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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Hello,

 

On my listing I post multiple pictures, angles, and lighting. I am no professional card grader but use my best judgment and state again on my listing review card before buying. I also state that I do not accept returns, however since I ship in a top loader/penny sleeve with a little homemade tamper seal I would honor a return if the seal and card are intact so I can guarantee my card was not switched out or damaged from the buyer. I also took a picture prior to sending the card with the seal and the card condition to be safe as the listing was for a high amount.

 

All that being said the buyer is claiming the item does not match description, and the card has a dent in it. Which in my listing says nothing more than NM (Near Mint) and Used and to please review photos before purchasing. I personally do not see a dent and my picture seem very clear and show every inch of the card in good lighting.

 

The buyer is now claiming the card has a dent that was not mentioned or described and I believe he has removed the my seal as well. I have heard horror stories of cards being swapped out or returned damaged and I really want to avoid this. 

 

He already opened a case and I have not heard back if he removed my homemade tamper seal or not. If its intact, great I would feel fine about honoring a return (Even though I don't believe I should have to). In the case he has removed, damaged or switched the card and wants to return what can I do?

 

This is my listing, not sure how I could have been more clear. Any advice is much appreciated!! See below for my listing

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203235821859

 

 

Message 1 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Oh no. You are not aware of your responsibility when a case is opened. That’s not good.

 

Regardless of whether the buyer is trying to defraud you, you must refund. Go immediately to your case and select return for refund. Do not let the deadline pass. If it does and eBay steps in, the penalties will be stiffer and cost you more money than now. 

Sellers must abide by the terms of the Money Back Guarantee. We all agree to it if we sell here. It supersedes your terms.  There is actually no such things as No Returns on eBay. I am so sorry.

 

It is possible your buyer is telling the truth. That means you will get your card back. Or he may just be having buyer’s remorse and this was the only way for him to get a return. I hope so.

 

If you do not get your original item returned, there are steps you can take, but avoiding the refund is not one of them. You are still required to refund regardless of the condition of the item. 

This situation is one of the major risks in selling on eBay. It is imperative for sellers to know the policies here in order to best protect themselves. Ebay has the buyer’s back and watches out for their interests. Sellers must watch over their own.

 

If you do not select return for refund, eBay will level a defect on your account, charge you the Final Value fees that would otherwise be credited, and remove the funds from your account to refund the buyer. If you drain your funds in an effort to thwart this action, eBay will refund the customer then come after you for reimbursement. If you still refuse, you will lose your selling privileges and you will be turned over to collections, placing your credit score in jeopardy. 

So there is no way around this issue. 

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Message 7 of 26
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25 REPLIES 25

Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

They "can" but there is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent it from happening.

 

For this particular buyer there is no way to know if they might do that, if the buyer has opened a claim for not as described you must accept the return or it will only get worse for you.

 

The time to worry about a switcheroo is after it happens not before.

 

 

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
Message 2 of 26
latest reply

Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Unfortunately, yes, a buyer can return a switched-out item.   If he does, then there are mail fraud avenues you can pursue.

 

See this thread, particularly posts 4 & 5 for an outline of what to do:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/Buyer-Returned-Completely-Different-Item/td-p/3150702...

Message 3 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Thank you! This offers some reassurance. However can I prevent a refund from happening? Maybe a better question is does my listing actually not match an item as described? Like I said I did state the condition as used and the card pictured which I do not see any dent on.

Message 4 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

I have not accepted the return because the buyer stated the card has a "dent" in it which I know is not the card I sent out or listed. Should I still accept in that case? All I would possibly get back is a now damaged and less valued card?

Message 5 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

If you don't accept the return on a NAD, it is quite possible that ebay (you) will refund and let them keep the card.  No returns does NOT equate to no refund.  ebay has a money back guarantee and your 'no return' just means - in ebay's opinion - that you don't want it back and will still refund.

Not saying 'NO' doesn't mean 'YES'.

The foolishness of one's actions or words is determined by the number of witnesses.

Perhaps if Brains were described as an APP, many people would use them more often.

Respect, like money, is only of 'worth' when it is earned - with all due respect, it can not be ordained, legislated or coerced. Anonymous
Message 6 of 26
latest reply

Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Oh no. You are not aware of your responsibility when a case is opened. That’s not good.

 

Regardless of whether the buyer is trying to defraud you, you must refund. Go immediately to your case and select return for refund. Do not let the deadline pass. If it does and eBay steps in, the penalties will be stiffer and cost you more money than now. 

Sellers must abide by the terms of the Money Back Guarantee. We all agree to it if we sell here. It supersedes your terms.  There is actually no such things as No Returns on eBay. I am so sorry.

 

It is possible your buyer is telling the truth. That means you will get your card back. Or he may just be having buyer’s remorse and this was the only way for him to get a return. I hope so.

 

If you do not get your original item returned, there are steps you can take, but avoiding the refund is not one of them. You are still required to refund regardless of the condition of the item. 

This situation is one of the major risks in selling on eBay. It is imperative for sellers to know the policies here in order to best protect themselves. Ebay has the buyer’s back and watches out for their interests. Sellers must watch over their own.

 

If you do not select return for refund, eBay will level a defect on your account, charge you the Final Value fees that would otherwise be credited, and remove the funds from your account to refund the buyer. If you drain your funds in an effort to thwart this action, eBay will refund the customer then come after you for reimbursement. If you still refuse, you will lose your selling privileges and you will be turned over to collections, placing your credit score in jeopardy. 

So there is no way around this issue. 

Message 7 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?


@bunnytcg wrote:

I have not accepted the return because the buyer stated the card has a "dent" in it which I know is not the card I sent out or listed. Should I still accept in that case? All I would possibly get back is a now damaged and less valued card?


 

If you want anything returned before refunding, you need to accept the return and pay return shipping.

If they do ship back a different card, refund the buyer, file mail fraud and a police report.

Take those reports and use them to appeal the case and report the buyer for abusing the MBG.

Have A Great Day.
Message 8 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Thank you and everyone for the helpful advice! I have since accepted the return and now awaiting the item be returned and fingers crossed in the same condition.

 

Thanks for the info and the quick responses

Message 9 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

isnt ebay wonderful to  its  sellers.  they always cover your 6.  just wonderful. lol.

Message 10 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

A buyer would never see a dent unless they remove it from the plastic sleeve. Also your security device is useless against a snad claim.

Message 11 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Maybe in the near future, we sellers won't have to worry about taking returns. Oh, but we'll still have to refund..

New trend in ecommerce: Amazon, Walmart Tell Consumers to Skip Returns of Unwanted Items

Message 12 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

A suggestion that may help you with some protection in the future.

 

For something valued that high, instead of saying "PSA Ready" (which is a keyword spamming violation), actually have it graded. It will give you some protection from a switch and may help it sell for a higher price.



VintageCarMagazines

Message 13 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Good luck. I just had a situation. I sold 4 Corelle cups. Purchaser says one was damaged. I’ve been selling (off and on) since the beginning. I am an expert at packing and Corelle ware (not Pyrex) is like iron. It was Priority Insured, but she conveniently threw away the box and won’t send a picture. I accept returns anyway, so I don’t know what’s going on until I get the cups back. So you are not alone. 

Message 14 of 26
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Can a buyer claim item damaged and return a different or damaged item?

Not the best news for the seller, but this is the most comprehensive description i've seen yet. 

And the best advise. 

Message 15 of 26
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