eBay

29sunson · ‎08-11-2022

Dear friends,

I have had a very frustrating day here. I need some pro tips here.

quick story: I was selling 2 remote control helicopters. I had 17 pictures in detail (it was 2 lists, combined to one after all), the condition also listed as USED, NO return. Before this buyer buy it, I even messaged him, "before you buy, do you have questions ?" , he replied "no questions". After he received the item, he started to request a return because he was expecting a close Brandnew condition.

after ebay stepped in, you know what? ebay decided this buyer won, and started to ask the buyer to return the item but I pay for the shipping! I was extremely polite, and answer the questions to this buyer, and also made about 5 calls to ebay. 5 representatives told me 5 different stories! After all, ebay said I need to pay for return shipping.

This makes me very nervous. It's clear that, the buyer can ignore the list description, and seller will pay the return shipping after all. After I received the item, I need to sell them again. But I really don't know how much more detail I could put in the list. If I meet such a buyer again, there is nothing I could do...... but pay the return shipping label again. so, can someone please give some advice? thank you so much!

Anonymous · ‎08-11-2022

You can write a book about each minute detail of your helicopters in your listing. It doesn't matter.

If the buyer says it's not as described, then eBay says it's not as described.

coolections · ‎08-11-2022

In your description you should have mentioned the item was used. With all the new parts laying there in the picture it looks like it would be a new helicopter, especially because of the asking price. Good descriptions make all the difference in the world. I understand you did click used but just never said anything about it in the description.

maxine*j · ‎08-11-2022

Many buyers, especially those using smartphones, don't even see everything in the listings, and they mostly go by the photos. The photos do make it appear that the helicopters are like new, with one still sitting in its box and with all the new parts pictured.

I know it's a drag but the fact is that returns are just a part of selling. No one at eBay knows for sure what you sent. No one at eBay knows for sure what the buyer thought he saw or read. So, all eBay can do is "pick a side" is this "he said / she said" situation, and it nearly always picks the buyer's side. And that's pretty much the same in all selling where a buyer is unable to handle something before he buys it, whether he's shopping in a snail mail catalogue or on-line.

Just accept the return gracefully, hope you get back what you sent, sigh and grumble a bit, re-list, move on.

hartungcards · ‎08-11-2022

Every day is a frustrating day here.

gamersbaystore · ‎08-11-2022

Another remorse buyer. Anytime its something expensive expect a return and a load of excuses. In situations like this its best to just accept the return in my opinion. You can also write off any losses on your taxes, so that's a plus.

This is why I generally dont sell higher priced items much anymore, the remorse buyers are a headache. The more they spend, the more likely they are to change their mind and return things.

As for the helicopters, I would take some additional close up pictures that better show the current condition.

luckythewinner · ‎08-11-2022

@29sunson wrote:

This makes me very nervous. It's clear that, the buyer can ignore the list description, and seller will pay the return shipping after all.

Any buyer can force a return of any item at the seller's expense by filing a fraudulent dispute.

This has been true on eBay since 2008 when eBay introduced the "Money Back Guarantee" for buyers.

And if the buyer decides to return an old phone book instead of the item you sent, you can lose the item as well.

Now that you are aware of this, you'll probably want to factor this into your selling decisions.

fab_finds4u · ‎08-11-2022

You're lucky you can provide a shipping label and get it back because when you have no returns or you don't tell the buyer to return it eBay normally refunds and let's them keep it.