Seller Question: Buyer attempting to return.

[mr.monoclex]

Hello, I have a question about an item a buyer is attempting to return. The buyer purchased a lot of 4 Magic the gathering playing cards (collectible card game). He received the cards yesterday and sent a message to me and a request for a return. He stated that he was drunk and purchased the wrong cards by mistake. The return request reason is: Ordered by mistake.

I have a no return policy on all my auctions. There's too many issues that can arise from returns with collectible cards, including switching the cards with fake or lesser copies of the card. I was defrauded years back on here and basically had to eat the loss (it was a long time ago and perhaps eBay has improved their investigative skills?). I do have a no return policy, and the cards arrived as ordered. I'm somewhat suspicious that the individual didn't catch his mistake right away and ask to cancel the order before they were shipped. If it was an inexpensive item I'd have no problem taking the return, but this is almost a 4 figure auction.

If I decline the return am I in danger of any retribution? Bad feedback, sabotage, or even physical danger?

Thank you for any help, and if I left out any details please let me know!

[kensgiftshop]

---

@mr.monoclex wrote:

He stated that he was drunk and purchased the wrong cards by mistake. The return request reason is: Ordered by mistake.

---

Most would just file an INAD and force you to take them back.

Since you have a no return policy, you can deny a return if they file one.

If they are just asking without filing for a return and you tel them no, they they could file an INAD and you wouldn't have any choice but to take them back.

[rebell45]

While denying a remorse return is always one option, you always need to remember that, even if you deny the return on eBay, the buyer can always fall back on PayPal and/or his credit card and still get his money back from you.  You'll have to decide if that is worth the risk.

[mr.monoclex]

Thanks for the reply! Are you sure he can do that because he already initiated the return selected: "Ordered by mistake". 

Is there any protection for my end if he returns the cards and they are not the same ones or are damaged?

Thanks again!

[mr.monoclex]

That's a very good point. I asked the other responder as well, is there any protection for me if the item returned is different or damaged?

Thank you for the reply!

[dbfolks166mt]

This is a remorse return if the buyer is listing that as the reason for the return. In this case you can deny the return if you wish. They would have to bear the cost of the return postage and you would issue the refund once you receive the item back and have a chance to inspect it. Although that does not mean much to eBay.

    If the buyer filed a INAD return request then your no returns policy does not really mean no returns and you should go ahead and accept the return. If you don't  eBay may step in and refund the buyers money anyway without them having to return the item. Sucks but happens all the time and the seller is out the money and the item. 

     As far as eBay's investigative powers improving you can forget that. Depending on the buyers history they could potentially be a scammer, although most of those use INAD as a return justification, they could simply return an empty box to you and you would still have to refund their money. If you do not eBay will do it for you automatically. They will side with the buyer 99.99% of the time, scammers know this and constantly rip off sellers to the point where a lot of sellers have left. Do not list anything on eBay you cannot afford to take a loss on because sooner or later it will happen. 

     As far as retribution the world is full of crazy people but the risk of physical harm or sabotage is probably small and while you could receive negative feedback given the circumstances you could probably have it removed. 

[kensgiftshop]

---

@mr.monoclex wrote:

Thanks for the reply! Are you sure he can do that because he already initiated the return selected: "Ordered by mistake". 

Is there any protection for my end if he returns the cards and they are not the same ones or are damaged?

Thanks again!

---

Since it would be a remorse return, the cards should be sent back in the same condition as they were shipped.

If the buyer had filed an INAD, they could send back a box of dog poo and you'd still have to refund.