Buyer requested return on incompatable part

[jse098]

Hello,

I am a small time computer part refurbisher who mainly sells CPUs. I recently sold a CPU in a listing that detailed all specifications about the part, down to the nitty gritty details. The buyer has requested a return because the part "is not compatible with my motherboard". This is not a valid reason for a return right? The onus is on the buyer to make sure the item they are buying does indeed work with their system yes? I feel bad the the buyer bought the incorrect CPU for their system, but because I listed all the specifications about the part in the listing, and the buyer had an opportunity to verify that the part would or wouldn't work with their system before buying, this does not make me the responsible party right? I have sent the buyer multiple messages inquiring about what model computer they are using to try and see if there's any resolution to the compatibility problem, however I have not received any reply.

Anyone have any insight on how this might shake out? Thank you.

[rebell45]

What type of claim did the buyer file with eBay? Item Not as Described, or Did Not Fit?

I'd stop communicating with the buyer and handle everything through eBay Resolution Center.

[kensgiftshop]

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@jse098 

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Has the buyer filed for a refund or just asking through messages?

If they file an INAD. you won't have any choice but to accept the return and pay return shipping.

[mtgraves7984]

Before you overthink it... is there an open Return request?

Since you list with 'No Returns', you can deny a return for remorse reasons... if the case lists 'Doesn't Fit'. You can also approve the return, but the buyer will pay for return shipping to you before you refund.

Since you list with 'No Returns', you cannot deny a return if the case lists 'Not As Described'. You'll have to issue a return label and refund the buyer when your item is returned.

For what it's worth, I find that if something sells once, it will again. Good luck!

[jse098]

Buyer has filed for a return with the reason as "Doesn't work or defective". However in the comments of the return they say "Turns out the E3-1290 V2 is not compatible with my motherboard chipset, if you would take a return I'd appreciate it." So right there they are admitting that the CPU isn't defective, they're just sad they bought the wrong part but are filing the return under defect to ensure a return. What the heck?

Are you saying that regardless of the legitimacy of the return claim I have no choice but to accept it AND pay for the return shipping? 😞

[jse098]

Buyer has filed for a return with the reason as "Doesn't work or defective". However in the comments of the return they say "Turns out the E3-1290 V2 is not compatible with my motherboard chipset, if you would take a return I'd appreciate it." So right there they are admitting that the CPU isn't defective, they're just sad they bought the wrong part but are filing the return under defect to ensure a return. There's no way this allowed right?

[mtgraves7984]

Are you saying that regardless of the legitimacy of the return claim I have no choice but to accept it AND pay for the return shipping?

@jse098 

Yes, unfortunately. The comments mean nothing to eBay... they don't read past 'Doesn't Work or Defective'.

[donsdetour]

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"There's no way this allowed right?"

It is allowed and you will refund.

[gwzcomps]

They are filing a false claim to get out of any responsibility for their mistake.  Not as described claims force the seller to accept a return regardless of the buyers actions.  You either pay for return shipping and refund or fight it and risk losing your money/item/account.

Technically false claims are against eBay policy, but eBay doesn't really enforce that policy much.

[jse098]

Wow. That's a super cool policy 😒 Guess I'll screenshot the messages so I have some leverage when I appeal the return after they get their money back.

As a new seller I'm learning very quickly that Ebay doesn't offer much protection from malicious buyers.

[jse098]

Yeah I'm quickly learning that the buyer protection program is very often abused. Also that Ebay has a long history of screwing their sellers when it comes to things like this. Seriously considering an Amazon individual seller account at this point...

[fab_finds4u]

You will not be able to appeal.  eBay will tell you bad buyers happen. You'll need to supply a return label and refund when you get it back. THEN you report the buyer for abusing the return policy. eBay sometimes refunds the cost of the return label you were forced to provide. 

[kensgiftshop]

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@jse098 wrote:

Are you saying that regardless of the legitimacy of the return claim I have no choice but to accept it AND pay for the return shipping? 😞

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Yes, you'll have to pay return shipping if you want the item back.

If you don't and Ebay has to step in, they could refund the buyer from your account and let them keep the item.

Once you get the item back and buyer is refunded, then you can report the buyer for abusing the MBG.

[gwzcomps]

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@jse098 wrote:

Yeah I'm quickly learning that the buyer protection program is very often abused. Also that Ebay has a long history of screwing their sellers when it comes to things like this. Seriously considering an Amazon individual seller account at this point...

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I can't imagine it is much better over there.  Many buyers are penny smart dollar dumb.  They don't care about checking compatibility because they know there is no recourse.  You can't reduce some of the problems by being priced higher than the competition.  Sadly most people just have no business working on computers.