Item damaged in shipping

[tilgh-barbe]

"Hi, just checked this package today and im seeing it's terribly broken and banged up, the box was too tight and the Xbox one and the controller got damaged, the Xbox turns on but it's in that condition and the controller has one stick that drifts a Lot, maybe because of the hit also, thanks for the fast reply"

I received this message last night in regards to an Xbox One X and Controller I sold. I no longer have the funds available for a refund. What's the correct course of action?

[ste-9405]

This should have been double-boxed, with 2 inches of padding surrounding the inner box.

You do not need to refund the buyer. Just wait 3 business days for eBay to automatically* step in, and eBay will refund the buyer, and bill you.

*this is in the current policy now, when a seller does not accept a return

[penguins_dont_fly]

Get the funds from somewhere and refund your buyer.

If you let eBay step in, you will get an "unresolved by seller" defect on your Seller Standards

If you can't get the funds, and the buyer has not yet opened a return request ... tell them to open a return with the reason "arrived damaged".

You should be able to refund the buyer through the return case.  eBay will bill you for it.

Let this be a lesson that your funds are not really yours until all buyer protection timelines have expired. (and a lesson on how to pack)

[cream_couture]

Sellers are liable for damage incurred during transit. This seems to be a case of poor packaging. If you feel you packaged it well, file an insurance claim. Otherwise, refund the buyer without a return or ask for the buyer to return the item for refund. 

[simba6]

Sorry but you do have to refund.  Priority mail does include some insurance. However, that was not proper packing and I would not expect them to pay the claim anyway.

[dbfolks166mt]

     What ever you do DON'T throw away the mailing box and packing. This was shipped in a USPS flat rate box which has insurance with the shipping. However in order to file a claim with USPS you have to take it to the post office along with the original packing to support the claim. Either the seller or the buyer can file the claim on the USPS web site however it is easier for the buyer to do so. 

     The other option of course has already been mentioned you can open a return claim in eBay and the way eBay works these days you will get you money back automatically.