eBay’s poor return practices

[metropandaboy]

 

 

Buyer bought lot of video games. The listing had 3 images, one of which clearly displayed only one of the games had a manual. The description from me also reflected there was one CIB game.

Somehow the buyer was able to convince eBay a return was justified by  saying that the items BOUGHT and received solely did not match about this item description even though the user clearly reviewed the photos and description. No due diligence required at all. Not to mention, this user had previously done similar things via their reviews. I reached out to eBay (which is a challenge in itself), described the case, they said they would research—-and still took this scammer’s side.  I may be done with this platform after they get the funds.

[kibble-net]

Yes, some people are pretty darn stupid.

Last year I sold an incomplete Cards Against Humanity game. I clearly stated that none of the "black" cards were included and priced it very cheaply.  The buyer received the item and demanded a refund, because the game was..... INCOMPLETE.

But on the flipside, I had about 900+ transactions where that didn't happen.  So, you take the good with the bad. 

Best of luck in whatever platform you choose to sell on!

[luckythewinner]

The listing had 3 images, one of which clearly displayed only one of the games had a manual

The condition description you chose says the cover and liner notes are included. It would have taken you all of ten seconds to write a meaningful description that said "none of the games include the manual except for Starfox". There is an old saying that is still true, at least in my eyes: "take pictures as if there is no description, and write a description as if there are no pictures". 

eBay’s poor return practices

Seller's poor description. Game, set, and match to the buyer IMHO. 

[shado-x]

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Somehow the buyer was able to convince eBay a return was justified by  saying that the items BOUGHT and received solely did not match about this item description even though the user clearly reviewed the photos and description. No due diligence required at all. Not to mention, this user had previously done similar things via their reviews. 

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Frustrating.  Just force the buyer to return the games next time, that way you control the leverage.

[ryry-jj]

The buyer didn't convince anyone, they just filed am INAD case and made the return.  You can appeal, but most likely nothing will come of it.  Its all part of selling.   Get the lot back, add more description and relist.  Tell buyers not only what is included, but with used items tell them what is not included different from new.

We have all had returns, if a customer doesnt want it, send it back so I can resell to someone who does.  A pie fight on a return is never worth it...just get it back

[inhawaii]

ALL SELLERS should learn/know that any buyer can do a "not as described" return any time simply by saying the item is not as described, it doesn't matter if they are right or wrong.

[gurlcat]

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@metropandaboy wrote:

 Not to mention, this user had previously done similar things via their reviews. 

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 What do you mean by this?

[kensgiftshop]

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@metropandaboy wrote:

Buyer bought lot of video games. The listing had 3 images, one of which clearly displayed only one of the games had a manual. The description from me also reflected there was one CIB game.

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Looks like three of them had a manual.

Your description doesn't really say much about the items.

[lacemaker3]

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@metropandaboy wrote:

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Buyer bought lot of video games. The listing had 3 images, one of which clearly displayed only one of the games had a manual. The description from me also reflected there was one CIB game.

Somehow the buyer was able to convince eBay a return was justified by  saying that the items BOUGHT and received solely did not match about this item description even though the user clearly reviewed the photos and description. No due diligence required at all. Not to mention, this user had previously done similar things via their reviews. I reached out to eBay (which is a challenge in itself), described the case, they said they would research—-and still took this scammer’s side.  I may be done with this platform after they get the funds.

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According to the screenshot you shared of the condition for that listing, Very Good means:

"...  The video game instructions and box are included. ..." (emphasis added)

For a lot of multiple items, obviously that would include all the items. If any items were missing the instructions, then the condition could not have been better than Good.

[jerseyboymusic]

@metropandaboy 

If you "don't accept returns" as shown in your listing, the Ebay MBG overrides that when the buyer selects a 'not a described" return. I'm sorry you learned about that in this way.

Also, as noted by others, you need to present the items you sell on the listing as if the buyer were there holding it and inspecting it.

All Ebay will do "when you reach out to them" is enforce the terms of agreement, no matter what they may say to get you off the phone.

[bonanza125]

Accept the return and issue the buyer a full refund. Then just relist the lot and sell it to someone else. As others stated Ebay allows returns. This buyer clearly didn't read your listing description but perhaps Ebay's condition. You are technically not at fault as far as your description but the buyer has rights. In this case you have to eat the shipping cost and move on. I deal in video games and have had buyers thinking manual was included by say with box (no manual). It happens. 

[ccomic]

Not saying either side is right or wrong, but I am saying that a buyer trying to return something they got that was not what they were expecting is not a "scam" in my eyes. What does the buyer gain from this? I agree that the seller is more harmed than the buyer, but it doesn't make the buyer a "scammer", at worst, just careless.

I would keep descriptions are short as possible and spend 80% of the description pointing out the flaws, not touting the product. Especially stuff like this. The buyer knows what they are buying. They don't need to be "sold" on it. Set expectations lower and you'll get happier customers.

[fern*wood]

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@ccomic wrote:

Not saying either side is right or wrong, but I am saying that a buyer trying to return something they got that was not what they were expecting is not a "scam" in my eyes. What does the buyer gain from this? I agree that the seller is more harmed than the buyer, but it doesn't make the buyer a "scammer", at worst, just careless.

I would keep descriptions are short as possible and spend 80% of the description pointing out the flaws, not touting the product. Especially stuff like this. The buyer knows what they are buying. They don't need to be "sold" on it. Set expectations lower and you'll get happier customers.

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Also, since many don't bother carefully reading descriptions, I try to add plenty of photos.  You state you had 3 photos,  but you are selling six items.  We are permitted to include 24 photos.  Besides the gallery, I would add individual photos of each one front, back & inside. 

It's easier to solve problems before they happen than afterwards.