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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@ti_bar9 wrote:

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 .... I don't want to just put it in a stamped envelope and hope she receives it. 

But that's exactly what she did, taking a risk that you wouldn't file a fake "Item not received" claim to get a full refund.  

Now if she refuses to refund voluntarily, you need to file a claim in the resolution center, for item "Significantly not as described."

[ed8108]

Is it really worth your effort and time returning a $2 item?

[lintbrush*]

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@ed8108 wrote:

Is it really worth the effort and time returning a $2 item?

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Sure, why not?  It takes very little effort.  Open a SNAD return, get a label, and pop it in the mail.  

But the real question is...

Is it really worth the seller's reputation to make a buyer go through a $2 return when the buyer showed them the damage?  Seller is behaving disreputably with their response regarding how to return.  Seller needs to provide return shipping with tracking ($2.66).

Buyer needs to open a SNAD.

[ti_bar9]

Perhaps the seller thinks the way you do. I prefer to either get what I paid for, or obtain a refund. 

[mikeystoyz]

1 cent of 1000 dollars.  I want what I paid for.  If you buy a 1 cent item and the seller messes you under, how many other 1 cent buyers did the person mess over.  Eventually, there is a tipping point and if you dont complain you will never know.  If a person that sells 1 cent items messes over 1000000 people well, you are getting into some serious cash.

[ed8108]

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@mikeystoyz wrote:

1 cent of 1000 dollars.  I want what I paid for.  If you buy a 1 cent item and the seller messes you under, how many other 1 cent buyers did the person mess over. 

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Guess that may just result in getting you onto a great number of blocked bidder lists.

[ed8108]

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@lintbrush* wrote:

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@ed8108 wrote:

Is it really worth the effort and time returning a $2 item?

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Sure, why not?  It takes very little effort.  Open a SNAD return, get a label, and pop it in the mail.  

But the real question is...

Is it really worth the seller's reputation to make a buyer go through a $2 return when the buyer showed them the damage?  Seller is behaving disreputably with their response regarding how to return.  Seller needs to provide return shipping with tracking ($2.66).

Buyer needs to open a SNAD.

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Any chance of then being included onto your seller's BBL ?

[ed8108]

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@ti_bar9 wrote:

Perhaps the seller thinks the way you do. I prefer to either get what I paid for, or obtain a refund. 

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I  don't t risk the possibility of seller retaliation for opening a request over a measly two buck purchase.

[pburn]

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@nobody*s_perfect wrote:

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Now if she refuses to refund voluntarily, you need to file a claim in the resolution center, for item "Significantly not as described."

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Did I miss something here? Did a post get deleted? The OP said in his/her first post that [the seller] replied "If you are not totally satisfied, feel free to mail it back to me for a refund." 

Why is everyone responding as though the seller is unwilling to accept the return for a refund? The OP hasn't even asked the seller about return postage, according to the original post. 

I'm lost.

[muttlymob]

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@ed8108 wrote:

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@mikeystoyz wrote:

1 cent of 1000 dollars.  I want what I paid for.  If you buy a 1 cent item and the seller messes you under, how many other 1 cent buyers did the person mess over. 

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Guess that may just result in getting you onto a great number of blocked bidder lists.

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A "great number"?  Really? 

Fine, the seller who gets a SNAD over a $2 item may feel insulted, especially if they are also playing the game by insisting on return for refund over $2 when the buyer has shown the problem with the item.  But how many other sellers would ever know this happened?  How would the seller get the word out for a great number of sellers to add to their BBLs?

If it's through forums or other mass communication means, then some of us would not have any problem with being on the BBL of sellers who kneejerk reaction to supposed complaints from sellers on forums.

[ed8108]

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

[marnotom!]

Anybody else wondering why the seller doesn't just give the buyer their two bucks back and the buyer can do whatever the Hades they want with the damaged item?

[ed8108]

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@marnotom! wrote:

Anybody else wondering why the seller doesn't just give the buyer their two bucks back and the buyer can do whatever the Hades they want with the damaged item?

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

Even a damaged item may be of value to that particular buyer.