What i do in this situation?

[ladsm10]

So a buyer messaged me all mad claiming item didn't come to them sealed and they bought the item as a gift but didn't come sealed. But the item wasn't even listed as sealed or new it was listed as used. And their claiming to leave negative review if not solved. But how is it my fault if item was listed used not new.

[12345jamesstamps]

What did the photos look like?

Were they your own photos of the item?

[stainlessenginecovers]

If they were actual photos I would respond with

"I'm sorry, the item was clearly shown as being 'used' and not new so of course it would not have been factory sealed'

Then just wait for them to either open a 'return' or not. I'm sure they will respond to the above, but I would ignore it. 

[reallynicestamps]

"I regret you are unhappy with your purchase. Please return it for refund."

No mention of who pays return shipping.

No argument about sealed/unsealed.

It's business, not personal.

[inhawaii]

I realize this is not your fault.

Even though you listed it correctly as "used" the buyer will always win in a dispute.

Option 1: Refund, let the buyer keep the item and be done with it.

Option 2: Have the buyer start a INAD (item not as described) return.

When you get the item back, refund the buyer.

Option 3: Offer the buyer a partial refund (if you can both agree on a amount).

[ittybitnot]

And their claiming to leave negative review if not solved.

@ladsm10 

My first impression regarding that message from the buyer is you have what we call a "tree shaker".  They make threats and such just to see what you are going to do. Like "shaking the tree" to see what falls out.   Some sellers live in such fear of a "red donut" review they will do anything just to avoid the possibility.  

If they just messaged you, then all is good and I would definitely just go with the "I regret you are unhappy..." message given to you by @reallynicestamps in message #4 and see what happens.  Oftentimes, tree shakers will simply go away, and once in a while they have abused the Money Back Guarantee so often, they are no longer allowed to file a claim at all.    If they message you again, rinse and repeat the same message.  You are under no obligation to provide them with instructions on how to file a return.  

Regardless if they end up filing a case or not, the message regarding the veiled threat of leaving a negative review will be enough (you may have to work at it a bit) will be enough to have any negative removed.  You can report this buyer NOW on the message itself under the dropdown on the three bar menu.  Since it is a completed transaction, you can ALSO report the buyer if they file a claim against you for abuse of the Money Back Guarantee.  

Negatives don't count against your seller standing.  Never let them influence business decisions, and they lose their power. 

[chariot_badges]

---

@inhawaii wrote:

I realize this is not your fault.

Even though you listed it correctly as "used" the buyer will always win in a dispute.

Option 1: Refund, let the buyer keep the item and be done with it.

Option 2: Have the buyer start a INAD (item not as described) return.

When you get the item back, refund the buyer.

Option 3: Offer the buyer a partial refund (if you can both agree on a amount).

---

... and when you're done with all that ... put them on your Ignore List.

Mine is growing daily.

[simply-the-best-for-you]

First off, feedback is not used in rating you by eBay, so even if they do leave you a NEG, it's not going to be an issue as far as eBay is concerned.  Since they have not opened a Return Request yet, I would assume & hope they are reasonable & engage them by explaining that it was clearly indicated to be used, in the used category, etc, so b/c it was clearly sold as used, it would not be new.  It would help to screen shot the places in the listing where it says used & show them to the buyer.  Some will say 'oops, sorry' & go away & others will dig in their heels.  Just know that if they open a Return Request & use a SNAD reason, you're required to accept the return even if it's not a SNAD.  Best practice then is to accept the return, send a shipping label & contact eBay afterwards to dispute with eBay.  They will sometimes give you a courtesy refund. 

[chapeau-noir]

Have they even got the right seller? 

[mam98031]

@ladsm10 

I agree with the advice that @simply-the-best-for-you provided.  Try communicating with the buyer.  Don't point fingers or make it sound like they made a mistake.  No reason to try to fuel an unnecessary fire.  It won't help to resolve the situation.  

But politely explain that they may have you confused with another seller as the item you sold them was a used item.  If this nice message doesn't resolve the issue with them, simply ask them to return the item for a full refund.  

They do not have to open a Request for Return for you to accept a return and refund them.  In fact it is better for your stats if they don't.  But of course if the buyer prefers, don't try to get them to do otherwise.  Just don't mention filing a claim when you first tell them they can return for a refund.  Then just deal with whatever they decide to do.

Let us know what you decide to do and how it turns out.