Do I need to accept return when a buyer claims item didn't arrive as described, even though it did?

[whattheneck]

I sold a CD. Buyer claims front jewel case arrived cracked. Photos show front jewel case was cracked. Item was listed in acceptable condition. 

What do I think the buyer did? Buyer probably copied the CD to his computer, and wants to ship it back to me on my dime.

Do I have to take it back?

[luckythewinner]

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@whattheneck wrote:

Whoa, seriously? "Reference photos for condition" isn't allowed?

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When he said you "can't" do that I do not think he mean it was not "allowed" - he meant that it is insufficient to avoid a misunderstanding with a buyer.

This is what the description of acceptable condition for a CD says: "See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections."

IMHO when you sell on eBay, you cannot make the assumption that the buyers "understands"what he will be getting. You need to tell him explicitly. 

[bbravo65]

...I said it before and I say it again...

...can anyone go to WalMart, Target, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics (oh, sorry this store is already no longer in business), even Amazon to purchase a CD, DVD, software game, bring it home, open it up then get back store and force a return, demand fully refund...it's a joke, isn't it, right...???

...again, only eBay...the MBG must exclude this category, especially the ones that listed brand-new condition...

...should FBI and FTC be contacted about copyright infringement...???

[coolections]

I assume it is your angus cd. Problem is I can barley see the crack and would have never noticed if you had not came here mentioning it. It is a must that you describe what you are selling as buyers cannot see it in person. You said "may" have scratches ? That does not cut it, you have to either say it does have scratches, or it does not have scratches.

[whattheneck]

That's a great point. Remember when the record companies sued Napster and their users? How will eBay deal with that if it were to happen? 

[mtgraves7984]

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@whattheneck wrote:

This information honestly makes me think selling CDs on eBay is a bad idea. No copy protection at all.

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@whattheneck 

I found it a good idea once... way back when I needed sales #s (25) and sales $s ($250) to make TRS. Since then... nah.

[coolections]

@bbravo65 

Yes they can if the cd had scratches or a broken jewel case as long as you have your receipt of purchase.

[bbravo65]

...yep...the lawsuit started in year 2000 with Metallica was the first defendant...Napster out of business in 2020...

[dhbookds]

You have a no return policy........  long ago, a blue (ebay employee) said that IF imperfections were stated in the Item Condition Box (shown just under the title) and Buyer tried to return for that reason, they would honor the No Return.  i.e. if you had stated there "cracked jewel case", you would win an NAD case IF the buyer stated the reason for return as cracked case.

If the buyer said the reason was "cracked case, poor play", you would lose. 

What you have now:  "Condition is subjective! I list everything as “acceptable,” and let you decide for yourself. Please reference the photos", just opens you up to a claim......if I decide Unacceptable, my impression is I could return it.  

[whattheneck]

Doesn't listing in acceptable condition automatically imply that a case has problems?

[bbravo65]

@coolections 

...stores don't sell used CD...also when check out, cashiers always exam the CD carefully and state out any issues (if applicable) to buyers plus inform them NO RETURN by store policy...

...and you ONLY can exchange if the CD gets scratches...(I knew this very well as my family's members worked for Circuit City, Fry's Electronics, Best Buy)

[dentalrprtek2012]

eBay will just refund them that is why they purchase here order file a complaint and you get your money back and keep the item. That is the eBay business model.

[ashle_lind]

eBay sides with buyer someone sent me back a sleeve off a t-shirt. They gave them there money back   I’m below standard seller now. I have good reviews from my buyers. Always try to do right thing. 

[kensgiftshop]

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@bbravo65 wrote:

...I said it before and I say it again...

...can anyone go to WalMart, Target, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics (oh, sorry this store is already no longer in business), even Amazon to purchase a CD, DVD, software game, bring it home, open it up then get back store and force a return, demand fully refund...it's a joke, isn't it, right...???

...again, only eBay...the MBG must exclude this category, especially the ones that listed brand-new condition...

...should FBI and FTC be contacted about copyright infringement...???

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If the item doesn't work, you bet it's going back for a refund or exchange for a working one.

[kensgiftshop]

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@dentalrprtek2012 wrote:

eBay will just refund them that is why they purchase here order file a complaint and you get your money back and keep the item. That is the eBay business model.

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You could have accepted the return and got your item back.

Once the buyer goes to their bank/credit card, there's not much Ebay will do, as you found out.

[this*old*attic]

@whattheneck 

While the members here are explaining the ropes very well, I’m concerned about something else.

Why are you so sure your buyer is lying? How did you pack it? What was the dollar value of the item?

The only thing that hurts the site as much as scammer or inept buyers, are accusatory sellers that don’t own up and make fixing a transaction problem a nightmare for the buyer.

 I’m NOT saying this is you. I’m just saying it’s a good idea to be open and self reflect.