Don't expect help from eBay as a seller

[airon_environmental]

I just went through a terrible experience as a seller. Had an item listed that was a part/accessory for a larger system. Description was excellent and included the part number and manufacturer. Nothing more, nothing less. Took pictures of everything and posted. Someone bought it for $5 (Shipping was like $10, but the buyer paid it). It arrives with the buyer, and they immediately request to return. The reason was that it didn't include an additional part that wasn't described in the listing or shown in the pictures. I tried to explain that to them, but they never responded. I notified eBay that the buyer was trying to get additional items not included in the listing, and sent them a brochure of all the parts and accessories for this system, so they could understand what I was telling them. 

They never even looked at it. Sided with the buyer. Had to pay a full refund for everything, and now they won't respond to my emails. Side note: The eBay customer service phone number 1-800-456-3229 doesn't actually work. It just connects you to a robo-operator that inevitably refers you to the website and then hangs up.

It's really frustrating to be a good seller on this platform for years, and then be unable to get any response when you need help, and get zero consideration when there's an issue. If anyone knows a better e-commerce site I should look into, let me know! I think I'm going to pull my other listings today to avoid any further issues.

[luckythewinner]

On eBay, any buyer can force a return by filing a dispute. It has been that way since 2008 when eBay introduced the Money Back Guarantee.

What you are calling a "terrible experience" is something that many sellers have encountered regularly in the course of doing business here.

It is against eBay policy to refer sellers to other e-commerce sites. There are plenty out there and any search engine can help you find them.

[ebooksdiva]

That number doesn't work because eBay no longer accepts incoming calls.

Never ask eBay to intervene on a return they will always side with the buyer, refund from your available funds and give you a defect for not handling your returns yourself.
You can submit  your report on the buyer AFTER you've refunded. 
Telling the community of your intentions to leave eBay isn't necessary.

[buyselljack2016]

The reason was that it didn't include an additional part that wasn't described in the listing or shown in the pictures. 

--------------------------------------

You should have left out that 3rd photo, or "photo shopped" it to X out what was not included.

I understand what you sold, but some buyers don't pay much attention other than photos.

Have to write it/show it so that a child would understand.

[airon_environmental]

I'm not sure what you mean... There weren't any photos of items not included. I take all of my own photos, so if it was in the shot, it was in the box.

[airon_environmental]

I really just want so possible alternatives. I think about half of my listings could sell on Amazon, but some other things wouldn't. Etsy maybe?

[airon_environmental]

I didn't realize it was against policy. Just thought other sellers may have had experiences outside eBay

[buyselljack2016]

---

@airon_environmental wrote:

I'm not sure what you mean... There weren't any photos of items not included. I take all of my own photos, so if it was in the shot, it was in the box.

---

Really ????????

 

[stainlessenginecovers]

---

@airon_environmental wrote:

I really just want so possible alternatives. I think about half of my listings could sell on Amazon, but some other things wouldn't. Etsy maybe?

---

The possible alternatives are to sell it at a Swap Meet, Garage Sale, Craigslist with local cash in hand pickup, because any of those places you mentioned ALSO protect buyers and buyers can return for just about ANY reason. Electronic payments of any type are reversible (charge back).

What you experienced is nothing new, nothing a 'rep' could/would do for you if this entity had one that one would/could help because BUYERS are #1 at just about EVERY selling entity. 

[johnrj1226]

The  top dog  "big A" site allow simple  reason for returns - no  discussion/no hassle they pay the return p0stage, refunds not an is.  Guess eBay is just  keep up with the "Jones 's".  Don't  know what the other  sites do on returns, don't care - don't  sell any long.  When I sold shipped a net 1665 items (net) had 4 returns all  were remorse reasons,

[ebooksdiva]

---

@airon_environmental wrote:

I really just want so possible alternatives. I think about half of my listings could sell on Amazon, but some other things wouldn't. Etsy maybe?

---

You would need to research other sites yourself.

[mooncat_watches]

Just be thankful it was $5 and not $5K

[airon_environmental]

That? That's just the instruction manual that comes with the item. It was definitely in the box.

[airon_environmental]

I'm getting that impression.

[airon_environmental]

What's been wild about this whole process is I'm not convinced there actually are any reps. The help chatbot references the webpage as does the customer service line. Neither can connect you to a rep. The emails also appear to be generated by some kind of bot, and the name of the sender changes with each subsequent reply. I really don't think there's anyone steering the ship. It's just a fully automated system at this point.