eBay

ijourneaux · ‎11-13-2022

I sold a collectible Star Wars chess set in a new unopened condition. Buyer wants a refund be cause he didn't like it. The listing clearly indicates that returns are not accepted. For most sales, I would just allow them to return the item and have them pay the return shipping but now the packaging for the chess set is opened and I can only sell it as used.

Don't want to hurt my reputation and wonder what would be the best way to move forward.

mtgraves7984 · ‎11-13-2022

@meme6253 wrote:
I Never heard that you can deduct up to half if the item is returned damaged?, When did that start?

@meme6253

It's been in place for some sellers for some time. See post #26. And the ones mentioned in post #26.

ms.rodriguez* · ‎11-13-2022

Make sure that you list what the pieces are made of. Take more photos. Make sure that your text is clear and that the photos are clear. You can now add up to 24 photos too. Hopefully, the seller returns the entire set in mint condition so that you can resell it. Obviously, anytime a seller takes a loss on an item, that cost is reflected in higher prices on some other item(s). That is exactly what the stores do when buyers shoplift or eat a banana.

freddylumbago · ‎11-13-2022

Wow, this thread is not instilling me with much confidence. I accepted a return a few weeks ago for a Lego set that the buyer claimed was damaged. He sent pics of the "damage" which seemed to me like normal wear and tear for a used item. Despite the fact that my listing said "no returns" I sent him a return label. Package arrived about three weeks later, but strangely I noticed the return label had been altered. My last name was removed and my address number was changed. Somehow USPS got it to me anyway. Opened it up and surprise!- a bunch of parts missing or swapped out for junky replacements. I reported the buyer, but am I going to lose all the money on the sale? He had zero feedback, btw.

buyselljack2016 · ‎11-13-2022

@meme6253 wrote:
I Never heard that you can deduct up to half if the item is returned damaged?, When did that start?

To note:

that deduction would be damage (value decrease) caused by the buyer

That could include a buyer just tossing in a box with no packing (when needed) as well as opening a "sealed" item thus decreasing it's value, willful damage, accidental damage................

mtgraves7984 · ‎11-13-2022

@freddylumbago wrote:
Wow, this thread is not instilling me with much confidence. I accepted a return a few weeks ago for a Lego set that the buyer claimed was damaged. He sent pics of the "damage" which seemed to me like normal wear and tear for a used item. Despite the fact that my listing said "no returns" I sent him a return label. Package arrived about three weeks later, but strangely I noticed the return label had been altered. My last name was removed and my address number was changed. Somehow USPS got it to me anyway. Opened it up and surprise!- a bunch of parts missing or swapped out for junky replacements. I reported the buyer, but am I going to lose all the money on the sale? He had zero feedback, btw.

@freddylumbago

Yes... with No Returns and no TRS + 30-Day (or better) Returns. You've received it back... did you not issue a full refund yet? That's something you want to do before the buyer escalates it to eBay. Your seller metrics are all you have left to save...

freddylumbago · ‎11-13-2022

Good Sweet Lord.

I reported the buyer, and almost immediately I get an email stating the Ebay has found in the buyer's favor. I click on "send an appeal" and nothing happens. I try all the listed phone numbers, and they go NOWHERE.

I haven't had anyone ask for a return in a loooong time, so I don't know how the process normally works, but I thought that I didn't need to issue the refund until after I got the item back and verified everything was in good order. Is that not how it works?

vintagecraze50 · ‎11-13-2022

When you sign the user agreement here you agree to abide by all their rules which include their money back policy. Yes they make millions and no they will not eat the costs for these types of issues. It’s a risk you take selling online. You have to have a business plan that controls for the costs of bad buyers. That means that you try to sell in large quantity and at a price that still keeps you profitable despite the setbacks.

vintagecraze50 · ‎11-13-2022

Good, then the next customer who does this to you may only get a fraction of what they paid back.

vintagecraze50 · ‎11-13-2022

Correct-having returns accepted and free returns and 30 day returns is actually a deterrent for this type of behavior. Use it.

vintagecraze50 · ‎11-13-2022

If the buyer says Martians jumped out of the box and scared their kids, just accept the return, Martians can be kept at no extra charge.

d.amber · ‎11-13-2022

@vintagecraze50 I wish there was something that could include a LOL button. Thanks, you made my night. A good laugh is always helpful.

reallynicestamps · ‎11-13-2022

You can have a No Returns policy.

You cannot have a No Refunds policy.

This is business, not personal.

And not every transaction will go perfectly.

This one may be a loss, but with luck you may find a buyer who actually wants to use the chess set and will pay a fair price for it.

And if you lose money that's a tax deduction from the $600 so many sellers are getting their panties in a knot about.

mtgraves7984 · ‎11-13-2022

@freddylumbago wrote:
Good Sweet Lord.

I reported the buyer, and almost immediately I get an email stating the Ebay has found in the buyer's favor. I click on "send an appeal" and nothing happens. I try all the listed phone numbers, and they go NOWHERE.

I haven't had anyone ask for a return in a loooong time, so I don't know how the process normally works, but I thought that I didn't need to issue the refund until after I got the item back and verified everything was in good order. Is that not how it works?

@freddylumbago

This is one way it works. Here's the link to what a seller should do.>> How to handle a return request as a seller | eBay

Pay special attention to 'Refunding the Buyer', and to this snippet:
When you agree to give the buyer their money back, or once you receive the returned item, you'll need to issue their refund within 2 business days. To do this, go to the case in your Returns dashboard and choose Refund buyer. If you don't refund the buyer within 2 business days of receiving the item, we may automatically issue a refund to them on your behalf.

What you have misunderstood is that you do have to issue the refund, whether or not you've "verified everything is in good order"... the idea you were operating under. It does not work as you thought it did.

- I don't know how many business days ago you received it, but that was a concern of mine. (Kneejerk reaction.)
- I don't know if 'reporting the buyer' before you'd completed the refund played into it, as I've never done that... but now I wonder. 🤔 Maybe another poster can address this issue.

The bad part is that since eBay had to become involved, your Seller Metrics also took a 'ding', and I hate that for you. They're mathematical/statistical... and take time to un-do. It's a big ol' learning curve... hang in there and better luck moving forward.

showmecurrency4u · ‎11-14-2022

i would accept the return and when i received the item back would refund 50 per cent as a TRS. also block and report the buyer and maybe take other actions. the best thing is to not list this type of item on certain platforms where the seller has few rights. good luck