Sold New CPU which buyer claims having issues

[willaw_68]

The title, buyer dind't go into any detail. 

Said he thought there were some software issues, said he tried with a different CPU which he dind't specify and said to working fine. Used my picture as proof instead of the issue.

I've asked the buyer for proof of the issue, I'm panicking now because this buyer had no feedback, and I'm scared of a CPU swap scam.

In the pictures I dind't get a clear shot of the serial numbers, since it was brand new still sealed.

I bought it from a retailer, so I could return there. But imagine if they find it to have a different serial number etc.

[lakefor94]

Buyer does not have to provide any type of proof.

I always roll with, "sorry you are not pleased with your purchase.  Please return for refund. "

Put the ball in their court and see if they open a return case.

Come back here on your thread with more questions, especially if they open a return. Folks here will walk you thru it.

[sumsum70]

You should always have the serial number. I record serials for CPUs, memory and most PCI cards, especially video cards. I ad the serial(s) on the packing list paper just so the buyer knows I know what was sent. On the rare occasion someone claims to have a problem and asks for a return, I tell them "Sorry for any inconvenience, please feel free to return (part number) with serial number (n). Upon return, you will receive a full refund." Sometimes I never hear from them again. Usually, it is a moron who can't read and purchased server memory for a PC in spite of the bold letters that proclaim "will not work in a PC" in the description.

[inhawaii]

Same serial number or not, from the hundreds of posts I've red here, it doesn't matter, ebay will still find in favor of the buyer.

My advice would be accept the return, pay for return shipping, refund when you get the item back.

[fm2000]

Unfortunately, one way or another, odds are he is going to get his money back, either though eBay or a credit card chargeback (unless he has made that a habit and his card don't allow him to do that anymore.) Best to tell him to initiate the return and hope it comes back with the correct CPU... and that he didn't damage the CPU trying to install it or something.

[dbfolks166mt]

     No reason to panic yet. Simply tell the buyer, as others stated, to open a return request through eBay and offer a full refund upon receipt of the returned item. You are in the UK so I cannot see the item you sold or how much it sold for but electronics tend to be one of the most highly scammed items on eBay. There are so many other ways to sell electronic devices, especially highly demanded ones, that it always perplexes me as to why people list them on eBay given the risk. 

     Always remember the #1 rule as a seller. NEVER list anything on eBay you are not prepared to take the financial loss on. 

[luckythewinner]

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@willaw_68 wrote:

I've asked the buyer for proof of the issue

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Buyers are not required to send sellers "proof". 

[fashunu4eeuh]

The time to assess one’s risk tolerance is before listing the item, not after the sale. Here in the states, a buyer is not required to prove his veracity. eBay takes a buyer at his word. I have found the wide majority of customers to be honest, but i rarely sell in high scam categories like electronics.

Keep in mind that a buyer without a sales history is not necessarily a scammer. Best not to worry until the buyer definitively behaves in a dishonest way.  I have found it best to accept the buyer is not a scammer until he proves otherwise. 

If you cannot walk the buyer thru his issue, then tell them you regret the item is not satisfactory and return for refund. Best of luck to you.