Return from Buyer "Item Not As Described"

[workingforshoes]

Got my first return today....buyer requested return authorization for "Item not as described".  Buyer stated that my measurement Armpit to Armpit which was 17" was actually 16.5" and as a result did not fit her.  She provided photos and measurement and it was actually 16.75".  I list all items with "measurements are approximate", so I though this would cover me.  I called Ebay team support and the rep stated that using the word "approximate" is not allowed.  I am not a tailor or dressmaker and some clothing items are hard to measure so I am careful and do my best to provide the customer with accurate measurements.  Why should I have to pay return shipping for this customer over 1/4 inch difference??  Also, the item is stretchy!  Which means it's anyone's call as to the actual acurate measurement.  I feel as though the item was too small for her so she was just looking for a way to be able to return the item and have me pay for it.  I offered the item with free shipping as well, so I'm already out that money.  I don't feel as though I should have to reimburse her the money for this.  1/4 of an inch is not a deal breaker as far as size goes....seriously??  I don't know what to do once I receive the item.  Ebay told me I can open an appeal, but I'm not sure if this will hurt my Top Seller Plus rating that I just earned.

[green-night · Accepted solution]

I would accept the return and refund in full upon return and move on.      

Fighting this is a fruitless effort.  You won't win. 

[dizzardx]

I agree with previous response.  Take the return, eat the difference, and learn from the experience.  You won't win if you try to fight it.  You'll make it back later.

[xgoblazersx]

I've lost because of rediculous stuff like this too.  1" in length difference (supposedly) was enough for a return pressured on me.  It sucks, but we all know ebay is in the buyer's court except for a few rare instances.

[*eponymous*]

You cannot open an appeal after you authorize a return.

You sell used clothing, which is one of the most-often returned items.  In retail clothing sales, the return rate is somewhere around 35% of sales!

You will not make money on every listing you sell.  In fact, you will lose money on an occasional sale.  That is a cost of doing business.

Fairness is not an element of retail sales, and it not a level playing field.  Buyers have the upper hand.

If you do not accept the "not as described" return and arrange for a prepaid return label, the buyer can (and will!) escalate the case to eBay, eBay will rule against you, issue a label from your funds, and leave you with a "case closed without seller resolution".

You don't have a choice - you have to accept a "not as described" return.  eBay does not get into he-said, she-said - the buyer wins the case and you lose.  If the item is not worth you paying return shipping, you can simply issue a refund w/o getting the item back.  Run your business at the least cost to yourself, whatever that might be.

[lynnscollectiblesnstuff]

Isold a bowl that I measured 3.75. The buyer measured 4" .She opened a not as described and I won. Ebays reason was that didnt affect the use of the bowl. I guess it depends on the rep and the item? Who Knows???????

[kitschy*loot]

A one inch difference when it comes to inseam length or sleeve length can actually make a big difference, so sometimes it isn't ridiculous.

[notesseller777]

I have learned it is better to lose a penny then a dollar. I recommend refunding them. Selling on Ebay is tricky but di what you can to avoid negative feedback.

[workingforshoes]

Doesn't it count as a "Defect rating" in my seller performance though?

[myangelandmyprincess]

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@workingforshoes wrote:
Doesn't it count as a "Defect rating" in my seller performance though?

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Only if you try to fight it and lose.  If you accept the refund and provide a label it won't 

[xgoblazersx]

When I put (supposedly) in there, that was a hint it was a false claim.  It was a remorse return.  The buyer was all lovey dovey and left glowing feedback after I accepted the return.  She was nasty before.  That's why it's ridiculous.  I'm petite and when something is just 4" too long like my pants, I have to work with it.