I sent the wrong item. Is it all on me?

[umccars]

I screwed up and got 2 labels switched and sent the wrong item to 2 buyers. One buyer is communicating and of course the one who received the more expensive item, one they didn't buy, isn't.  Am I just out and have to refund the one buyer? It's my mistake and I'll have to live with it. One item was $50 and the other $999. Big difference. Does ebay help with this at all? Thanks for any help.

[heckofagame]

Your mistake, your responsibility. Sorry.

[hartungcards]

You have to refund the one buyer if they submit an INAD request.  The other one you can pretty much kiss goodbye.  And no, eBay doesn't help with this, you're on your own.

[chapeau-noir]

Unfortunately, there isn't anything eBay can do in this situation, including contacting the recipient of the incorrect item, as there is no way for them to determine liability or to arbitrate as they didn't handle the actual shipping.

How long has it been since shipment? Not everyone is on eBay every day, particularly this time of year.

[redlinear]

I would:
Send both buyers a message instructing them to the "return this item" link.  And choose for the reason "wrong item sent".
When the items are returned, refund both buyers.
AND, an explanation with an apology.

[slati_2013]

I feel your pain. You sell a $1000 item and just like that joy turns to grief. I have a system where I only print labels per package ready to go. Even then, I always double check to make sure the label matches the sale just before I buy the label. eBay has reminders on their label page of not just the item but the amount bought.

When I do print multiple labels, I always make sure the package box is open and put the printed  label right away in the proper box. Even then, again before I ship I check to make sure the box is going to the right address. A habit I have done for the twenty four years I have been on eBay. 

Your dishonest buyer sees this as their lucky day. Christmas come early. Not much you can do but a lesson learned. Come up with a system to make sure this does not happen again. I know it hurts. It hurts me just reading what happened. 

[umccars]

Thanks for the replies. I figured there was nothing I could do. It's only been 2 days since it all came to be, so maybe they will reply. Funny how the buyer who got the "good deal" was the one who first contacted me saying they got the wrong item and could I fix it. I told them to open a wrong item claim and I would take care of it. I guess they figured out they got the steal and I haven't heard from them since. Also, I need to refund the other buyer and don't have funds here. How do I enter a credit card to take care of the refund. I asked the automated thing and it was clueless as to what I needed. Thanks for all your help.  

[12345jamesstamps]

I have made  mistakes and I take a hit for those mistakes. Feedback is rather important to me.

Refund the one for $999. which is a big hit I understand. And that will probably come out of "available funds" immediately from previously sold items. No "available funds" coming in I would assume it will eventually be deducted from your banking source. Bugging the buyer(s) with additional emails may render an unhappy feedback.

The one who received the great deal. It would hurt to not get it back. But consider a refund to this buyer also. A refund immediately to this buyer...and a polite email such as I sent wrong item...here is your refund...and maybe they might return it with your return eBay shipping label you supply. It's just a thought. Could be an honest buyer and might return it. This buyer might just be a little busy and hasn't gotten around to his emails yet.

The best of luck and hope things turn out for the best.

[kensgiftshop]

When you go to issue a refund, it should give you the option to provide a funding source.

Or, you can set it up in the Seller Hub under the Payments section near the bottom.

[fern*wood]

I have nothing to add, but I sincerely hope your buyer does the right thing.  You need a Christmas miracle right now.

[toomuchstuffagain35]

Right now it's best to continue to pursue the course of letting the buyer know you think he knows it's an honest mistake and will "do the right thing".

If that doesn't work you can always go down the road of suing for unjust enrichment. Even a simple lawyer's letter explaining that as he hasn't been forthcoming you will sell to take that action may scare them into returning your item.

[mtgraves7984]

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@kensgiftshop wrote:

When you go to issue a refund, it should give you the option to provide a funding source.

Or, you can set it up in the Seller Hub under the Payments section near the bottom.

---

@umccars 

^^^ THIS. Look under 'Your preferences'/'Selling costs' and enter your credit card. Know that I'm sick for you...

[toomuchstuffagain35]

That was seek to take that action.

[az93]

Yes, it's all on you. You probably won't do it again. I learned my lesson the first and only time I did it. Costly mistake shipping-wise. As another person posted, I only print and pack one item at a time now. 

[albertabrightalberta]

@umccars 

Although there isn't much you can do other than those options that have been suggested, you can consider a small claims action. Although this was originally your mistake, suggestion of a lawsuit and the fact that you have his name and address at which to serve him might scare some honesty into him.

I'd also "watch" for a listing of the "Hot Wheels RLC M&M's Kool Kombi #333" and see if he tries to sell it.