What happens when you report a buyer?

[kath.layn]

I know this happens to every seller occasionally.  I sold a lot of used stainless flatware.  Buyer requested a return saying she had wanted to give it as a gift and she was unhappy with the “spots” on the silverware.  The photos were clear, the listing states “Good Used Condition with surface marks from everyday use.”  Buyer uses “Defective” as a reason so she gets her shipping refunded as well. The  silverware was returned today and I examined it.  I would call it “very good used condition”.  I sell a lot of silverware, so I am careful with my descriptions.  Now that the buyer has been fully, and fraudulently  refunded, is there any point in reporting the buyer for abusing the returns system? 

[12345jamesstamps]

Block the buyer immediately.

Buyers are allowed to return items. I don't think buyer is abusing the returns system.

Buyers use their iPhone to buy items and those tiny photos will not show everything unless you screen in the photos with the magnifying glass in the photo.

And buyers don't read descriptions. I had a buyer get mad at me when I said in item descriptions 3 different times item has been folded...and buyer demanded one not folded.

[iamalwaysright]

Yes I would definitely report the buyer if I had the same experience as you mentioned. It won't really help your issue, but it might help others in the future who have to deal with this buyer.

[luckythewinner]

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@kath.layn wrote:

 Now that the buyer has been fully, and fraudulently  refunded, is there any point in reporting the buyer for abusing the returns system? 

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You will probably not know the result of reporting a buyer.

And eBay certainly is not going to sanction a buyer based on a single report, because that would leave all buyers at the mercy of vindictive sellers.

But I suspect that once a buyer reaches a certain threshold of reports by sellers, there may be repercussions for them.

[golfingaddict]

I just don't think that the buyer is necessarily abusing the return system.

Unless you have a very detailed description that is unique to the listing (not a blanket statement good used condition with surface marks from everyday use)  the buyer's opinion just does not match yours.

You are not wrong in your opinion but the buyer has the right to disagree with your opinion.

I have learned after 25 years of selling flatware that it is important to detail very carefully the condition of each set or piece of flatware I sell.

The tines have scratching and marks that are consistent with use.

The blades of the knives have some spots and pit marks.  This can be seen in photo 3.

The spoons have swirl rubbing and scratching marks that are shown in photo 4. 

(I normally avoid selling used dinner knives unless I am absolutely confident that they have no pit marks or spotting)

[kensgiftshop]

I don't think the buyer was abusing the return system, some buyers are more picky then others.

You might think it was in very good, used condition, but the buyer didn't.

Looked at a few listings and with the reflection on some, you couldn't really see the item very good.

[inhawaii]

My opinion...

It's a legitimate return.

You just don't see eye to eye on the condition. 

There is nothing to report. 

[krazzykats]

The buyer didn't like what they received. 

And if returned in the same condition as sent, why report the buyer?  

I once sold a very rare collectable Hallmark ornament but some of the glitter had fallen off.  It was typical for the age of that ornament. 

Anyway, the buyer was unhappy, so I refunded after the return.  A few weeks later it was sold again, and that 2nd buyer was very happy.  

Just be happy it was a hassle-free return and you received back what you sold.  List it again, and maybe add some closeup pics of the spots.

[kitschy*loot]

Just because you would call it something doesn't mean that's what it is... to someone who isn't you. My personal opinion is that extremely nitpicky people shouldn't buy from places like eBay, but of course they will and there is nothing that can be done about that. You just have to remember everyone has a different way of grading items.

[kath.layn]

Thanks to all who replied.  Good suggestions.  I have no problem with the return, I offer returns on all my items.  My issue is only that she claimed the items were “defective” and got refunded for shipping both ways.  Not a big deal, $16, but as they say, it’s the principle.  And yes, I carefully inspected the flatware when it came back today, and honestly, I couldn’t find any flaws that should have been addressed.  This is used flatware, in very good condition.  My impression, since the buyer stated she had intended to give it as a gift, is that she really wanted something that looked brand new.  Also, I realize people don’t read, and only look at tiny little iPhone photos.  I also realize that people sometimes lie to get what they want.  Who knows which one happened here?