I will preface this by saying that my research and recent experience has shown I probably have very limited recourse in this situation, but any advice on how to minimize my losses will be appreciated.
The last couple days I've been dealing with a false buyer return. The item is a wireless transmitter for electric guitars. Basically instead of using a cord to plug in to the amp, you use the transmitter and receiver to go cordless. The item was new, save my testing, and listed at $130. I was not allowing returns on this item. I accepted a $100 offer, and shipped promptly. Transaction completed. So I thought...
About 10 days later the buyer opened a case for a defective item. He sent an email to me basically trying to get me to feel sympathy and offer him a full refund. I was not accepting returns on this item. He clearly states that the item was working and as described/photographed. He used it fine for over a week, but then claims he took it to a gig where other wireless equipment caused interference with his signal. This is not a defect, it is to be expected with a low latency small wireless device, if what he is claiming is even true. He told me he loves ebay because people are allowed to try stuff, and they he don't like it they can send it back free for a refund.
I was naive and thought the case would not open because of the content of the emails but the case opened, of course. I called ebay and was told they could do nothing until I received the item and I inspected it. When the item was shipped back it was held at the post office because I was not there to receive it. I picked it up yesterday but before I got home the case was closed with a full refund to the buyer.
I opened the item, and it is not damaged, but it is now used and no longer new. Again, all the appeals department said they could do was refund my shipping cost because it was opened as a defective case. They stated this was all they could do, refused to look at the emails, and said even if they DID look at the emails they could do nothing. I asked them not to open the appeal, and that I would report the buyer myself first through the website. After I hung up, I quickly received an email stating my appeal, that I thought I never opened, was closed and I was refunded $0.
Like I said, I know I need to decide how to deal with this and minimize it for future transactions. Certain items I find have a MUCH higher risk for abuse, for example. But if anyone can help me in trying to recover some of my costs, (for shipping, fees, loss of time, and the item value going from new to used,) on this I would appreciate it. Also, secondly, if anyone has any strategies for mitigating this in the future or any tips on getting a rep on the phone who can/will actually do something, It would be highly appreciated.
