eBay "bots" still don't understand what to do with defective returns

[chasearooauctions]

After almost 30 years, the eBay "bots" that control everything eBay still cannot understand that if I list something for parts/not working (eBay drop-down list) that a buyer cannot open a free return and use the drop-down list return reason "defective/not working". If I list it as used, and describe it as used, and it doesn't work; it's defective. But if I list it as defective and describe it as defective, it's defective and sold as defective. You can return it (and pay for the return) if you change your mind, but you shouldn't be able to return it (on my dime) if it's defective. 

[rebell45]

that a buyer cannot open a free return and use the drop-down list return reason "defective/not working"

Well, as you know, that's not how eBay works.  If the buyer says it's defective, that means it is more defective than described... right? 🤣

[coolections]

Yes they can. Selling something for parts only does not allow you a free pass. An example you say a watch does not work. The buyer purchases it and there are no parts inside the watch. There are many reasons why a seller is not allowed to mislead a buyer regardless if the say for parts only.

[chasearooauctions]

I never said free pass. For parts mean exactly that. FOR PARTS, If I sell you something and tell you it's broken and does not work, you can't open a defective case and reply that it's broken and doesn't work.  Otherwise, what does for parts or not working mean to you? If it works, that means as a seller I took the time to test it (If I wasn't the original owner) and it works. If I don't test it, I automatically list it for parts/not working. Further, If I sell a watch and the buyer opens the watch only to find "nothing in it", eBay will close the case in my favor. Buyers cannot open items and claim damage or missing items. Who's to say the buyer didn't remove the parts?

[chasearooauctions]

LOL... That seems to be the consensus.. 

[jakni_5]

iPhone 12. For parts/not working....... Camera not working........ Show sample photo.

Then ship a phone that is a smashed up piece of **bleep**. 

That is why. 

[eleanor*rigby]

I don't think it's the bots that, after almost 30 years, don't understand.

[gjs_16]

Eaby isn't Craigslist, buyers here have some pretty high expectations.
Just for example, most buyers here expect "used" items to work and look like new.
Once you learn to live with that you're ready to sell here.

And I do agree you can't just sell "for parts/not working" the stuff you were going to throw away.

Around here "for parts/not working" means it's an item that just needs one or two little minor repairs to be restored to fully functional.

[postingid7659]

Just make sure to repeat "for parts not working" multiple times through the listing. 

It won't stop the returns but you can point it out to the buyer where you said it didn't work 65 separate times so why did they buy it. 

[chasearooauctions]

Who assumes parts/not working means it's an item that just needs one or two little minor repairs to be fully restored. You cant redefine what you think parts/ not working means. It's very clear. It's for parts. It doesn't say it needs parts to work. It doesn't work and you can use some parts from it. 

[farmalljr]

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@chasearooauctions wrote:

Who assumes parts/not working means it's an item that just needs one or two little minor repairs to be fully restored. You cant redefine what you think parts/ not working means. It's very clear. It's for parts. It doesn't say it needs parts to work. It doesn't work and you can use some parts from it. 

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In the same vein, YOU can't redefine the MBG eBay gives to buyers. While I agree 100% with what you are saying, it just doesn't work that way on this platform. 

You are honestly SAFER to piece it out and sell something piece by piece. THEN you don't have to deal with dreamers that think they are getting something vintage marked "for parts only, non functional" and that they are actually getting something other than. 

It sucks but that's the way it IS. 

[slippinjimmy]

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@chasearooauctions wrote:

Who assumes parts/not working means it's an item that just needs one or two little minor repairs to be fully restored. You cant redefine what you think parts/ not working means. It's very clear. It's for parts. It doesn't say it needs parts to work. It doesn't work and you can use some parts from it. 

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Who? Well as you are finding out a lot of buyers think that. Their thoughts might be "legit" because they have bought many "for part only" things that only needed a little tweak to function.

Anything that doesn't fully function should be listed as  "for parts only" so that means those listings run the gamut from just a minor defect to nothing more than a bag of what appear to be random parts. It's up to each seller to make it painfully obvious what exactly is deficient so there are no surprises.