Return abuse

[sentientarmchair]

What is eBay doing to prevent this?

I am now out $40 for round-trip shipping charges because a buyer who knows how to exploit the system claimed an item was "broken" (when it in fact it wasn't). I'd post their username here for other sellers to avoid dealing with, but I'm fairly sure that is against the TOS. They offered to "keep" the item if I refunded $50 for a faux "repair." (Who repairs a CD player for $50 these days anyway?!). Obvious bull**bleep** and I saw right through it, but I really don't have a choice.

Yes, I filed the "report" with eBay (that probably doesn't do **bleep**) but it is really galling how bad this is getting. I've had laptops with screens smashed returned to me (no way it actually happened in transit, everything is double-boxed), iPods with water damage, and the list grows longer...

Starting to get really frustrated with selling on this platform.

[spookmasterj]

I had the same type of issue with a Samsung tablet two days ago. The tablet was in perfect mint condition (it was my personal tablet I sold because I upgraded), and I ship my items very safely and carefully. Been doing this a long time. But the buyer requests a return for "item not working or defective" on day 13. I was/am infuriated. But the only options available from eBay are 1. accept the return, and you pay for item to be shipped back with ebay shipping 2. Refund and let buyer keep item, 3. Offer a discount on item and let buyer keep item...

How is any of these options helping the seller. I am expecting to get a busted tablet back for sure or one that has been dropped or submerged in water, who knows. Has to be some reason why the touch screen no longer works...but as a seller, how can you prove anything. YOU CAN'T...

[spookmasterj]

I also reported buyer, And called ebay...but ultimately accepted the return, so I wouldn't get a defect on my selling record. 

[sentientarmchair]

The best case scenario in this case is that you get the item back and there is nothing wrong with it.

In my case, the item was returned and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I can't duplicate the issue. Of course, the buyer was lying when she said that she "repairs the items for a living" and that I "should fix it or it's coming back to you."

Subsequent e-mails to her asking for the precise steps to replicate the issue have gone unanswered.

Silence speaks volumes. This is a buyer with 2000+ feedback, too. Pathetic.

[rolenboy01]

This is why many sellers have stopped risking selling heavy electronics here too many things a buyer can claim is "wrong" with the item and when it's heavy they know they have you over a barrel.