Returned item damaged using ebay provided return label.

[ifurlookinitsbroke]

Hello. I sold a Porsche tail lamp as "used" with no returns (item 283807415774). The buyer requested a return 6 weeks after receipt of the item which I declined since it was past the ebay 30 day money back guarantee and the listing was clearly marked no returns. After two weeks the buyer contacted ebay and they stepped in and approved the return, even after I declined the return. Another two weeks pass and the item finally shows up in horrible condition. Please see attached photos showing the lamp as sent and the very damaged item returned (lens cracked, lens separating and significant damage within the lens housing). 

What is the process to request a damage claim from ebay for the item? I feel that perhaps even the buyer returned me his old lamp from the vehicle after switching the rear cover with the identifying labels. HELP!

[3eyedfishcatcher]

Was this item new or used? There is a lot of dust build up on the back side like it had been in a vehicle for a good while. Most items coming out of the engine compartment you would expect such dust build up as most people do not clean under the hood. If the item was brand new and you listing pictures were of the actual item you might be able to get someone on eBay's end to recognize that the buyer replaced their damaged head light and returned the damaged head light using a false claim. I imagine this will be a hard thing to do as eBay will usually side with a buyer. Your second picture where you can see the dust on the black plastic on the back side looks quite convincing but I have not seen the listing s pictures I could not find this item under your sold items.

[rebell45]

Did you contact eBay to find out why they allowed the return if it was more than 30 days from delivery? Or, did the buyer bypass eBay and open a dispute with PayPal or their credit card provider. Doesn't make sense that they would allow a return after 30 days on the eBay MBG program.

[ifurlookinitsbroke]

Thank you for the replies! The item was used and sold as used and shipped as shown in the first photo. The second and third photos is how the light was received back from the buyer. This is why I think either the item was damaged in shipping or the item was exchanged for a defective item by the buyer and he sent back an old light (his trash). The lamp was sold for $1000, which has now been yanked back by ebay from PayPal and given to the buyer automatically. The item number is 283807415774 if you search for this, it will bring up the listing. 

There is a very obvious difference in the absolutely pristine light shipped and the light returned. The returned light is extremely dirty, scratch and cracked lens plus the lens is completely falling off the lamp assembly. 

I have tried countless means of contacting ANYONE at ebay via email, FB messenger, and 50+ phone calls to all different departments all without any response. All the phone calls get directed to the same exact automated message of a guy asking for me to go to ebay.com/help. Of course, nothing is helpful regarding this issue. I will follow up with some before and after photos. 

[ifurlookinitsbroke]

Thank you for the response, I replied to you below.

[ifurlookinitsbroke]

Direct item link: 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-911-997-GTS-LED-Tail-Lights-2010-2012-997-631-992-02-99763199202-US...

[donsdetour]

Look at listing you posted. I notice you did not post a full photo of the back of the item. Why not??

Well as for what you have said, is it possible the item was damaged the first time shipped and not on the return.

What condition was the return box in ??

[evelyb30 · Accepted solution]

All I can tell you is "keep calling" and ask for a supervisor.  Don't let them send you to an automated line. Someone with experience may be able to tell you correct procedures for filing a mail fraud complaint and a theft report with the appropriate police department.  Raise **** until someone listens.  

[ifurlookinitsbroke]

Thanks for your reply. Photos of the rear were taken (each sticker is shown) however not one large wide angle photo. Why? No clue. Usually focus for photos for vehicle lamps is for what is seen while installed on the vehicle. Take a quick peek at other used tail lamps listed for any model and I'd hope youd agree the photos I took and listed are very detailed and high quality. Maybe not? 

If it was received broken when being shipped the first time, why would the buyer wait 6 weeks to request a return? The interior reflective paint inside the lens is clearly deteriorated and flaking off. There are significant spider cracks from extreme sun exposure on the returned item, nothing on the lamp shipped out. That type of damages takes a long time to develop, not a few days in the sun.

Regardless at this point, ebay stepped in and refunded the buyer and did not require a refund of funds from my side mainly stating it was damaged in shipping.  

[ifurlookinitsbroke]

Thank you for your reply. In the end I was finally able to get ebay to call me (assistant was in Ireland) and process a claim for defective returned item received. Ebay refunded the buyer and did not require a refund of funds from my side mainly stating it was damaged in shipping.  Do I think it was 1000% correct? No.  However that was their decision to make with their $$ to refund. 

[kensgiftshop]

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@ifurlookinitsbroke wrote:

What is the process to request a damage claim from ebay for the item? I feel that perhaps even the buyer returned me his old lamp from the vehicle after switching the rear cover with the identifying labels. HELP!

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There isn't any.

If you can prove the buyer sent back their old one, you might have a chance, but how could you prove it.

[fromtexas2u2]

The seller never wins.........................................eBay only wants the buyers to be happy, that's how they get their money..................