Your experience is why i rarely list anything anymore that is not in pristine condition. Some buyers flat-out do not read the entire listing, in turn creating these kinds of issues for the seller. (It is not even primarily a buyer’s fault, since many shop on smartphones where eBay hides the complete description field.)
When selling damaged or incomplete items, it’s helpful for sellers to determine their risk tolerance prior to listing the goods. Have a backup plan.
“…My impression was this was more about remorse and upset that I called out his dishonesty by replying to the feedback comment.”
Couldn’t be sure without seeimg the listing and feedback in question, so i am only guessing at how everything unfolded. So if you would allow, let me add in closing, that there is rarely anything positive to be gained by correcting or calling out one’s trading partner. As a general rule, never get into a protracted back-and-forth exchange with a buyer. It’s lose-lose.
It is up to the seller to rise above the fray and maintain composure in the face of a difficult buyer. In this case, depending on the costs involved, it is likely i would have simply refunded and be done with the unhappy soul. Sadly, the afflicted are among us, and how we respond to them could either help or hinder a seller’s standing.
