely, 
You. 

You need not advise the user as to how to go about getting this accomplished. 

[chapeau-noir]

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@dhbookds wrote:

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@ysl4lyfe wrote:

Is my only real option to just cave in and accept a return of a clearly worn shoe (since they admitted they've worn them)? Sounds discouraging.

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No, it's not your only option........as others have said......  but in the B&Mortar world people walk around in shoes, perhaps not for an hour, but at least they are "worn".........  I really don't know how shoe sellers expect someone not to return shoes......not trying to tell you your business......

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In a shoe store shoes are generally tried on and walked in a little, but on a carpeted surface, and not for an hour.  This individual admitted wearing them until they started creasing (which I actually suspect is more than an hour), probably outside.  I take returns on shoes but have never had someone ship back a new pair that was worn to the point of showing the wear.

It's not the return, it's the wear, really, that's the problem.  The shoes would not be returned in the condition in which they were sent. But that won't make any difference to eBay, anyway.

[ysl4lyfe]

Thank you for taking the time to help me out. Sounds like my best way of handling this would be accepting the return, reporting them for FB extortion, even though it sounds like it will be futile, and if they send completely beat up shoes, I will see if I can do anything once I receive them (probably not, but I'll see).  Last question, should I just send them a label through messages or should I tell them to open a return case?

[chapeau-noir]

Absolutely have them open a return case - it needs to be on record (and that will also issue them the label).  Make sure any and all further communication is kept within the case.  You want to keep your thumb on this situation. Save your messages from them, also.