I sold a stunning incredible hand painted antique porcelain tea set, as-is, no returns. Provided 12 clear close-up photos of the exact lovely condition. I shipped the item triple-boxed for safety, so the shipping cost me almost triple my estimate. Buyer received and, after a period of time, then requested a return for the reason of "DEFECTIVE/NOT WORKING", stating she was unable to SELL the set. She blamed this failure on faint tea stains in the bottoms of the cups, and said she ASSSUMED the set was different. I had provided a CLOSE UP PHOTO OF THE CUP INTERIOR IN THE LISTING. I declined the return, unwilling to lose even more money on her shipping, and because the set was EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE PHOTOS AND LISTING. I wrote 2 pleasant emails to the buyer explaining that she received the exact item she purchased, and that I could not be expected to have foreknowledge of HER ASSUMPTIONS. At no time prior to purchase did she ask any questions or request additional photos.
Well, of course, Ebay stepped in and granted her a return-AT MY EXPENSE. I callled Ebay for help and the kind customer service gentleman said he would make note of my position, and expressed that Buyers frequently lie about the reason for the return so they would not have to pay the return shipping.
I am looking for a strategy to help me as a reputable long-time Ebay seller to defend myself against the lies of unscrupulous buyers.
Can anyone help me with this situation? I am a retired senior citizen on a fixed income and the cost of this loss is literally going to be as much as my grocery bill.
Thank you.
