First time seller, ran into a big problem. Buyer is requesting a return that I believe to be faked.

[blakericso0]

I recently sold a pre-owned Tiffany's bracelet that was not worn. It was purchased a few years ago and sat around in a jewelry box. The buyer used the buy now option within 10 minutes of the listing. I attached my pictures (black background; and the buyers). Here is the link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/333313631778

After sending the package safe and secure (day of purchase - in a vacuum sealed bag and well protected). The buyer asked for a return. The buyer claimed it was damaged. We have been messaging back and forth for a few days now with no progress. The pictures that were uploaded show a bracelet in terrible shape with black oxidation and scratches on it. The buyer claimed to "try and remove the varnish to polish it up with no such luck." I am worried that the item I will be sent back is either a fake or another bracelet in much poorer shape. I have read that in the majority of cases, the buyer wins. I believe that likely should be the case in most circumstances, but this is different. They are also requesting a higher amount back than what they paid for. It all around seems suspicious and odd.

I sold a few other pieces on the same day with no complaints. This was my first time selling on Ebay and may well be my last. Am I wrong for not accepting this return and sending it to Ebay? Do I have a chance? What happens if I just ignored the refund and never used Ebay/Paypal again (I really hope this isn't the case over $85.00...). This is discouraging to say the least. 

Thank you for your time and help in advance.

 Seller ImageSeller ImageSeller - ZoomedSeller - ZoomedBuyer ImageBuyer Image

[vintagecraze50]

Yep, first time sellers with high demand luxury goods are a sitting duck for a scammer.

[blakericso0]

Seems a bit extreme over a pre-owned bracelet. I appreciate your thoughts though. I have quite a few pieces that I am selling for a family member. This is not my money on the line, and I have no incentive to cheat the system. The item that was sent was in really nice condition. For future sales, I guess I should videotape myself packing the item for complete proof. It is a shame someone like this individual would take advantage of a good price. But I am stubborn and will refuse to just roll over and take the hit.

[blakericso0]

I now understand your concerns being that first time seller. They are indeed genuine. Most of the pieces were purchased free of charge because another family member travels extensively for work and gets Tiffany gift card vouchers every year from Delta Airlines. To be honest, I think you can find much finer jewelry pieces for better prices elsewhere. But everyone seems to be infatuated with Tiffany Co. We sold a few other pieces with no such complaints. But this sale was discouraging to say the least to continue selling on Ebay. They will likely walk away with a nice piece, and send me back a very damaged item or fake. All for $85.00. A bargain for them.

[buyselljack2016]

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@blakericso0 wrote:
Seems a bit extreme over a pre-owned bracelet. I appreciate your thoughts though. I have quite a few pieces that I am selling for a family member. This is not my money on the line, and I have no incentive to cheat the system. The item that was sent was in really nice condition. For future sales, I guess I should videotape myself packing the item for complete proof. It is a shame someone like this individual would take advantage of a good price. But I am stubborn and will refuse to just roll over and take the hit.

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Not acceptable proof for eBay.

It is proof of nothing.

I can tape myself packing gold ingots, and then ship a box of lead scraps.

[ce-9809]

For future sales, I guess I should videotape myself packing the item for complete proof.

That does not provide proof.

Proof does not matter at all.

Search Google for buyer scams. Buyers can literally makeup anything and eBay, PayPal or their credit card company will rubber stamp their claim.

Seems a bit extreme over a pre-owned bracelet.

I appreciate your thoughts though.

Not thoughts. They are cold hard facts based upon selling online 20 years.

I have quite a few pieces that I am selling for a family member. This is not my money on the line

Yes, it is your money on the line. You are acting as an agent for the family member. That requires you to maintain a certain of amount of care or the family member can sue you for damages.

and I have no incentive to cheat the system.

What does this have to do about cheating the system? It has to do with taking care of a thief.

The item that was sent was in really nice condition. For future sales, I guess I should videotape myself packing the item for complete proof. It is a shame someone like this individual would take advantage of a good price. But I am stubborn and will refuse to just roll over and take the hit.

You just did take a hit and you did roll over.

This person committed at least mail fraud and theft. The will continue to do this to others because no victims want to take the time to file a report with local law enforcement and the postal inspectors.