eBay

scort81 · ‎05-26-2020

I have been on eBay since 06 with 100% feedback. I’ve sold a handful of old electronics for donors that aren’t working. I try to describe my item as closely as I can doing so. So I posted an old Nintendo item that I don’t have time to repair. I have a large collection also repair mod and collect, and would normally keep this type Of item in my collection. Due to the rarity of the item I don’t have any donor consoles. I decided to let it go “untested” under the “for parts or not working” condition. It clearly stated it was untested and that I didn’t have anything to check it out. Also added that it may be missing stuff that it needed to run. (Parts accessories etc). This kid buys it, and immediately opens a return claim. He sent a picture of it opened up apart on a table complaining about it missing a part inside that makes it go. I told him that’s why I had it listed the way I did and when I post a “for parts or repair” item it’s a one way ticket. Being that eBay is out on covid leave I can’t get hold of the hotline people. I really don’t want to refund this buyer because it’s kind of s****y of them to buy something for parts or repair and understand it’s a gamble and then demand a refund because it didn’t pan out for them. On the other hand if eBay won’t protect me as a seller under that option I don’t want to auto lose the funds and the item due to not being able to talk to a rep for insight. Should I just bite the bullet and have them ship it back?

luckythewinner · ‎05-26-2020

@scort81 wrote:
I really don’t want to refund this buyer because it’s kind of s****y of them to buy something for parts or repair and understand it’s a gamble and then demand a refund because it didn’t pan out for them

You may consider this listing a gamble for the buyer, but I see it as a gamble for the seller.

Although eBay offers the option to sell items that are For Parts/Not Working, from my experience reading this board eBay does not appear to be particularly well-suited to those listings.

chapeau-noir · ‎05-26-2020

Just have them return for refund or it can turn into a mess. eBay will not have your back on this.

I've sold "for repair/not working" appliances and some computer peripherals with no problems, but gaming consols and the like seem like a twitchy market.

“The illegal we do immediately, the unconstitutional takes a little longer.” - Henry Kissinger

"Wherever law ends, tyranny begins" - John Locke (Don't get distracted).

fashunu4eeuh · ‎05-26-2020

@scort81 wrote:
“...On the other hand if eBay won’t protect me as a seller under that option I don’t want to auto lose the funds and the item due to not being able to talk to a rep for insight. Should I just bite the bullet and have them ship it back?”

Ebay has limited seller protections, so it is best not to rely on such. As you suggest, they are going to protect the buyer’s interests first and foremost. Sellers must provide their own.

While this buyer is clearly uninformed and did not read the descriptions, i would bite the bullet and have him return (on his dime).

During the pandemic, eBay’s phone help is suspended for the most part. But you can reach eBay customer service via email, Twitter or Facebook. For the email option, go to the Help & Contact link on most eBay pages. Good luck!

scort81 · ‎05-28-2020

I did get hold of a rep through Facebook Messenger. As expected, they can’t really back me. The buyer hit the “item not as described” option, so it will be an auto win for the buyer basically. I wish sellers were held more accountable on this type of thing.

slippinjimmy · ‎05-28-2020

@scort81 wrote:
I did get hold of a rep through Facebook Messenger. As expected, they can’t really back me. The buyer hit the “item not as described” option, so it will be an auto win for the buyer basically. I wish sellers were held more accountable on this type of thing.

I think you meant "buyers" but you are actually right, some sellers DO need to be held accountable.

Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep

khavbt0 · ‎05-28-2020

I am curious...

Sellers, are you feeling frustrated with buyers who are not "reading" your listing?

How about why do so many sellers listing items both in "Used" and "For Parts / Not Working" Condition *NEVER* fill out the Condition Description box...?

Oh but they put "Not working" in the title?!

Huh?

That is not where the description of an item's condition belongs.

Oh but they put words to the effect into the pictures?

Again that is not where the description of an item's condition belongs.

Item Not Working?

Put it in the Condition Description box.

That's where it belongs.

coolections · ‎05-28-2020

Once upon a time in Ebayland sellers could scam buyers and sell things saying they have no clue if it works or not forcing buyers to do the testing for the sellers. When those items ended up not working the sellers of the past would just tell the buyers to get lost and keep their money. In today's Ebayland there is no such thing so you will have to accept the return.