Return because of Ebays product description?

[watermeloncornbread]

I've got a situation I'm not sure how to handle. I sold a broken GPS for parts/repair with no cords or anything. Photos and my description accurately represented this. My customer wants to return it because "No cords were included". This isn't due to my description, but rather the product description eBay auto fills when you put up an item that usually has the description of the item from the original manufacturer. I explained to the customer that it doesn't reflect my listing but they insist my item isn't as described. How do I approach this? I'm not in any wrong, and I'll be out money to take it back since it sold for basically nothing. Any advice would be appreciated.

[bonjourami]

sorry, but its up to you to double check Ebays product description to make sure it accurately represents your item.If that products description included cords, your customer has a case for item not as described.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

I sold a Dewalt impact wrench I did not need any more based off of the model name eBay added a few item specifics the drill did not have that I had to correct to avoid possible return issues. The eBay catalog is not always right especially for older items.

[kensgiftshop]

If the item originally come with cords, it's good to mention in the listing that the cords are not included.

[southern*sweet*tea]

When you have a for parts item, don't use the catalog.  Don't enter a UPC. Put the item name and model in the title with **Parts only**. Also be sure to have **parts only** in your description in red font.  IMO a UPC would only be used for a complete, working item.

If it was the TomTom, you had it listed as used, which means:

An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.

[wesk_36]

Even with the auto-filled description, your description could be easily inferred to include a power cord;

"Unit powers on but has an area with screen burn/dead pixels." 

At any rate, the product description states that it includes a power cord and USB cable, and your  small description doesn't say that there isn't a power cord and the listing also states condition- "used" rather than condition; for parts only.

Your other sold GPS states;

"Condition: For parts or not working"... what's different between the two that you would list one as used and the other for parts?

I think you should accept the return; from a buyers perspective, it's not as described because it isn't. Give a refund when returned, and consider the listing mistakes for the next time.

Just my opinion

[3eyedfishcatcher]

I think a lot of the eBay catalog info does not come from actual manufactures but is complied from other sellers selling the same items. I sell vintage train buildings and a lot of time the suggested item specifics will have features filled out for particular items that they do not have and did not come with. Like describing items as being lighted when they do not come with lights but may have been added to other items that were sold in the past. Really you can not trust any prefill item specifics and have to double check them for every listing. 

[watermeloncornbread]

Thank you for pointing out it was listed as used, I didn't realize I had it listed that way. I'm just going to refund them, thanks for the help.

[fashunu4eeuh]

If a buyer opens a “not as described” case, you have no choice but to accept the return, and must pay for the return shipping as well. Even if the catalog incorrectly filled in product info, it falls on the seller to correct such entries prior to listing.

And even if this were a fraudulent buyer opening a bogus claim, it is still the seller who pays. If you feel the claim was not your fault and can back it up with documentation, you can appeal to eBay after the case has gone through its stages. 

Trying to fight a Not As Described case ends with the seller getting a defect and a forced return anyhow if eBay finds for the buyer (as they do 99% of the time). Enough defects and your selling privileges are at great risk.

“...and I'll be out money to take it back since it sold for basically nothing.”  It is up to each seller to write into their business plan how shrinkage will be managed, and how to compensate for such inevitable losses.

[3eyedfishcatcher]

Attention to details is the key. Always mention every little thing do not assume buyers will catch every detail from your pictures. My father was a avid fisher and after he died I found a Garmin hand held GPS device he had. It would not turn on and I could not find any place to connect a charging cord. I assumed as with most newer usb devices it charged via a usb connection to a pc. I LSO figured it would be purchased for parts. Being new to eBay I did not know to include for parts or repair in the tittle. I also assumed that if I did not have a image on the unit powered on buyers would know it did not power on. I assumed it would sell in a auction for 10 to 20 dollars like similar broken items. While I mentioned the that I could not find a place to connect a charger and thought it may charge via a pc connection. I for got to specifically mention it did not power on. The next thing I know a bidding war breaks out and it sells for way way more than it should have. But being new and not knowing the true value of the item I go ahead and ship it out. Long story short the buyer messages me from another country as he paid a third party shipping company to ship it to him. I ended up having to settle things and lose a little money. So I think all sellers end up learning a lesson similar to what you experienced. The main thing it to show pictures of every thing that is included and in your description mention what will be included with the purchase. Do not rely on see pictures to cover your self. Always review any item specifics and if there is any doubt remove that specific.