Drop Ship and Broker Pruchases Leading to Returns

[dharmon411]

I had a buyer in purchase one of my items, and in the order notes asked "Please do not include an invoice or anything that identifies you or eBay in or on the box. We request that you list (THIS GUYS COMPANY) as the sender with your return address on the label but you can ship your way if not. Please remove all passwords. If you must use an eBay label it is “OK” but please conceal the eBay logo."

Well, I didnt like this reqeust, but I'm powerless to do anything about it - he is my buyer. However, I want my customers to be the end users of my items. This is why my listings are full of close-up high resolution photos, and I spend lots of time writing listings, to ensure accuracy and also overstate any of the flaws with the item. I want my customers to understand exactly what they are buying and I spend lots of time and energy to that end.

Since this buyer likely over promised and underdelivered on this $49-dollar laptop, I now have to handle a return form the end user, and open myself up to negative feedback from someone that never even saw or used the item in person.

I sell my items at a low price to give people a bargin and to make ebay worthwhile. Obviously I make a little money at it too. But these returns are so costly. I know that if I had a chance to work with the end user, I could have resolved the issue, without a return for refund - first, they would have a better understanding of what they were buying (if they had bought from me directly), and secondly, I could have solved their issue by sending a 25-cent Dvd.

Is there any way to block these broker transactions so I can just work with the "real" buyers?

[lovtaco0 · Accepted solution]

Dear buyer,

The only packaging I have is eBay-branded. I am not able to alter the return address to reflect your company's name. If the package is returned to me for any reason the mail carrier will not deliver it when the company name is not associated with my address. It is our policy to include a packing slip/invoice with all orders to confirm we have sent the correct product. If you do not agree with these policies we would be happy to cancel the order for you.

Sincerely,

seller

Then report them to eBay for making unreasonable demands and add the ID to your blocked bidder list.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/rules-policies-buyers/buying-practices-policy?id=4374

[dhbookds]

@Anonymous

Could a seller cancel this type of sale with the reason of buyer requests service outside the original listing? 

[dharmon411]

It might be useful to put some type of policy statement, similar to what you wrote, directly in the listing as way to keep them away.

I seem to attract a lot of these types because my prices are really good, in fact I get many 0-feedback buyers that register with ebay for the first time just to buy my items.
These brokers get me because they can buy for $49 and sell for $129 or whatever he sold it for without doing anything -- I get all the liability.

I will be add this guy to the blocked list, but until the return is complete, I don't think I can do it. Which is a concern because I'm reluctant to list anything else because he might grab another one.

[lovtaco0]

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@dharmon411wrote:

These brokers get me because they can buy for $49 and sell for $129 or whatever he sold it for without doing anything -- I get all the liability.

I will be add this guy to the blocked list, but until the return is complete, I don't think I can do it. Which is a concern because I'm reluctant to list anything else because he might grab another one.

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Raise your prices. You can block the buyer now.

[18704d]

"I seem to attract a lot of these types because my prices are really good, in fact I get many 0-feedback buyers that register with ebay for the first time just to buy my items.
These brokers get me because they can buy for $49 and sell for $129 or whatever he sold it for without doing anything -- I get all the liability."

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Raise your prices.

Lynn

[dharmon411]

I appreciate your help and insight - sadly I need the money, so I have to sell fast and cheap to get clear of the extended return/refund policies.

[lovtaco0]

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@dharmon411wrote:
I appreciate your help and insight - sadly I need the money, so I have to sell fast and cheap to get clear of the extended return/refund policies.

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Are you referring to 14 day returns being eliminated and being forced to change to 30 days or no returns? Is leaving a huge amount of money on the table worth it just so you can use a 14 day policy?

If you're selling for $50 and a reseller is turning it around for $130 within the duration of your listing then it seems like you would still have a fast sale if you raised your prices. You can also try auctions with a low starting price and auctions have a nice short duration. Do what you think is best.

[lovtaco0]

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@dhbookdswrote:

@Anonymous

Could a seller cancel this type of sale with the reason of buyer requests service outside the original listing? 

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According to the Spring update you can do this if you offer free returns. Why it does not apply to everybody regardless of return policy is beyond my comprehension.

If I offer free returns, how will eBay protect me in these situations?

A buyer demands a change to the order or extras outside of the original agreement.

You never have to agree to any changes to the order terms, or to additional items. You can either cancel the order or ship under the original terms. We will protect you from feedback, canceled transaction defects and claims when we can see the buyer's demands or changes in eBay Messages.

[dhbookds]

It was always my understanding that every seller could do it, if buyer tried to change terms..  I'm not sure changing the "terms" would include address instructions tho.....  address changes, yes......but instructions??????

[chrysylys]

Those are the ones I would include every piece of information possible including my seller ID, a link to my store if I had one and a copy of the packing slip with the listing number and sold for price.

Make it easy for the end buyer to find you next time.  Cut out the middle man, errr, person.

[tofu107]

how can your buyer ask you to ship to his buyer ,unless he adds his shipping address to his Paypal account?so you will get seller protection for INR?
DO YOU know where he resells your item or has he already resold your item?
if you can find out where he sold your item,you can go and sell it there yourself.
I would refuse to put his name on the return address,it could give your problem with USPS down the road.
and what is to stop you from inserting a flyer telling his buyer to come and buy from you.
as to returning the item on your dime,nothing you can do,but block him from future purchase.

[Anonymous]

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@dhbookds wrote:

@Anonymous

Could a seller cancel this type of sale with the reason of buyer requests service outside the original listing? 

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Hi @dhbookds, the seller would not be able to cancel because of these added requests, but would be able to choose whether or not they comply. It seems that the OP's buyer is either drop shipping or purchasing this item as a gift - neither of these are against eBay policy, but I can definitely pass along this situation for review if there is an issue after delivery. Definitely keep me posted, I'll be happy to help!