Question about buyer's complaint

[e2cosmetic]

I have a buyer who wants to return a vintage perfume that they used.  I replied to the buyer that since they used it the product was not returnable.  But the buyer says that since it is a vintage perfume they are allowed to test it and then return it.  Is this true?  And where do I find this information on ebay?  Thanks for listening.

[dbmm-media]

i think she may not be telling the truth 

[couldabeenworse]

I don't know of any exclsuions for vintage or other perfumes.  Here is the policy:

When you're sending the item back, repack it carefully, and remember it has to be in the same condition as when you received it. This means it can't be used or altered in any way, and you'll need to include any additional items or paperwork that came with it, such as:

• All original packaging such as boxes, bags, tags, and UPCs
• Accessories such as cords and remote controls
• Certificates, manuals, warranty, and rebate cards
• "Free gifts" or bonus items
• All items included in a bundle

On the other hand, that policy only applies to "returns"; if the buyer claims it is not as described, they may still win a claim.

[stuff4divas]

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@e2cosmeticwrote:

I have a buyer who wants to return a vintage perfume that they used.  I replied to the buyer that since they used it the product was not returnable.  But the buyer says that since it is a vintage perfume they are allowed to test it and then return it.  Is this true?  And where do I find this information on ebay?  Thanks for listening.

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If they don't return it as received (she admitted she used it) u don't have to accept it back.

[lovtaco0]

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@e2cosmetic What is the reason the buyer is giving for wanting to return it?

[city*satins]

Your buyer totally made that rule up.  If the perfume was listed as unopened/unused decline the return.

On the other hand, if the buyer wants to return it because she opened it and applied it and found it was rancid, then that's a return you'll end up having to accept.  But only because it was defective.

[divwido]

Did she say why she wanted to return it?

Vintage Perfumes can go bad or become rancid.    And not all scents smell the same on everyone.  I think expecting someone to be happy with something she has no way of smelling ahead of time is asking too much.

I"d take the return and be more understanding.

[e2cosmetic]

It doesn't smell right

[couldabeenworse]

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@e2cosmeticwrote:

It doesn't smell right

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Are you talking about the prefume, or the return request?  

[whiteparrot2003]

Seems to me that a vintage perfume, once opened, might become rancid quickly anyway.  Perhaps return or not should depend on how the perfume was described and why the person purchased it.  If is described as vintage, unopened, and sold as a collectible rather than for use as perfume, it wouldn't be returnable if opened.  On the other hand, if sold as usable, that could be a different situation.  I agree with some comments that once opened, it is altered and unreturnable unless not as described.  Just my thoughts.

[shopkiger2]

I honestly would not accept the return. She most likely just didn't like it & no longer wants it. I just dealt with a situation similar. Unfortunately paypal went through with the return anyway despite the fact that I declined it since I do not do returns. 

If it was opened & used she should just have to keep it & deal with making an unwanted  purchase. Ive oredered things many times that I just ended up not liking as much as I thought I would but I deal with it.  A seller shouldn't have to be responsible cause a buyer don't like the purchase like they thought they would unless the accept returns in that situation. 

[whitehorsequest]

I think she made that up in her head, decided it was true and went with it.

things can only be returned if in the same condition as received. you don't get do-overs on using a consumable.

this is a call ebay and get back up before it goes belly up.

[*eponymous*]

If you sell much old perfume, it would be surprising if you haven't run into the "old and stinky perfume complaint before now.  When the buyer opens a SNAD case, you can refund outright or pay for a return label and refund on return.  Those are your options.

Item condition does not apply in SNAD cases.  Think about it - you sell a new in package item that does not work when buyer tries to use it.  You don't expect to get the item back packaged up as brand new or you will call eBay and fight the case, right?  Same deal here - you have to open it to smell it...and, you sold it as "brand new", which set the expectation the buyer depended on.

Truth is, item condition has never and will never apply on eBay.   Items have to outlast return privileges, which is 180 days for PayPal. 

[retrose1]

I sell some vintage perfume - but not as perfume, but for the bottles - and I make it very clear that the older the liquid is inside, the less it will smell like it did when new,  including oil based perfume going rancid.  I have one bottle on my dresser from the 30s, that the bottle is even more awesome because the liquid inside is almost black (it really has a stench when you open it though).

If the perfume is more than a year old, take the return and use the loss as a learning experience to include a caveat to potential buyers in every listing.