Partial Refund?

[call_me_caro]

I sold an item through Best Offer. I was asking $135 for an antique and someone offered me $70, I countered to $85 and they accepted.

The item was delivered 3 days ago and I received a message from the buyer today showing pictures of 2 flaws that I honestly had no idea were there. I noted that it could show signs of wear in the description and the one flaw was noticeable in the photographs, even if neither of us noticed it. The other flaw was legitimate, but I was not about to remove something on the item [said flaw was under ribbon].

Buyer is asking for a partial refund. I offered $25. He said he was hoping for $35. I really don't want to offer that much, but don't want to irritate the buyer either. How should I handle this?

Should I stick to my guns and say $25 or you're welcome to send it back for a full refund? Or do I just eat it? Blah!

[dtexley3 · Accepted solution]

You already discounted it $65!!! Return for refund.

[emerald40]

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@call_me_caro wrote:

I sold an item through Best Offer. I was asking $135 for an antique and someone offered me $70, I countered to $85 and they accepted.

The item was delivered 3 days ago and I received a message from the buyer today showing pictures of 2 flaws that I honestly had no idea were there. I noted that it could show signs of wear in the description and the one flaw was noticeable in the photographs, even if neither of us noticed it. The other flaw was legitimate, but I was not about to remove something on the item [said flaw was under ribbon].

Buyer is asking for a partial refund. I offered $25. He said he was hoping for $35. I really don't want to offer that much, but don't want to irritate the buyer either. How should I handle this?

Should I stick to my guns and say $25 or you're welcome to send it back for a full refund? Or do I just eat it? Blah!

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That is why I do not offer partials.  Buyers never know when to stop asking for more discount.

I would say return for refund.

But in the future look at your items more carefully to point out any flaws that might be there.

[*eponymous*]

If a return label funded by you costs more than the ten-buck difference, just refund the 35...or counter with 30 and settle at 32.50

[chrysylys]

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@emerald40 wrote:

I would say return for refund.

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Considering the item, I have to wonder how many pieces the OP would get back.

OP, what do you have into this item to begin with?

[emerald40]

For me it is about making yourself a target.

If scammers suddenly realize you are a pushover then they will come at you from all sides.

In a way I would rather lose money or get a negative to let future scammers know If you are looking for something for nothing, then you are not getting it here.

Never looked at the item, but if it is damaged how will a partial make it any less so.

[call_me_caro]

I was honestly so taken aback by the message with these flaws that I didn't even know what to say or offer. I asked what they thought would be a fair solution and they mentioned the partial refund with no amount, so I felt kind of stuck.

Thanks for your advice. I said if $25 was not acceptable, then to please feel free to return her for the full $85 refund. They said "Ok, thank you" so I'm not even sure which way they want to proceed.

Sometimes I love selling on eBay and sometimes I don't. Today is one of those latter days.

[castlemagicmemories]

So sorry but stating it could show signs of wear does not cover.  If it could, then you know that it does or it doesn't, and can note what you see in the description.

It is hard to expect a buyer to notice something in a picture, even if they use zoom, if you did not note it when the item is physically in front of you.  But if you list the damage, and tell them where it is located, then they can check out the pictures and see if they care to buy.

You can ask for return for refund.  You will pay shipping for the return, and refund the original purchase price and original shipping.

I think that huge discount that you gave the buyer initially is driving his bargaining now.

Sorry this happened, but if you describe completely and accurately, hopefully things will be all right in the future.

[609babydoll]

Stick to what you offered a lot of buyers try to pull a fast one if they can, this has happened to me a few times, she what happens he can but a case against you but you have offered a partial refund so ebay may not allow it, keep all emails but pay pal may want to give a full refund or more of a partial then you offered this is   under buyer protection w/pay palthat has happened to me pay pal will freeze your $ for that item.  Also sadly the buyer can give you a neg or neutral feedback but we as sellers cannot welcome to the wonderful world of ebay

[chrysylys]

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@emerald40 wrote:

Never looked at the item, but if it is damaged how will a partial make it any less so.

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Whether or not it's damaged now, I wonder if it will be when the OP opens the box?  Some buyers are a wee bit vindictive when they don't get their way.

[emerald40]

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@chrysylys wrote:

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@emerald40 wrote:

Never looked at the item, but if it is damaged how will a partial make it any less so.

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Whether or not it's damaged now, I wonder if it will be when the OP opens the box?  Some buyers are a wee bit vindictive when they don't get their way.

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Learned that from experience.

[call_me_caro]

I am usually very careful in my descriptions, but how could I have known a hand was reglued without taking off a ribbon that looked like it was part of the doll?

The buyer had the item for 3 days and contacted me after I left positive feedback this afternoon. Just seems kind of fishy.

[chrysylys]

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@call_me_caro wrote:
I said if $25 was not acceptable, then to please feel free to return her for the full $85 refund. They said "Ok, thank you" so I'm not even sure which way they want to proceed.

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Leave it alone.  Let them make the next move.  No further contact until/unless they do.

[siayan]

Can I call you Caro?

I think it may be over now but I would have looked at what I had into it and see if there was still any money left for you after the $35 refund. With a reglued arm it would be a tough resale. I usually wait a hour or two on these so I can cool down. Fortunatly it only happens once in a blue moon but it gets the blood boiling. The last one I had was for a old car that I listed as parts or restore for $20. The buyer came back with a $5 partial request because it was repainted. I bit my tongue and took it and BBL.

Some will say that's wrong and I feed the scammers but I run my business as I see fit.

[dabunk2000]

RETURN FOR REFUND and end of conversation