buyer claiming stereo arrived damaged

[addictedtoselling]

Hi guys

Buyer is asking for partial refund for stereo. He says the stereo was damaged heavily in the back.  It is a shelf system.  I am unsure of the procedure...as he has not filed a claim. He is asking for a PARTIAL refund.  Should I ask him to take pictures and start a claim?  How do I even approach this? 

Thanks

J

[emerald40]

IMO partials are a scam.

If it is that badly damaged how is a partial going to fix that?

Again imo tell him that you are sorry there is a problem.  Tell him to open a case for not as described and upon receipt you will refund him.

Then say and do nothing else until and if he opens a case.  Then hit the return for refund box.

Never start a claim.  That is up to the buyer to do so.  Many times, they just go away if you tell him no partial refunds.

[gamersbaystore]

Always file a claim with the postal service as soon as possible, and have the buyer take the item to be inspected by whatever service you used. That's assuming you had this item insured for the full price of the sale. Definitely demand pictures as well.

If the buyer returns the item before being inspected, USPS typically wont honor the insurance. Likewise, there's no rule that states buyers have to have the item inspected at all. I used to make a disclaimer on high price listings for this very reason.

As for the partial refund? If his claims check out, I would honor it. If not, then demand they return the item before being refunded.

[emerald40]

You can demand them, but buyers are not obligated to send you photos.

And if it is that badly damaged, why would buyer want it in the first place.

These partials are scams, imo.

[fossil_diver]

You will pay for shipping if you want it returned. Usually partial refund requests are just a scam but if the buyer provides pictures of the damage and it looks like the item couldn't be resold I would consider a partial refund. 

[sam9876]

I wouldn't do anything. 

[kathyn2]

I don’t do any partial refunds. Even state that in my sales. Most are scams buyers have learned from sellers that give them. Ask for a picture of the damage. I insure items and expect to file a claim on damaged items. Ask for picture so you can file claim and let them know you don’t do partial refunds. Tell them to open a claim so they can return item once you have filed for insurance claim.

[sam9876]

 The insurance is void if the item is returned to you.

[m60driver]

Sometimes a partial refund is the best way to go, especially when shipping is a good percentage of your selling price.  For example, you sell your widget for $50 and $25 shipping. If they return the widget you will have to pay shipping three times if you resell,  for a total of $75.  Better to refund $25 and at least gross $25.