Potential Problem Buyer

[holmaneva-2]

Greetings All. Had a listing for an vintage lot of untested items, rediscovered while downsizing, with plenty of photos showing the condition of the item from all angles. The items outer casings are in rough shape from being well used. Tapes inside still look good and tossed any that did not look like they would function.  All condition info, including that they were untested, was stated in the title and listing thouroghly because I don't take returns and want buyers to know before they buy to prevent problems. Items are so old the means to test has long been replaced with newer technology.

Buyer has purchased with make an offer, and stated in a note with his offer that they were in rough shape and untested. Figured he would ask to cancel after that, but now he has paid. Therefore he must want the item, so cancelling at this point might generate negative feedback. My questions are: 1.) If these items don't work, am I obligated to refund under the Ebay buyer protection plan? 2.) If there is no refund, and unhappy buyer leaves negative feedback, can I have it removed because the conditon and status was clearly stated in the listing and restated in his note? Thanks.

[orangehound]

I wouldn't be too concerned .... ship them out ... most buyers are understandable and will work with you if there's a problem.

1.) If these items don't work, am I obligated to refund under the Ebay buyer protection plan?

Yes.  The music category does not have a condition for "untested, for parts, as is, etc.".  Regardless of any language that you place in your listing, your 8-track tapes are supposed to be functional.  If they are not functional, the buyer can request a return and you must accept the return, refunding both the purchase price and shipping paid by the buyer ... of course, you might be able to negotiate with him if, say, only one of the 8-tracks is bad ... offering him a few dollars back to cover the defective one or two.

2.) If there is no refund, and unhappy buyer leaves negative feedback, can I have it removed because the conditon and status was clearly stated in the listing and restated in his note?

For some time now on eBay, although you can have a return policy of "Seller does not offer returns", you still are obligated to fully refund the buyer should the 8-tracks not be as described ... please understand that your condition description of the 8-tracks is "Acceptable - An item with obvious and significant wear but is still operational."  It is that statement that supercedes all claims of untested and not accepting returns.

As a result, he can leave negative feedback if even one of the 8-tracks are not operational ... he can also leave negative feedback for any reason like how you packed, how you communicated, how things smelled, etc.  Again, I wouldn't fret over it.  You can look at his pattern of leaving feedback if you are concerned.

[*eponymous*]

My questions are: 1.) If these items don't work, am I obligated to refund under the Ebay buyer protection plan?

Yes.  All sellers take returns, unless you would rather refund w/o getting your stuff back.

Buyer can file a SNAD case on "AS IS" listings and you have to pay return shipping.

Don't give feedback a second thought.  Feedback and DSRs no longer count for seller performance.  They haven't mattered to buyers since the MBG was announced...or since eBay finally got a brain and started making sellers pay return shipping when buyer says the item is SNAD.