I remember some time ago I got used to the "money back guarantee" aspect of eBay. I recognized that in most cases, there wasn't an issue in my mind with the streamline of the issues.
I was not happy about the absolute lack of customer service with regards to the return process; however, I've figured out ways to deal.
..until recently.
In the past, lying to eBay was grounds to close cases. Now? Nope, not anymore.
I've had two instances in recent weeks of eBayers lying to eBay about their returns and abusing the process and eBay has allowed them.
One instance, someone bought an item from me which was clearly noted as "broken". They filed a return dispute with eBay which I fought. I lost, they returned it and negged me. eBay allowed them to lie in the case when it was clear my description said it was broken. They opened a SNAD, not a buyer's remorse case. I have a 15% restocking fee that would have applied.
A couple weeks ago, I had a buyer with zero feedback and had created the account that day buy an item from me. I had a very clear vibe I'd have an issue because of it. The guitar body was unloaded of parts except for the tuning keys and a metal plate on the headstock. No strings or electronics.
He bought it and opened a dispute claiming 'missing pieces' SNAD and claimed a bunch of parts were missing that weren't in photos or description. Contacted eBay. Guess what? They agreed immediately but then, she says, "But I'm seeing a 14-day-return policy so you have to accept it back".
Unbelievable. I have shouted down this garbage before but I sternly reasserted the facts. She agreed. Then she says, "He's going to return it, but you won't pay for it." And I demanded I get my 15% restocking fee. Still in disbelief.
She agrees, when I refund him... I get to without restocking fee. I settled with it. I'm over this s***. She says, "Most of them don't return it. But if he does, let us know if there is an issue."
I checked today. It's on the way back, I checked the return button: I can't refund him minus the restocking fee. I have to call again and this time raise Cain. I'm sick and tired of being lied to. And if that label comes back "package return service" (even though I didn't pay for it) I will know that eBay themselves subsidize bald-faced lies.
This is to the point where permitting lies will damage the marketplace. You can't let people lie because they will use it as a tool to damage accounts.
In fact, I have this weird sense that this guy bought it with the sole intention of returning it and wasting my time and money. It makes little sense any other way.
After tens of thousands of transactions, I'm seeing a clear picture of growth of abusive buyers.
