Not as described return

[saspursfan84]

Extremely disappointed with eBay's Seller Protection Policies - 

BUYER FRAUDULENTLY ASSERTS ITEM NOT AS DESCRIBED / DEFECT

I sold my iPhone 7 plus on eBay the other day after upgrading to the new iPhone x to a buyer with a feedback rating of 8. I received payment through PayPal from a buyer with a confirmed address and promptly shipped the item out (printed label on eBay). I had signature confirmtion and tracking services on the label. 

Long story short, the buyer received the item and within one day of receipt claimed that the item was not as described and although the condition of the phone aesthetically was fine and was as described. the phone speaker did not work and was "unbearable". Then the fraudster asked for me to reimburse for the supposed cost of repair. Having suspected that the buyer (who had a relatively low feedback score and wasn't the individual that signed for receipt of the package) may use this "loophole" to try to launch a fraudulent claim, I initially refused to accept any of his claims. I've finally just given in to the fact that my options are limited and my best option is to take the return (depite my no return policy) or risk losing everything in the transaction. However, now I am risking that this individual, who made a fraudulent claim, is going to send me back my item in the same (excellent) condition I sent it to him. 

What is the most frustrating and annoying part of this whole process is how little eBay does to protect the seller in this instance! eBay is complicit in this fraud by not doing more to vet the individuals that are on the site, to investigate transactions and to invest a portion of the fees that they receive to ensure a fair and safe marketplace for all marketplace partifcipants. eBay doesn't warn sellers with clear communication on how they might protect themselves from this particular type of fraud in clear and meaningful ways during the listing process.

I'll let you know how this all works out but in the meantime: Don't bother selling high value items on eBay. I certainly will not be doing so anymore. The marketplace that eBay creates cannot be trusted. 

[cloudy_mountain]

Did the buyer admit to repair? Call eBay, this statement could imply the item was altered and no longer original and thus no longer eligible for SNAD return because the buyer is required to send item back exactly as they got it, not repaired or modified.

If he tries to open Paypal dispute after eBay closes in your favor, call Paypal and give them eBay case # and let them know buyer is trying to scam a return after losing eBay case. 

It can be very hard for seller to get their butt covered when buyer makes fake SNAD return or demand compensation (which could be an attempt to get discount after buying) but the stars do align once in a while and dishonest buyer gets screwed for trying to scam the seller.

[saspursfan84]

Thanks for the message cloudy_mountain and the words of wisdom. Unfortunately the buyer has only tried to negotiate an offer to partial refund the cost of repairs. I have not authorized any repair and have only authorized a return and paid for return shipping to have the item sent back to me at this point. Buyer has until 11/20 to ship the item or I believe he automatically withdraws from the claim. 

Do you have any specific recomendations to protect myself whenever I receive the Buyers return package in the mail? I want to build the best case possible.