I need help with this return request

[a2z_virtual_solutions]

So I've been selling for awhile now but haven't seen a request quite like this. I sold a pair of shoes in January and right before the 30 day period ended the buyer wants to return them claiming I sent a size 10 instead of 11 and they weren't brand new.

For starters they were clearly brand new, the pictures he sent showed the laces were changed, and tied implying he wore them. And on the shoe box he clearly wrote size 10 in sharpie. I called ebay to let them know, and they basically told me to reach out and they would "review it" if asked to step in. Which means automatically give him the return. I asked him to show me the size tag inside the shoe to prove I sent the wrong size.

Normally I would accept but this is ridiculous. He's clearly taking advantage of the money back guarantee, and I'd be losing money selling a month old worn sneaker. The sale was over $300.

So if he sends them back and they are the correct size, can I inform ebay and not give him the refund?

[mr_lincoln]

@a2z_virtual_solutions   Last year eBay implemented the Free Returns feature for Sellers in an attempt to offset the occasional bogus scam return.  So if THAT Buyer were to return their old sneakers OR the one's you sent but worn you would have the option to refund up to 50% of the original purchase and none of the original shipping.  That's cutting your losses.  You are also protected against less then Positive Feedback

If the Buyer processes a SNAD return it forces you to pay the return shipping and forces you to refund them 100% of the purchase price.  The Buyer obviously knows how to work the eBay system and is not above blatantly lying to get their items for Free.

Wait for the return to play out, take pictures of what you receive back, go on record in an eBay message with pictures comparing what you sent with what you received back (just a simple statement of the facts), report the Buyer for a fraudulent  return and then call eBay to ask them to NOT honor the return request ...

As far as eBay is concerned there's not much more you can do.

[loveyourimagination49]

You have a no return policy, which only helps with buyers remorse.
You will need to accept the return and send a prepaid return label.
If you receive something back other then what you sent. Come back here.

[csbbct]

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@a2z_virtual_solutions wrote:

For starters they were clearly brand new, the pictures he sent showed the laces were changed, and tied implying he wore them. And on the shoe box he clearly wrote size 10 in sharpie. 

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@a2z_virtual_solutions  I would double check with him to make sure he is not confusing your item with another he may have purchased on eBay.  Your description of the laces made me think of that possibility.  I have had a few times where buyers made similar purchases from different eBay sellers and confused us - one time they even sent me pictures of the shipping box that had a different seller's name and label on it. 

[a2z_virtual_solutions]

He hasn't replied to my message about the return since it was opened.

[dede394]

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@a2z_virtual_solutions wrote:
He hasn't replied to my message about the return since it was opened.

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Don't keep contacting your buyer @a2z_virtual_solutions.: If they want to return, they will come back.

But don't let your 3 business days expire before you accept the return, or your buyer can ask eBay to step in it. If you allow eBay to "review" the return request, you will

[adrnalin6]

When it comes to selling on ebay, you are basically powerless when it comes to returns.  You can do everything right as a seller and won't make a difference.  I have been selling on ebay for 19 years, mostly without issues, until changes have been made that don't protect sellers.  If a buyer selects "item not as described" there is nothing you can do to avoid ebay taking your money to fund the return.  If you have a Returns Not Accepted policy it doesn't matter.  If you do accept returns and a buyer sends back an item under false pretenses then you can still only withhold 50%.  You lose either way.  I deal with this problem on a regular basis now.  I have contacted ebay numerous times and tried everything I can think of and it doesn't matter.  Ebay needs to make drastic changes to these policies in order for their sellers to be better protected as they are on other online marketplaces.   Until then, you need to be prepared that anything that you sell on ebay can result in a loss or partial loss no matter what you do as a seller when you list the item.

[a2z_virtual_solutions]

I recieved the item today and I did send the right size. But weirdly, the box and shoes he showed in the return evidence is a completely different set than what I recieved back. Regardless, I verified this is the original pair I sent and called eBay. They essentially said don't accept the return and they'll look into it. But experience tells me not to trust them wholeheartedly.

[lightlily_arts]

This was a remorse return and they didn't want to pay for return shipping so they just lied so they could get their money back

[a2z_virtual_solutions]

I'm aware of that obviously. The question was a potential solution aside from being forced to refund.

[lightlily_arts]

This buyer lied because you do not accept returns.  If they had asked for a return because they changed their mind you could have declined and closed the return.  However, when a buyer opens a claim for not as described the seller is forced by eBay to accept the return. When you get your item back eBay also forces you to refund.  You can contact eBay to report the buyer for abusing the Money Back Guarantee.  At the end of the day they only thing they might do is perhaps give you a credit for the return shipping fees.  As most sellers have realized eBay doesn't care as all they want to do is make buyers happy and give them a good buying experience.  I just wish there was a way for all sellers  to have a list to block these dishonest buyers.