New in package sheets

[beadogluver]

Hi.  I have a buyer that has filed for a return & is complaining that the new in package sheet set I sold her has some loose threads and a musty odor.  I sold her these sheets at half of what I paid ($100) and a $10 discount of my fixed price listing at her request.  Loose threads on on new items are not that unusual and as far as any odors (maybe dyes?) The sheets can be washed.  I think she is just fishing for further discounts.  No matter how frivolous her complaints, I dont think I have any recourse.  Any advice?  Thanks

[kensgiftshop]

If they file an INAD, you won't have any choice but take them back and give a full refund.

[femmefan1946]

"I regret you are not happy with your purchase. Please return it for a full refund."

Don't mention paying for the return shipping.

If she demands a(nother) partial discount, respond, "I regret you are not happy with your purchase. Please return it for a full refund."

If she demands return shipping respond, "I regret you are not happy with your purchase. Please open an eBay Dispute to return it for a full refund."

This puts her on eBay's radar, and may end things right there.

EBay may or may not require you to send return shipping.

If you must, and she does not use it to return the sheets, she loses the dispute, you are not required to refund and eventually you will be refunded for the shipping label.

If she returns them and they are out of the package, you can still sell them, but you will get less for them. Sigh. Bummer.

This is business not personal.

BTW- about the musty smell. I agree it is probably imaginary, but if there is really a smell, it can be removed by washing unless it is mildew. Mildew is very dangerous to fabric and paper, so if you smell it, do npt allow it in your house! Put the sheets directly into a closed garbage can and send them to the dump. (Burning will spread the mildew spores.)

[beadogluver]

She has filed the return request under not working/defective

[beadogluver]

It's not really business for me. I'm just trying to sell some items I no longer need at a loss. The sheets have been stored in my linen closet and are not discolored/mildewed in any photos she has sent. Thank you for ur advice.

[kensgiftshop]

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@beadogluver wrote:
She has filed the return request under not working/defective

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You'll have to except the return and provide return shipping.

[this*old*attic]

Is that thread attached to a woven part of the sheet? If so, it’s a defect in the weaving and cutting it will leave a tiny break in the fabric.

If it’s free/not attached to anything, it’s just sewing debris.

Point being, the threads could matter. And smells do - one shouldn’t have to wash something sold as new.

 I m a believer in partials. I’d either offer a discount or ask that she return for a full refund.

[lasantino]

This buyer is CRAZY. I hate buyers like this.. Is she serious..! a loose thread!.. omg.  makes me sick..

since she opened a return request.. .. one thing i've done in the past that has worked.

accept the return request.. and  then when ebay gives you the option about return labels.. 

select, included with package.. then,, when you have to fill out the details about shipper.. type in buyer chooses. 

and then in notes. buyer responsible for return shipping.

I have done this on several occasions when a buyer opened an snad request that was clearly buyers remorse.. 

I also send a response to the buyer in direct messages. I'm sorry you aren't happy with your purchase.. I accept returns no problem. You will be responsible for return shipping charges. 

include your address etc..and then a police salutation.. ..

I have done this about 8 times..only once did the buyer insist that i send her a label.. 

..

also,, i have my returns set up so that even though ebay will automatically approve a return. i have to give an rma..  even though i don't use rma's. this allows me to intercept the process ..

hope this helps.

[beadogluver]

Thank you!

[jeannicho22]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

Is that thread attached to a woven part of the sheet? If so, it’s a defect in the weaving and cutting it will leave a tiny break in the fabric.

If it’s free/not attached to anything, it’s just sewing debris.

Point being, the threads could matter. And smells do - one shouldn’t have to wash something sold as new.

 I m a believer in partials. I’d either offer a discount or ask that she return for a full refund.

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One should always wash EVERYTHING new that will touch their bodies prior to using.  I believe that partials encourage bad and dishonest behavior.  The only answer I would recommend is... RETURN FOR REFUND.

[this*old*attic]

OK, Mom..... um, no.

Soft flannel jammies and crisp new sheets are the absolute BEST before that first machine washing, and never the same afterwards.

And no, I don’t wash brand new clothes first, either.

Regardless of personal preferences.... one shouldn’t have to clean odors out of anything new. Odors indicate mold, mildew, dirt, bacteria, chemicals, etc. - there has to be something there/wrong in order for a smell to be present.

[jeannicho22]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

OK, Mom..... um, no.

Soft flannel jammies and crisp new sheets are the absolute BEST before that first machine washing, and never the same afterwards.

And no, I don’t wash brand new clothes first, either.

Regardless of personal preferences.... one shouldn’t have to clean odors out of anything new. Odors indicate mold, mildew, dirt, bacteria, chemicals, etc. - there has to be something there/wrong in order for a smell to be present.

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https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/chemicals-used-in-textile-processing/

https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/how-to-get-rid-of-chemicals-in-fabrics-hint-trick-ques...

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/toxic-chemicals-fabric-2306.html

https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/formaldehyde-fabric-t190981.html

ALL cloth that will touch your body should be washed before use.  Even cloth stored in a cedar chest can have musty odors... It's just a fact of life.

[southern*sweet*tea]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

OK, Mom..... um, no.

Soft flannel jammies and crisp new sheets are the absolute BEST before that first machine washing, and never the same afterwards.

And no, I don’t wash brand new clothes first, either.

Regardless of personal preferences.... one shouldn’t have to clean odors out of anything new. Odors indicate mold, mildew, dirt, bacteria, chemicals, etc. - there has to be something there/wrong in order for a smell to be present.

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 Brand new stuff reeks with chemical stink. New clothes are stiff, get dye everywhere and smell terrible. We always wash them before wearing. Ever open up a new vinyl shower curtain? Reeky stinky nasty smelling.  Most all new stuff has a chemical stink to it that's worse than thrift store smell (with a few exceptions lol).

[this*old*attic]

I just don’t agree with either of you, and I haven’t died from germs or toxic chemicals yet.

Now USED.... that’s different. Ew. You don’t know where it’s been.

[jeannicho22]

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@this*old*attic wrote:

I just don’t agree with either of you, and I haven’t died from germs or toxic chemicals yet.

Now USED.... that’s different. Ew. You don’t know where it’s been.

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Interesting that you make the distinction between new and used.  Something that has been in someone's home that has probably been in the washer prior to sending is NOT ok.  On the other hand, something that has been treated with chemicals, handled by workers in third world country production and sanitary standards, dragged along a production floor that has been walked on by shoes that have walking on grass, cement and asphalt which in turn may have "deposits" from domestic and wild animals on it.,.. That's ok.

We do agree on one thing.... You don't know where it has been, so you should always wash any cloth item new to your home prior to allowing it to touch your skin.  

Of course you haven't died from germs or toxic chemicals YET, you're posting here on the board. LOL