eBay

noodlezon · ‎03-25-2020

Hey all,

Had a handheld gaming system that a buyer purchased and got almost two weeks ago. We check and test extensively items like this to make sure it works, or is properly described in the description. Item was in clean, working condition in our posession.

Buyer reached out saying the item came and initially worked, but then didn't so they bought several parts to it to repair it and now it works again. They are asking for a partial refund to help cover the cost of parts.

This does feel fishy, but I know things can happen, especially things can happen in shipment, although it was packed well with no shifting in the box. Wondering best course of action here.....

I don't want to offer a return and refund if they have "worked on" and replaced parts on the item. But of course, I can. We don't generally do partials. I'm leaning toward having them file a damage claim with the mail carrier as it was working and fine when it was sold by us.

What might you do in these situations?

jda03121 · ‎03-25-2020

USPS will not accept a claim unless the box is damaged. Electronics an jar in a package without shipping. You should see what shippers do to packages. You can hold your ground and hope eBay backs you up or you can issue a partial and save yourself the grief. I give partials unless the amount is too great. Went the other way and you would be amazed what a buyer can do to you and negative feedback is the least of it.

a_c_green · ‎03-25-2020

@noodlezon wrote:
Buyer reached out saying the item came and initially worked, but then didn't so they bought several parts to it to repair it and now it works again. They are asking for a partial refund to help cover the cost of parts.

What exactly did they say they had to do, in terms of what the problem was, and (especially) what parts they bought to fix it? You would know these components better than we do, but I would not expect that there's much in a game console or related components that would be harmed by a bumpy delivery, especially if it was initially working after that.

I seriously doubt that any real repairs have occurred here. I would offer a full refund upon return, and stick with that.

baantiques · ‎03-25-2020

"I'm sorry you're not satisfied with your purchase. Please return for a full refund"

terrycece62 · ‎03-25-2020

No back and forth as advised by baantiques above message buyer "Sorry you are unhappy Please return for a full refund"

bar-29368 · ‎03-25-2020

Is the partial refund amount what you would consider "reasonable"?

Sometimes bumping around in shipping can do such things as separate an already loose (ish) wire from a solder. With electronics it sometimes doesn't take much.