What would you do? Leaving follow up feedback after partial refund...

[lauralemur]

I recently dealt with my first partial refund scammer.  I learned a lot here from everyone about this issue (thank you for the education), and will now change how I do things as a result.  Unfortunately I was not in a financial position to do a full refund (and was worried I wouldn't get my item back), so I had to play along and issue a partial though it pained me to make this decision.  I had left positive feedback for the buyer when payment was sent (now I know to wait in the future) - but I am thinking about leaving follow up feedback to gently warn others about this person - a professional "I am sorry you found fault with this item, partial refund issued" or something like that.  No, he hasn't left me feedback yet, and I realize I am open to negative comments in return (not especially concerned about that).  What do you guys think?                

[lewisburggold]

It sounds like you did pretty good.  If you think it was a scammer than just getting out with a partial refund isnt to bad.  The follow up feedback sounds good to.  Its good to try to warn others if they are not on the leval.  We would also block the buyer so they dont get you again.   Best regards

[18704d]

" "I am sorry you found fault with this item, partial refund issued""

----------

Don't post anything like that.

You'd be advertising to all scammers, that you cave in to partial refunds.

Lynn

[lauralemur]

Good point 18704d!  Thanks.  I don't plan on listing any more high value items here, and will now keep enough funds to cover a "return for full refund" policy to avoid the partial issues.  Maybe just "I'm sorry you found fault with this item" then?  

[tellmemama]

---

@lauralemurwrote:

I recently dealt with my first partial refund scammer.  I learned a lot here from everyone about this issue (thank you for the education), and will now change how I do things as a result.  Unfortunately I was not in a financial position to do a full refund (and was worried I wouldn't get my item back), so I had to play along and issue a partial though it pained me to make this decision.  I had left positive feedback for the buyer when payment was sent (now I know to wait in the future) - but I am thinking about leaving follow up feedback to gently warn others about this person - a professional "I am sorry you found fault with this item, partial refund issued" or something like that.  No, he hasn't left me feedback yet, and I realize I am open to negative comments in return (not especially concerned about that).  What do you guys think?                

---

Honestly I think it's a terrible idea.  First, the buyer hasn't left feedback for you yet.  So why give them a reason to do so much less nudge them toward less than positive?  True scammers don't tend to bother with feedback at all since they don't care for any kind of "paper trail".  But I don't see one letting it go if you try to out their scammer tactics.

Second, to the right rep this could be construed as a negative comment left on the buyer's page.  So if they call to get it removed, you get a policy violation strike.  Not really worth taking a chance for something that most sellers will never read anyway.

Third, you've just painted a big target on your back for anyone who does read your follow up.  By announcing to the world if your buyer finds a problem you'll give a partial is only going to increase the number of scammers who see you're an easy mark. 

Remember you decided to partially refund instead of requiring a return.  I completely understand your reasons behind it and it's your business to run as you see fit.  But as you may have realized, this just rewards the behavior which makes them expect it from every subsequent seller.  I don't care if I lose money in shipping costs.  The item comes back before any refund and forget about getting a partial.

Ebay is the only site where partials are the expected resolution.  Not for me.

<edit: spelling>

[mistwomandancing]

I know you are irked that the transaction didn't go smoothly, but my advice would be to just let it go.   You *warning* other sellers of this buyer isn't of any particular help at all as the buyer likely will have made their purchase and already paid by the time other sellers are even notified of the sale occurring.   And, often a buyer you've had a problem with will buy, pay, and leave glowing feedback for other sellers, so they're completely happy with their transaction with the same buyer you are trying to WARN them against.

Just drop it.   Don't respond at all.   The last thing you want to do is put out there forever that you are a seller who hands out partial refunds if a buyer isn't happy!  Any response at all will mostly be viewed by others (buyers and sellers) as sour grapes on your part.   Sorry it happened though.   Good luck with your business from here on out! 

[ed8108]

---

@mistwomandancingwrote:

I know you are irked ...... often a buyer you've had a problem with will buy, pay, and leave glowing feedback for other sellers, so they're completely happy with their transaction with the same buyer you are trying to WARN them against.

---

Best to just move on

[moo*cow*corner]

I've been considering the following...'Thanks for the very enlightening and educational transaction! I've learned a LOT' I think that's exactly 80 characters...haha.

I'm not a feedback at payment seller, so I usually skip feedback for the occasional 'difficult' buyer.

Nah, although I think these things sometimes, it's usually best to just block, report if necessary, and move on.

[audioarchive]

I have tried to leave follow up feedback and it never goes through. I would just move on, OP. Not worth your time. I don't really care enough about other sellers to try to 'educate' them on things they should already know.