Buyer wants a refund after having item for weeks

[lukap570]

Hello,

I have been selling on ebay for a few years now and this is the first time someone wants to return an item. I sold the item on 12/12/17, however the buyer didn't pay until 12/15/17. I shipped immediately so it got to the buyer on 12/19/17. Now today (1/3/18) they sent a refund request saying the item doesn't match the description.

I find this fishy for a few reasons. Number one is why did it take so long to open a return request? Number two is that this was a christimas nativity scene figurine so I'm thinking along the lines that this person used it as a decoration for the holidays and now wants a refund for it after they used it. 

They didn't say why it didn't match the description nor did they send any pictures of damage or anything. I emailed them back right away asking why they wanted a refund. Still no response, but what are my options if they are just abusing the ebay money back guarantee?

[orangehound]

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@lukap570 wrote:
Still no response, but what are my options if they are just abusing the ebay money back guarantee?

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It may be that the buyer is being truthful (as far as they are concerned).  However, eBay's policies are set up to allow buyers to be dishonest, steal, commit fraud, and "free rent" items without penalty ... all they have to do is say "not as described".  The fact that the buyer is not responding tells me that they know how to do this.

Now, if you try to protest with eBay about the buyer, there is an extremly high probability that eBay will punish you with a defect (loss of the item, loss of fee rebates, loss of your money, black mark on your account).

Your most beneficial choice is to accept the return, paying for shipping both ways.  If you feel the return shipping is more than the value of the item, you can alternatively refund the buyer's purchase price + shipping and have them keep the item.

Once completed, go back into the returns process and report the buyer for abusing the Money Back Guarantee ... if they get enough reports, eBay may take action against their account.

[missjen831]

Maybe the buyer was busy enjoying the holidays? It really doesn't matter why they didn't notify you sooner. You are aware of the money back guarantee yes? The buyer has 30 days from 12/19 to file a request. Just accept the return and leave the ball in the buyers court. They are not required to answer questions or prove anything.

[arun7500]

You don't have any option, under 30 days. You pay for the return or refund in full. Ever wonder why Xmas trees aren't offer here. Selling anything holiday related, you may just as well add the terms ' free rental, with paid returns. '