Seller Protection Lip Service

[general.store.usa]

I sold a well functioning Panasonic Toughbook to buyer.  I videoed the item as I was packaging and shipping, showing that the item was working properly before closing the box.  Buyer states that the item was broken and opened case.  After receiving the returned item, I videoed the box as I opened and tested the toughbook.  It did not work, totally different than video of it working at shipping.  I issued an 85% refund (15% for restocking fee) in good faith - thinking this was just a case of "Buyers Remorse".  eBay closed case and returned 15% as well.  Toughbooks are knowned to be hardy, I've driven a car over mine three times with no damage whatsover.  Now I am stuck with a computer that was working at time of shipping and now no longer does.  I called eBay to appeal case to no avail.   eBay seller protection is total lip service.

[general.store.usa]

TO: a_c_green
Why would returning a defective/dead laptop be considered "Buyer's Remorse"?

Doing MBG doesn't give you many choices as a reason, and one is required to checkmark a radio button to continue.

I notice you did clearly show the laptop serial number in photos. Did you get the same one back? (I know you said that it doesn't work, but I'm assuming that the serial must be physically stamped on it someplace as well.)

I clearly and closely video the make/model/serial number labels on the backside of the toughbook. I also video the bios screen which shows all of the nomenclature. I received the same item back, but cannot verify the removable hard drive - which is my suspicion that was replaced.

[general.store.usa]

It was my hope that eBay would side with me since I videoed all the nomenclature. No avail - eBay says "seller risk"

[mg152]

I think ebay would take note of a different serial number if the op called them before issuing the refund. I don't know this to be true but I'd hope they would.

[mg152]

That's too bad! For all of us.

[kitschy*loot]

I'm curious as to why you keep driving over your item? 

[rw011164]

To the contrary, a SNAD applies anywhere the buyer says so. You really do need to understand how and why the eBay MBG works and so how hefty your risks are.

Good sellers want a good MBG for their buyers, while there are risks for the seller, it is much needed assurances to buyers that they will get what they pay for. Without this third party guarantee then it would place the risk on the buyer. Buyers do not want to put down their hard earned money to have an added risk.

As you have discovered, filming your packaging, item working, etc process nothing to eBay in a SNAD claim

There are many things which a seller may determine are too risky to sell online, but it is up to each seller to weigh the risks

[omgitlightsup]

Not only do I record serial numbers, but when I deal with computers I open them up and discretely mark every removable component in a subtle way that only I can identify. I also take copious photos of the interior so I can spot any new tool marks or disturbed wiring. People love to buy laptops, take the part they need, and replace it with the dead whatever-it-was from their old laptop. Then they send your now-dead laptop back and claim it wasn't working when they got it.

None of this is any help at all as far as eBay is concerned... but it could be of some use if I felt like driving to a buyer's state and filing a civil claim against them.

[campesinoplastic2014]

Or how many times was this one driven over?