Buyer "just didn't like it" return

[mikeandanastuff]

I currently have a buyer who requested a return through eBay for a DVD he purchased. eBay automatically approved it and I'm waiting for the return. The reason for the return is "just didn't like it" with a description of "the movie started out good but just went down hill from there." Is this a legitimate reason for eBay to approve this request? Is there any way I can push back on this request?  The DVD wasn't defective, he watched it. He searched for the movie, purchased it, watched it and now wants his money back because he just didn't like it! And I have to refund him because eBay approves it with no input from me. Basically I want to know if:

1. Is there a way to fight this approved return?

2. I don't offer free return shipping, but because the buyer went through eBay for the return am I on the hook for the  return label?

3. Is there a way for me to let eBay know how unhappy I am with this approval?

Thanks in advance for any feedback and advice. 

Mike 

[addis_6167]

If you have a return policy that means the buyer can return for any and all reasons

[my-cottage-books-and-antiques]

I glanced at one of your listings...30 day returns. If that's what you offered on this DVD, as long as the buyer initiated the return within the stated 30 days, you've said you would accept it. A 30 day return policy means you will take the return for ANY reason. So, his reason really doesn't matter.

The return shipping is another issue. Did he say the item wasn't as described? Or is he just saying he didn't like it?

[coast_of_maine_antiques]

As mentioned you do offer 30 day returns, but it is pretty clear the buyer pays for that return in your listings. . You probably  have an automatic return approval in your returns setting, Check to make sure you do not have some kind of box checked in automatic returns preferences that says you pay for it.  Otherwise, I doubt the return is on your dime.  Maybe give ebay a call and find out both answers? I would definitely block this buyer unless you want to be in the DVD free rental business. Good luck. 

[gwens*4saleitems*]

Answer to #1

No.

Answer to #2.

If you have on your return policy, that the Buyer pays return shipping then the Buyer pays return shipping on an "I just don't like it" case. You should have received a message from eBay stating that the return was accepted and to refund the buyer when you receive the item. 

Answer to #3. 

No

I had this happen to me with a handbag, buyer files a return stating Just don't like it, eBay accepts return, messages me, Buyer finds that she had to pay return shipping, Buyer closes return case and keeps the item. Done and Done.

[bigdeals.etc]

If you have a return policy (that you accept returns), then any reason a buyer uses to file a return is a legitimate reason... sorry. For example, even if a buyer says they are returning it because they see my name is John and they have an ex-husband named John... that is still a legitimate reason to accept the return. Now if the buyer left you a negative feedback saying the movie stunk, that should be eligible for removal.

1) Yes, you can fight any return. But you won't win here.

2) it depends what reason the buyer chose when filing. If it's "I didn't like it" then they are responsible for the return label.

3) Yes, you can click on "report the buyer" and say what you want to eBay about the buyer. The buyer will never see what you wrote about them.

[mesodude]

Is this a new dvd? If so, and you want to “fight” this, I think gwens has the right idea. Someone will correct me if I am wrong but since its value was changed when the item was opened, you’re allowed to issue a partial refund (as long as you don’t go overboard). I might be inclined to contact the buyer and diplomatically inform them that between the cost of shipping it back to you and the partial refund, they might be better off keeping the DVD (and reselling it or re-gifting it, perhaps). They may decide to cancel the return and I don’t believe they are allowed to leave retaliatory feedback.

[linuxglobal]

There is no solution to the above suggestions. 

ok so in this case they were honest, but in the future they will just send it as defective or not as described, where you automatically accept and pay for shipping. 

No real way around it, in this case maybe ebay can help by seeing the full story and declining it. But due to the return policy you need to accept it and have the buyer pay return shipping.