Why On Ebay Are Buyers Under No Obligation To Read Listing Info Or Look At Photos Before Buying?

[lb23cavaliersmvp]

I recently sold 2 new decks of poker playing cards in the original opened box and after receipt the buyer wanted to know why the original box wasn't sealed and what I planned to do to "make it right". The first photo showed the 2 decks in the bottom half of the box propped against the lid. Furthermore, we included multiple pictures of the 2 decks out of the box and the broken seals on the box. The description also clearly stated that the outer box had been opened and had modest shelf wear. We had to spend 1/2 hour exchanging 5 messages, including immediately offering to accept a return, to resolve the matter with the buyer without ebay stepping in or providing a partial refund (although even in the end the buyer claimed we deceived them). Fortunately, no feedback was left and we blocked the buyer.

Clearly, we have no idea how ebay would have resolved a request for - feedback removal but there are countless posts here of similar instances where ebay permitted - feedback to stand. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

If the items were not Brand New, they should not have been listed as Brand New. (you detailed the seal was broken for the outer box) You should familiarize yourself with the eBay MBG to understand how buyers are protected and/or may take advantage of a listing. 

If you did get negative feedback, i would assume (may be wrong) that they would not remove it. 

edit. clarification addition

[lb23cavaliersmvp]

You've proved my point; we shouldn't bother with multiple pictures or detailed descriptions since selling 2 brand new sealed decks of cards as just that  is irrelevant.

[bonanza125]

In addition to that buyers have a 30 day money back guarantee. So if the buyer wants to return an item for a refund they can. Ebay places sellers at a high standard so if the buyer is not satisfied at all they have recourse within 30 days. Buyers are obligated to view photos and ask questions before they buy however that's not always the case. You will get buyers who don't read. That's part of the business. You mentioned "fortunately no feedback." One thing you can do is change your return policy to 30 days "Buyer pays shipping." That way you have some leverage with Ebay where if someone did leave bad feedback you would say you have a 30 day return policy. Right now you don't and buyers can still opt to force that return anyway.

[lakefor94]

True that eBay buyers are under No Obligation To Read Listing Info Or Look At Photos Before Buying.

That one should have been listed as Open Box rather than New. 

Might have made a difference to the buyer if buying as a gift. 

Perhaps they were fishing for a partial refund. 

Buyer has 60 days to leave feedback on a transaction. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

---

@lb23cavaliersmvp wrote:

You've proved my point; we shouldn't bother with multiple pictures or detailed descriptions since selling 2 brand new sealed decks of cards as just that  is irrelevant.

---

I think you understand my point (hopefully) and see how that buyers can take advantage of a listing like yours. If you listed this as an OPEN BOX item, at least there would be something you could argue although buyers can almost return anything if they understand how to work the return policy. 

Totally agree that it would be nice if buyers did read everything, but Santa's wish list has expired this year. 

[12345jamesstamps]

Buying an item on a cell phone or iPhone using the eBay APP the description is not visible and a buyer will have to look for 'description ' and clink on that.

The title is the most important thing of the item for sale.

I would have done 'Poker Playing Cards Open Box....' something like that...or 'Poker Playing Cards...Read the Description!....'

[iamcara]

---

@lb23cavaliersmvp wrote:

I recently sold 2 new decks of poker playing cards in the original opened box and after receipt the buyer wanted to know why the original box wasn't sealed and what I planned to do to "make it right". The first photo showed the 2 decks in the bottom half of the box propped against the lid. Furthermore, we included multiple pictures of the 2 decks out of the box and the broken seals on the box. The description also clearly stated that the outer box had been opened and had modest shelf wear. We had to spend 1/2 hour exchanging 5 messages, including immediately offering to accept a return, to resolve the matter with the buyer without ebay stepping in or providing a partial refund (although even in the end the buyer claimed we deceived them). Fortunately, no feedback was left and we blocked the buyer.

Clearly, we have no idea how ebay would have resolved a request for - feedback removal but there are countless posts here of similar instances where ebay permitted - feedback to stand. 

---

Always assume that people are lying when they talk about a transaction with eBay customer service that was "unfair" whether the complaint comes from a seller or a buyer.

As for buyers who are aggressive towards sellers, it would be hyperbolically foolish for you to believe that they are complaining for any reason other than being upset about their own problems. They're just taking things out on you, making you do this and that to try to feel better about themselves.

Of course it would only be right for you to be reasonable with childish people, but every now and then I think it's ok to lash back as long as you are acting within the rules (preserving your own well-being on the platform while not letting bullies step all over you).

[bashort]

---

@lb23cavaliersmvp wrote:

I recently sold 2 new decks of poker playing cards in the original opened box and after receipt the buyer wanted to know why the original box wasn't sealed and what I planned to do to "make it right". The first photo showed the 2 decks in the bottom half of the box propped against the lid. Furthermore, we included multiple pictures of the 2 decks out of the box and the broken seals on the box. The description also clearly stated that the outer box had been opened and had modest shelf wear. We had to spend 1/2 hour exchanging 5 messages, including immediately offering to accept a return, to resolve the matter with the buyer without ebay stepping in or providing a partial refund (although even in the end the buyer claimed we deceived them). Fortunately, no feedback was left and we blocked the buyer.

Clearly, we have no idea how ebay would have resolved a request for - feedback removal but there are countless posts here of similar instances where ebay permitted - feedback to stand. 

---

what item condition did you use? 

New: The item is brand new, unused, unopened, and undamaged

In any case, arguing with the buyer is not helpful.

I always just state return for full refund and repeat this exactly every time they send a message

[tobaccocardyahoo]

When the condition says Brand New, a buyer should be able to stop reading.

Your cards were not brand new, they were unsealed box, and had shelf wear.

As for your other listings, you make heavy use of New (other) and in some cases it appears you are grading optimistically.

Sellers often create the situations which bite them in their hindquarters by grading optimistically. Even the most conservative grading is subjective.

It is a poor practice to give the product a grade and then list why it is not that grade. Buyers will often stop reading when the see the grade because it needs to be at least as good as the grade stated,'

The buyer was in the right to want compensation for a faulty description.

[kabilab]

cavalier, several yrs. ago, I changed, after the board's suggestion, from NO RETURNS to 30 DAY RETURNS with me paying the return postage; it worked like a charm.

In my hook, I type one of  the below:

1-Brand new & sealed

2-Excellent

3-Very Good

4-See the conditions box. It is there where I cover any unusual situations.

I adopted that manner of listing a few yrs. ago and have not since experienced a single problem.

[soh.maryl]

How could eBay actually force buyers to read the description very carefully?

Have you ever heard the old aphorism: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.  

[janet9988]

---

@iamcara wrote:

---

@lb23cavaliersmvp wrote:

I recently sold 2 new decks of poker playing cards in the original opened box and after receipt the buyer wanted to know why the original box wasn't sealed and what I planned to do to "make it right". The first photo showed the 2 decks in the bottom half of the box propped against the lid. Furthermore, we included multiple pictures of the 2 decks out of the box and the broken seals on the box. The description also clearly stated that the outer box had been opened and had modest shelf wear. We had to spend 1/2 hour exchanging 5 messages, including immediately offering to accept a return, to resolve the matter with the buyer without ebay stepping in or providing a partial refund (although even in the end the buyer claimed we deceived them). Fortunately, no feedback was left and we blocked the buyer.

Clearly, we have no idea how ebay would have resolved a request for - feedback removal but there are countless posts here of similar instances where ebay permitted - feedback to stand. 

---

Always assume that people are lying when they talk about a transaction with eBay customer service that was "unfair" whether the complaint comes from a seller or a buyer.

As for buyers who are aggressive towards sellers, it would be hyperbolically foolish for you to believe that they are complaining for any reason other than being upset about their own problems. They're just taking things out on you, making you do this and that to try to feel better about themselves.

Of course it would only be right for you to be reasonable with childish people, but every now and then I think it's ok to lash back as long as you are acting within the rules (preserving your own well-being on the platform while not letting bullies step all over you).

---

A buyer does not even have to open the item. They can simply say the item is  fake or counterfeit. No one wants to destroy the evidence. Right?

[stainlessenginecovers]

It would be easier (for sellers to hope buyers read the description) if the 'buy it now' button was below the description; and on the Phone App- the description is clearly shown and not a 'button'. 

[lb23cavaliersmvp]

Forget reading anything carefully how about looking at the 1st picture! Is it possible to press buy with your eyes closed?