Why is there zero protection for the SELLER?

[jameros-951]

Am I missing something here?

Recently we sold a $600 airsoft gun for $200 on eBay. We charged the buyer $30 for shipping and once packaged and with insurance spent another $50 (out of our own money) to get it across the country...literally...safely. In our listing we also stated "no returns,"...thinking we actually had a say in the matter...as it was verified by a local dealer to be in perfect condition.

Buyer didn't ask any questions about the condition when buying. More than 30 days later, the buyer submits a return request saying "The gun is broke. Everything else is OK. I want a refund."

First off, the way this was packed for shipping it could have survived a bomb. We're talking 25ft of bubble wrap, towels and washcloths.

Second, the gun is broke but everything else is OK? What would be ok if the gun is broke?

We responded to the buyer's request within 5 min. stating all the reasons it was in perfect condition and requested proof of damage (e.g., photos, description). Buyer never responded. 30 more days pass and we tried once again to get funds released.

I have spent over 3 hours on the phone every two weeks with eBay supervisors trying to understand why regardless of stating no refunds, the seller is required to refund and pay for the return. The buyer even has up to 6 months upon receiving the item to request a refund. So, in this scenario, we will now have paid $160 for someone to break our airsoft gun that we can no longer use or sell.

Oh course I was told the Seller IS protected as once we pay for the item return back to us (another $80) we can then put through a dispute to eBay saying it is damaged and it wasn't damaged by us. What good does that do? I asked if the buyer would then be responsbile for shipping both ways and they said no. So essentially the buyer got to use an airsoft gun for 3 months, damage it, and return it to us and get every penny back?

Someone please explain where the SELLER is protected? And, please tell me where we can rate buyers?

ABSOLUTELY WILL NEVER BUY OR SELL ANYTHING FROM EBAY. Said enough people lack integrity on such piddling things but that a company is so one-sided with their policy is sickening.

[scalemotorcars]

Welcome to the new eBay free rental system.

[lintbrush*]

If the eBay case has been open for more than 30 days without any further action from the buyer (in which eBay made a decision), then they should be able to close the case as it has timed out.

The buyer does not have to prove anything.  If they say it's broken, that's all that matters.  If you want the item back before you refund, you pay for the return shipping as well.  If the buyer (some do) submits pictures and the item was clearly broken, it's up to you to decide if you simply want to refund without paying for it to be returned or if there is still value and you want it back on your dime.

Buyer shouldn't have to ask questions about the condition.  That should all be in the original listing.

If the buyer opened an eBay return after the 30 days from receipt, you should have the option to decline.  The MBG only lasts 30 days from delivery.

[southern*sweet*tea]

This is 2018, not 1998. Sellers are expected to be professional. Part of being professional is protecting yourself by self insurance. You have to protect yourself, because NOBODY else will.

Sadly Ebay isn't the place for closet cleaners and hobbyists anymore. All sellers, even small ones, are expected to be professionals and run with the big boys.  It's a good thing in that buyers can't get screwed over like they used to, but it's a bad thing in that a lot of small sellers of unique items can't/won't protect themselves.

Sometimes reality stinks.