Someone is trying to return a package that they don’t have what do I do

[hayfo_9629]

I sold a pair of Airpods and the buyer sent me a return request and in the return request he states that he didn’t actually receive the AirPods just and empty box even though I sent him the AirPods myself and k ow they were in the package what do I do

[redlinear]

If it's a return request, you accept the return and refund when the "box" arrives back.
You then take pics and report the buyer. 
Your THEN Start your own claim for something different (an empty box) being returned.
That's all you can do.

[mtgraves7984]

If your buyer listed 'Not as Described' in the listing, you're on the line for a refund. You could approve the request and have the buyer return the package to you before refunding, though... you're not required to refund without an actual return.

So, I guess you can choose between either... return the package for a refund or refund without requiring a return.

[hayfo_9629]

They put recived wrong item for the reason

[mr_lincoln]

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@hayfo_9629 wrote:

They put recived wrong item for the reason

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@hayfo_9629   Here is a link to your Seller protections:  Seller protections | eBay

Read through them, some deductions for the refund may apply.  And definitely Report the Buyer as @redlinear recommends when you get the empty box back.   This ID you have posted with is not the ID you sold the items on right?!?  How much are we talking about for the items in question????

Ask the Buyer to send pictures of the empty box for your records, all sealed sides so you can see the tape used when it was opened and resealed after someone removed the items you sent.    Then wait.

[kensgiftshop]

Either way, you need to accept the return and provide a shipping label, if you want something returned before refunding.

[12345jamesstamps]

Probably a dishonest buyer.

Have to refund.

Getting buyer to return  an empty box back...money out of your pocket for shipping. Seems like return shipping couldn't cost a lot.

However, if buyer doesn't return with tracking in the time limit you could get your refund back.

Taking photos of an empty box won't help...it's your word vs. the buyer. Photos don't help.

Good luck.

[redlinear · Accepted solution]

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@hayfo_9629 wrote:

They put recived wrong item for the reason

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Doesn't matter.
Accept return.
Refund when whatever arrives back.
Report Buyer
Start Claim returned different item (pics and explanation that you simply did not get the item you shipped back as a return).
Hope for the best. 
  (and do that in that order)

You are not in front of a judge explaining your case.
You are in the middle of a computer with multiple choices already laid out.
Choose the best is all you can do.

[ittybitnot]

@hayfo_9629 

To what city/state did you ship this product?  

Did you ship it via eBay's EIS to the Glendale, IL hub?  

[hayfo_9629]

I just talked to eBay support and they told me that since it was out of my control I most likely won’t have to pay the refund thank you all for the help

[kensgiftshop]

Getting Ebay involved on a return is not a good idea for a seller.

Usually they'll refund the buyer from your account, let them keep the item, they keep their fee's and give you a defect for not handling the return.

CS is well known for telling sellers what they want to hear to get you off the phone, even if it isn't the truth.

[goodbrakes]

Sorry to say but I would not believe what eBay Support tells you. 99.9% of the time you end up having to do a refund or forced refund by eBay when this type of scam is pulled on a Seller. 

[hayfo_9629]

How can I prevent this from happening in the future?

[kensgiftshop]

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@hayfo_9629 wrote:

How can I prevent this from happening in the future?

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You can't.

Certain items attract scammers, especially for new sellers.

[ckimodog]

@hayfo_9629 

So sorry for your situation, however the only way to stop this type of behavior (scammers) is not to sell items like air pods, iphones or expensive electronics on this venue.  As others have stated, those types of items attract scammers in droves. 

Sell them locally perhaps to friends or family members, but never sell anything that you can't afford to lose on eBay.  Hang in there.