How would you handle this? - Buyer wants partial credit

[mwhonings]

I recently sold an old 1992 farting novelty. It was brand new in package.

Customer now wants a credit because the rubber tube that makes the noise had dried out and it didn't work.

Let me know how you would handle this.

Thanks

[dirk12955]

Tell them to file for a return with eBay.

That's my vote for several reasons.    

[m60driver]

I would just refund and move on  as the complaint "sounds" legitimate.

[aproudparent2010]

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@mwhonings wrote:

I recently sold an old 1992 farting novelty. It was brand new in package.

Customer now wants a credit because the rubber tube that makes the noise had dried out and it didn't work.

Let me know how you would handle this.

Thanks

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If they open return case, you will have to pay shipping to get it back.

I'd just give them their partial refund and move on...unless you want it back bad enough to give 100% refund and also pay return shipping.

[this*old*attic]

Very believable complaint/problem on a vintage item.

There really is a legit place for partial refunds, and this is one of them.

[katzrul15]

If it does not function, shouldn't you refund your Buyer in full?

[north40sales]

How was it sold....as a vintage novelty in its original packaging....or as a functional gag item?   Kinda boils down to the wording that was used on the sales listing....but the eBay MBG to the buyer is non-negotiable. 

If there is not a large amount of money in play here, I would agree to the partial refund they are requesting and move on with my day.    

[mtgraves7984]

I'd not want to pay the expense to have this returned to me just to refund in full. Cut your losses and refund now.

[aproudparent2010]

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@north40sales wrote:

How was it sold....as a vintage novelty in its original packaging....or as a functional gag item?   Kinda boils down to the wording that was used on the sales listing....but the eBay MBG to the buyer is non-negotiable. 

If there is not a large amount of money in play here, I would agree to the partial refund they are requesting and move on with my day.    

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https://www.ebay.com/itm/274875725881?hash=item3fffdeb839%3Ag%3AXhkAAOSwHGxg-I9h&nma=true&si=lMf8x8L...

[north40sales]

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@aproudparent2010 wrote:

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@north40sales wrote:

How was it sold....as a vintage novelty in its original packaging....or as a functional gag item?   Kinda boils down to the wording that was used on the sales listing....but the eBay MBG to the buyer is non-negotiable. 

If there is not a large amount of money in play here, I would agree to the partial refund they are requesting and move on with my day.    

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https://www.ebay.com/itm/274875725881?hash=item3fffdeb839%3Ag%3AXhkAAOSwHGxg-I9h&nma=true&si=lMf8x8L...

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based on the listing, I would accept the buyer's partial refund request as it is not in as-described condition.  

[tools*]

You might say this novelty is out of gas.

[glgenterprise]

That is part of the risk with vintage items like this - sealed is part of the value, but without taking it out, if it has a "functioning" part as part of the item, you cannot be sure if it actually works without breaking the seal of the original package.

Depending on the dollar amount the buyer is asking for - I'd be likely just to give it to them. You're never going to be able to sell it again for the same amount of money since it does not work & it is now open.

[luckythewinner]

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@mwhonings wrote:

I recently sold an old 1992 farting novelty. It was brand new in package.

Customer now wants a credit because the rubber tube that makes the noise had dried out and it didn't work.

Let me know how you would handle this.

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My answer would depend entirely upon how I had described the item and what condition I gave it.

If I said "Used" and said the rubber tube was dried out and didn't work, I would politely decline.

If I said "New" and said nothing about the rubber tube, I would either grant the partial refund or ask the buyer to file a "Not As Described" dispute.

[albertabrightalberta]

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@aproudparent2010 wrote:
  

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274875725881?hash=item3fffdeb839%3Ag%3AXhkAAOSwHGxg-I9h&nma=true&si=lMf8x8L...

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I don't think that's the listing. That isn't for a whoopie cushion type of item.

My personal opinion is that I think @mwhonings should give the buyer a full refund. That the buyer asked for just a partial is amazing because for a 30 year old rubber item not to be dried out is near impossible.

[simba6]

If they will take a part refund, go for it.  Else your paying it's return and will only lose more money.  I don't like that however, as I don't want to promote buyers "discounting".  But, with an older item and rubber parts do have a shelf life, I think it's legit.