Does seller refund original shipping cost for damaged item believed to be caused by buyer?

[wren747]

I sold a collectible pyrex bowl.  Shortly after delivery, the buyer requested a refund, saying the item was damaged, accompanied by a pic of the bowl busted up into dozens of pieces.  It looked like it had been thrown against a brick wall.   I was stunned at the photo because I always (ALWAYS) go to great lengths bubble-wrapping/packing/protecting items for shipping.  Nonetheless,  I instructed the buyer to return the bowl in the original package as is, and that I would issue a refund upon return.  I had no problem with that.

Here's the issue:  The original shipping box came back in completely unscathed condition.  There is NO WAY a bowl could be smashed to smithereens without the box sustaining some sort of damage also.   I realize I have no choice but to issue a refund for the purchase.   My question is...am I obligated to refund original shipping also?  

[mtgraves7984 · Accepted solution]

 My question is...am I obligated to refund original shipping also?  

Yep. Sorry this happened to you.

[luckythewinner]

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@wren747 wrote:

  I realize I have no choice but to issue a refund for the purchase.   My question is...am I obligated to refund original shipping also?  

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Yes, you are. eBay's Money Back Guarantee:

"Our eBay Money Back Guarantee applies to virtually everything on our site, and there's no extra fee for coverage. It’s automatic and covers your purchase price plus original shipping"

https://pages.ebay.com/ebay-money-back-guarantee/

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@wren747 wrote:

Here's the issue:  The original shipping box came back in completely unscathed condition.  There is NO WAY a bowl could be smashed to smithereens without the box sustaining some sort of damage also.

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Yes, it can happen.  The shock of a drop can and will shatter items without damage to the outer box no matter how well you think it may have been packaged.

Refund the buyer in full, including the original shipping.

[inhawaii]

There is no way to prove that the buyer damaged the bowl, so YES, you are obligated to give the buyer a full refund including original shipping. 

Just curious though ... why did you have the buyer return the bowl if it was in a million pieces? Why not tell the buyer to keep/dispose of the bowl and save on the return shipping? 

[wren747]

Thank you. I appreciate the help and encouragement.

[wren747]

Thank you for the help. I appreciate it!

[wren747]

Returns are accepted on all my items, so it was considered protocol no matter how many pieces it came back in.   Just had a question about the original ship cost.