eBay seems to be screwing me as the seller.

[i_m_shopping]

I (US) recently sold a fragrance to a UK buyer. The buyer received the item, liked the item, and left GOOD feedback. A few days later, he wants a refund. I disagreed, since my listing is clearly described and the buyer said he was knowledgeable with the product, but clearly isn't.  This is text book buyer's remorse, or simply a scam from the buyer's side. 

I come to find out that there's no LEGAL way for shipping this fragrance out of the UK and back to me in the US. I cannot find a service that would do this legally. eBay doesn't want to acknowledge this.

eBay sides with the buyer + he gets to keep a $1000 fragrance + gets a $1000 refund + I don't get my product back + they'll take $1000 out of my bank account - if this isn't resolved.

How can I make eBay understand that I cannot find a shipping service that will ship this product back to me legally UK -> US? They just ignore this every single time, I keep telling them. My hands are tied and they just ignore me.  Is eBay simply ignoring me in order to put all liability on me?  Do they not understand the severe consequences I could face for shipping this? 

[slippinjimmy]

You probably didn't send it via a legal method either. "fragrances" must be shipped surface, they will not carry it on an airplane (for obvious reasons). Surface mail is a thing from the last century, only a few countries still offer that type of service.

There are some private carriers that will handle hazardous goods but the cost would be very high and it's not intended for single item shipments.

[albertabrightalberta]

What is the reason given for the return request? 

[albertabrightalberta]

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@i_m_shopping wrote:

 The buyer received the item, liked the item, and left GOOD feedback. 

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The followup from the buyer isn't so good! 

[i_m_shopping]

So I described the smell of this fragrance as "dark pineapple", literally what the whole fragrance community describes it as.  He simply said he didn't smell pineapple and simply argued "not as described".  This is all after expressing satisfaction + leaving a good review. 

[albertabrightalberta]

It's a NAD (not as described) dispute.

You have 2 choices.

1. Pay for return shipping if you want the item back

2. Issue a full refund and let him keep it.

If you don't do one of the above, ebay will likely choose option #2 for you and will ding your account.

[katzrul15]

How are you able to sell frangrances that state in the description "barely used"?  I thought they changed all that to new/sealed only?

[wildpitchsports]

Make them return it. There has to be a way. Don't give them a refund until you get something back.

It really sounds like buyer's remorse to me was it really a $1,000 fragrance??

[i_m_shopping]

NAD is simply a way for eBay to say "accept returns regardless of whether you're right or wrong".   I mean, it doesn't take a genius to see how NAD doesn't apply here. I literally have multiple emails thanking me + positive review.  

[albertabrightalberta]

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@i_m_shopping wrote:

NAD is simply a way for eBay to say "accept returns regardless of whether you're right or wrong".   I mean, it doesn't take a genius to see how NAD doesn't apply here. I literally have multiple emails thanking me + positive review.  

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Whether it's really NAD or not doesn't matter. That's the case the buyer filed and you will lose if ebay steps in. 

But if you want to fight it, please come back and let us know how it ends up.

[i_m_shopping]

Yes, after shipping + taxes.  The issue is that eBay customer service is difficult to deal with, it's like they don't understand English.  I had 3 days to deal with to resolve this or else eBay would make their decision.  On day one I contact them urgently telling them I can't find a legal way of shipping this back to me. You know what they said?

 
 "Sir wait 3 days and contact us again. The case is being reviewed"

I then said, "Are you sure because the email clearly states I have to fix this now because I only have 3 days or else the buyer keeps the item + gets all the cash." 

They said, "We're sure, contact us after 3 days."

Three days pass and I get the email saying I had 3 days to arrange for the shipping and since I haven't arranged for the shipping.  They are forced to give both the product plus full refund. I feel like eBay just ran the clock on purpose to leave me blind, or they simply don't understand English very well.

[dbfolks166mt]

     I am curious as to how you shipped it to the UK in the first place. USPS prohibits international shipment of perfumes if they contain alcohol. While you can ship domestically it has to go by ground transportation. 

[this*old*attic]

They did

Seller sold against the rules

Seller shipped against the rules

But buyer is the scammer

[this*old*attic]

@i_m_shopping 

Ebay does not allow selling open perfume or cosmetics

Shipping itself broke the rules; did you fib regarding liquids?

Perfume might really have “turned” if opened, and copying your description from everyone else doesn’t prove “dark pineapple” is an accurate description .

The mistakes here are frankly yours, although it’s a dreadfully expensive lesson. Ouch. Double ouch.

[laststopgeneralstore]

How did you ship this item? Please answer that. If I had to guess, assuming the buyer also knows how to(legally) ship fragrances, he noticed that you may have(until you tell us) shipped it incorrectly and that he would get away with scamming(if the buyer actually is) you because their would inevitably be no way to send it back.