Procedure for returning defective item sent to me via regular mail without tracking

[ti_bar9]

I purchased a cheap ($2 with free shipping!) craft item that the seller sent via regular mail, in an envelope with one stamp. However, it's unusable, as there are little snags on one edge and that wasn't in the description. I sent the seller a photo and described the defect. She replied "If you are not totally satisfied, feel free to mail it back to me for a refund." 

I know the seller pays return postage for a defective item. In this instance, can I request she send me a prepaid label? She's a large-volume seller so given the cost of postage if I respond I want to return it, she may offer a refund, who knows. I don't want to just put it in a stamped envelope and hope she receives it. 

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@ed8108 wrote: ... Seller's often are being educated to require a return, in order to combat dishonest buyers wanting free items. 

If this buyer was dishonest and wanted a free item, they could just file an "Item not received" claim.

[ed8108]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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@ed8108 wrote: ... Seller's often are being educated to require a return, in order to combat dishonest buyers wanting free items. 

If this buyer was dishonest and wanted a free item, they could just file an "Item not received" claim.

_____________________________

That would work, but suspicious.

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 Some sellers do suspect that items shipped without tracking may be  delivered to dishonest buyers, reporting non receipt.

The lesson often being taught a seller is to request the item to be returned, even if you will discard it afterwards.

[mikeystoyz]

I am not being combative.  I am talking about a seller that sends out whatever for 2.00 and thinks it is only 2 dollars.  Yeah, it is only 2 dollars unless they do it 100 times.  I mean it isn't like Chinese dealers do that on a daily basis.  Yeah, you want to send it back to me, pay the return and no one can afford it.  I will stick to my guns saying if I buy an item I expect the item in the shape that the picture shows.  If that can not be accomplished I don't want to buy from that buyer anyway.  When I make an error and it is my error I pay for it.  I make mistakes on occasion, today I  made a decent one and I owned up to it.  My buyer is happy, I am happy and we can go from there.

[marnotom!]

The way I see it, a seller who is smart enough to conclude that a two dollar sale isn't worth tracking should also be a seller who is also able to conclude that it's not worth getting that item back before issuing a refund.

If the item isn't in a damaged state when the buyer requests a refund, you can bet it will be before the buyer returns it.  What's the point in getting it returned?

[points13]

My guess is that the seller is just waiting for an ebay case to be opened and would then give the refund with no need to return. Seller has already offered the refund OP just needs to open the return on ebay.

[anla-870]

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@ed8108 wrote:

Picky buyers are unprofitable and time consuming.

Even when buyer opens a SNAD, where seller acknowledges seller error or fault

        What sometimes happens ?

Seller (self protection)

Block buyer

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So what's the limit on filing a s n a dSo $5? 15? 100?

I'm sorry but no matter how cheap the item is the buyer has every right to expect it to be as a described when it arrives.

If that makes people a target for block bidders list so be it those sellers probably are not good sellers anyway.

[mikeystoyz]

Another thing people have to remember.  I personally buy 2 dollar items all the time for my gaming systems.  It is amazing how many power cables and video out cable one goes through.  That 2 dollar item could easily multiply x a whole lot.  I actually have one guy I have probably bought 100 2 dollar items over the years if not more.  Why?  Because he is pretty awesome and I get good items sent to me.  I know 200 isnt a lot but if there are 100 more people like me you start getting into real cash.  Regardless, as the previous person wrote, where do you cut off.

[bolara-1]

The seller packaged the item knowing it was damaged. The buyer sent the seller a message saying the item arrived damaged and provided pictures. The buyer is not trying to pull a fast one. The seller was dishonest and should have cancelled the sale rather than shipping a defective item. The seller tells the buyer to ship it back knowing it would cost the buyer probably half of the 2 dollars in a attempt to make it too costly and  time consuming for the buyer. The buyer should file for a return with the reasoning the item is defective. A reputable seller would just issue a refund due to the return of the item would cost them more than what they could relist it as it is damaged. If the seller refuses the refund and insists the buyer ship it back the buyer should request a return label as it is a legitimate return and not buyer remorse. If the seller refuses a return label but still insists the buyer return the item, then wait 4 days request ebay step in. Ebay will pay for the return label and the buyer will get a refund once the item is received. The ebay label will have tracking so the seller can not play anymore games. The seller will get a hit for a unresolved issue with a buyer. Then Ebay will probably go through the sellers sale history and messages to see if similar problems have happened. If so they may put restrictions on the sellers account but at the very least the seller will take a hit on their seller rating. Stand firm don't let the seller do this as it makes for bad buying experience not only for your self but also for every one else that makes the mistake of buying from this seller. The seller is in the wrong and can not really do much to a buyer as far as retribution. Sellers can not leave negative feedback for a buyer. They can report buyer who are trying return scams but in this situation there is nothing the buyer has done wrong. The only thing the seller can really do to the buyer is add them to their block list but it sounds like they would be doing the buyer a favor making it sure that if they forget the sellers name they can make any additional purchases of the poor quality items this seller sells.