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

[kensgiftshop]

If buyer has already filed an INAD, about all you can do is accept the return and provide return shipping and hope you get your item back.

If they send a different item back, and you can prove it, you can appeal the case, after you refund.

You can also report the buyer for abusing the MBG and you can file a mail fraud claim.

[myescape]

ebay will likely find for buyer,send the a return label you will pay for and charge the source you specified when you set up to sell as the one to pay your account charges.If you remove that source so they can not collect you will be sent to collections which will mess w your credit.

If you have already refused and asked ebay to step in i's probably too late but did buyer admit to  "try and remove the varnish to polish it up with no such luck.".In the case or in ebay messages?If so a call to ebay may get cased closed in your favor as the buyer has modified the item and can not return it as they received it but you will have to point cs to that

[blakericso0]

Ebay has not stepped in yet but yes that is in writing. Thank you!!

[blakericso0]

Thank you. I called Ebay and they confirmed exactly what you mentioned. Unfortunately this tends to be a common thing on Ebay with new sellers being targeted. It seems like a hassle to have the item shipped back, photo evidence resubmitted, and await the appeal. Ebay knows this is an ongoing issue and are trying to determine ways to handle it. I was told that based off of the current evidence, I would have no problems getting refunded... but I still need to accept the return. It seems like a lose-lose scenario for Ebay. It would be nice if they could review the evidence and dismiss these types of claims with solid proof. 

Good news is that if the faulty item is sent back, they will take action against the seller. 

[kensgiftshop]

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@blakericso0 wrote:

Good news is that if the faulty item is sent back, they will take action against the seller. 

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Hope it turns out good for you.

One thing to remember, when you call CS, most of them have no idea what they are doing and they will tell you anything to make you feel better to get you off the phone.

[vintagecraze50]

First, your pictures show the piece is free of oxidization. Second, their piece shows some heavy oxidization. First point is that a sterling silver piece such as this would not turn into a tarnished mess in a few days. If this person is a re seller, they could be showing your one of their tarnished pieces. The issue with sterling is that even if it was tarnished all that needs to be done is dip it in tarnex and polish and good as new. So, my suspicion is , not fact, is that the buyer may be trying to keep your piece and maybe send back nothing. Again, speculation. Did you polish this piece before you sent it? Sterling, even TIFFANY sterling tarnishes. If you sent what was shown in your pictures and you know that piece was beautifully polished, then I think something rotten is up.

[vintagecraze50]

When you go over this case tell them to look at the pictures.

[vintagecraze50]

They cannot get a higher amount than what they paid for this bracelet. Tiffany items are very expensive. In my opinion you gave that bracelet away for the price they paid.

[buyselljack2016]

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@blakericso0 wrote:

Thank you. I called Ebay and they confirmed exactly what you mentioned. Unfortunately this tends to be a common thing on Ebay with new sellers being targeted. It seems like a hassle to have the item shipped back, photo evidence resubmitted, and await the appeal. Ebay knows this is an ongoing issue and are trying to determine ways to handle it. I was told that based off of the current evidence, I would have no problems getting refunded... but I still need to accept the return. It seems like a lose-lose scenario for Ebay. It would be nice if they could review the evidence and dismiss these types of claims with solid proof. 

Good news is that if the faulty item is sent back, they will take action against the seller. buyer

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Wish you the best of luck with this, but sorry,.......  what you were told, and what will happen are very likely 2 different things.

The chances of you getting reimbursed by eBay for the refund are very slim, so not a lose/lose for eBay as your appeal will generally be denied as a "he said-she said" situation with you not being able to prove what was returned was different than what you sent.

They will take no action against the buyer other than to record your input for possible future action if enough "reports" are made against this buyer.

[rajeshk4u]

With jewellery pieces, they are handmade. Even with two different pieces, there will be minor differences, but you need a magnifying glass. 

 The common man, might not be able to tell but an experienced jeweller (the kind who regularly looks at pieces under a magnifying glass) will be able to tell the difference.  Or better still the people who repair jewellery (the actual worker in the worktop).

Unfortunately, your photos are not very detailed. Your buyers photo is exactly what you need. 

To me, it looks like the same piece, I noticed a small mark on the heart (hook). It is present in both photos. However, I needed see other 'marks' or 'tells' to give you a definitive answer. 

Did you sell the item in the original box?. In which case, it should not have tarnished so quickly.

To me it seems the buyer, got it, made a mess of cleaning it and is now trying to send it back to you. I only say this, because if I received a tarnished item, I would send a photo back to the seller, before attempting to clean it. 

I don't know if they sell Fairy liquid in the US (dish washing liquid), but when you get it back, put it a jar of warm water and some Fairy liquid. Leave  for 24 or 48 hours. If it does not do the job. Do no use any jewellery cleaning products as the chemicals  are hash (as they can cause damage to coating). Give it to a jeweller and make sure they send it to their workshop for cleaning.  (Don't let them cleaning in the shop). It will come back shining new. 

You can ask for Tifanny's for help and advice. 

[shopthar]

If he tried to clean it it should no longer be eligible for money back guaranteed

[ce-9809]

But then can't the buyer simply claim the seller switched the item after it was sent back?

Heck, the buyer could have claimed they got a few pebbles in the box instead and won.

That third picture not only shows oxidation, but scratches, marring and what appears to flaking of the surface coating. That flaking is tell-tale sign of a cheap fake. I've seen seen such silvery coating put on top of a plastic core.

So how about involving a third party? If as you suspect the buyer is up to do no good that is at least theft, fraud and mail fraud. Check with your local police department or a department where the buyer lives to see if you can have the buyer ship the item directly to them as they'd like to take a look at it. If its the one you sent it can be checked for your DNA and fingerprints; however, if you accept it those tests are out the window. Fingerprints can be wiped off but DNA takes a little more work. The pictures can also be compared and a metal expert can be utilized to testify that the two can't be the same.

File a complaint with the postal inspectors.

[monster-deals]

A first time seller selling a Tiffany item?

I've been doing this for over 20 years and I fear selling high dollar items.

[evelyb30]

I won't sell Tiffany jewelry unless it's at least 50 years old.  There are just too many fakes out there of the modern stuff, and even the real deal causes problems as the OP has found out.