eBay

marrin6866 · ‎11-08-2018

Last year I listed some pajama tops that were from Target. They were a size large on the tag but when I had put them on, they were all small on me and I had came to the conclusion that they must have shunk in the laundry. When making my listing, I listed them as a medium size but put in the description that I felt they had shrinkage but the tags all say large. One lady bought all of them and upon receiving them immediately opened a case saying this was not what she ordered and she wanted mediums. She obviously didn't read the description. After talking this though, she decided to keep the items and forget the return. But in the midst of all this, I contacted eBay and they told me it doesn't matter if they shrunk, the size is a large and I need to list it as a large or I would be false advertising. All my listing from that time on have been exactly what the tag says. So fast forward to now. I have a guy who bought a pair of jeans that the tag said 38x34. He asked to return them under "does not match description" saying they fit small like a 36. I called eBay and they said it doesn't matter what the tag says, that I should have provided measurements and they should have been listed as a 36. The man is getting his full refund including the shipping and I have to pay for the shipping to get it back. This transaction has cost me double the amount I was selling the dumb jeans for in the first place. So eBay has contradicted themselves in telling me how to list my items. I'm sure some of you have run into this problem, and I've read how eBay always sides with the buyer now, so what can I do so this won't happen again? Right now, I deleted all my auctions and am thinking of finding another sight to sell on. What is your advice?

sam9876 · ‎11-08-2018

I would say what the tag says and also give actual measurements.

tunicaslot · ‎11-08-2018

I measure all my cloths and put those measurements in the listing - but I also note the size difference in the title and the small description box that pops up if the item is used.

Ex: Levi's 501 Tagged 38x32 Measured 36x32

Used item condition box:

Item tagged 38x32 - Acutally measurements: Waist: 36", Rise: 12", Inseam: 32"

You don't have to have the buyer send the item back - you can just issue the refund and let them donate the item if you can't sell the item again and recoup what you've already lost on them. Not sure how popular those jeans are but sometimes it's best to just list them as a Buy It Now.

castlemagicmemories · ‎11-08-2018

Yes, clothing listings should have measurements. Absolutely. Sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from item to item. There is no universal, even the old one size fits all is now one size fits most.

You could have simply refunded without requiring the return if the return would be too costly for you to absorb. Your call.

marrin6866 · ‎11-08-2018

Thank you for your feedback. I will put measurements on all items going forward. The pants weren't a big designer name so I should have just let him donate or give away. Next time I'll know. Hopefully after I change the way I list, I won't have problems. Its very discouraging when you read, eBay is all about the buyer and doesn't protect the seller.

tunicaslot · ‎11-08-2018

Sellers have some protections - but with so many venues vying for buyer's dollars - yes it is skewed towards them. Even with measurements - I get returns - just got one today because some buyers don't read. They see a picture - read the title and clikc - that's why if I sell a vintage item where the sizes ran smaller than todays standards - I put rund small in title or used description box. If it has a flaw - I use flaw or imperfection in the title and state what the flaw is in the used description box.

You just have to try to cover all your bases! It's not foolproof - but it helps. Sometimes if I buy something for a $1 or $2 - like jeans nd list free shipping. I'm already out $8-$9 if there is a problem. So to pay another $7 to have them ship it back to me and my profit would only have been $5 - $10 - if I sold it again - it just isn't worth paying to get it back . Except for vintage jeans or pants - I'm selling out all I have and trying to stay with item that can go 16 oz or less - like tees and shirts with the occasionall sweatshirt or jacket if I can make a good profit on it.

Good luck to you!

cherry*fizz · ‎11-08-2018

I agree with the others, clothing listings should list the size on the tag, and include measurements. Sizes vary widely. But that person might know that in X Brand they are a L, for example. You can put in the measurements for those who don't know and want to see what sized the measurements are.

I have a shirt from Michael Kors that I wear that is a size S. I have another shirt by International Concepts (INC, from Macy's) that the tag says is an XL. The S is actually roomier than the XL from INC. You can't count on sizes on tags much at all.

marrin6866 · ‎11-13-2018

It makes sense to not have the item returned! Thank you so much for your perspective on selling. I do have a question for you tho. I have now received those jeans bach that he says were not a 38 waist. I have relisted them on a different site but I measured them to find out they are 19 in across and are a 38 waist so he lied!! Which makes me even more mad. I'm guessing he didn't like them and since I didn't have the measurements listed, figured that would be the best way to get his money back!! Does eBay know there are liars out there and do they even care?