Sold Used handheld game system, item arrives fine, but the user does nto how to use it

[limpy316]

I sold one of my handhelds last week which I promptly shipped out the next day.  Item arrived as expected and did not come damaged.  My auction stated it was for the Handheld which come in great condition with no scratches or dings, which is exactly what the buyer received.

First message was that I didn't include a cable for charging.  I never stated that and since item was used, I never showed a cable in pictures and never claimed it came with one.  I went ahead and offered to send the buyer a cable if he would like though, which he aggreed with.

I then get another message stating that the user spent hours reading the instructions and followed instructions on YouTube trying to load software.  For context, it's an Android handheld so it connects to the Google Play store to download any apps.  User asks for a refund because he says it's unusable.  I don't feel like it's my responsibility if a user has done their diligence to know what they are buying.

They submit a refund request which states "The seller did not state in the listing that this gaming device doesn’t play any of the games that it should be able to play. In fact, I was unable to load or play any games at all."

They include pictures of the device which shows it working and matches my auction pictures.

At this point, I don't think it's on me to issue a refund, but wanted to get your take.  I've been an ebay buyer/seller since 1999 and this is the first time I've run into something like this.  It doesn't look like I have many options, but I don't feel like I did anything wrong.

[wrong66]

Sadly, even though you did NOTHING wrong, you have no choice but to refund after sending a return shipping label and getting the item back. It's just the way it is.

[simba6]

If you don't issue a return label, eBay will refund on your dime and let them keep it for free and ding your customer service rating.

 Your only other option is to refund in full and let them keep it for free. Saves the return cost but I don't recommend it as it only encourages such buyers.

[ms.rodriguez*]

YOu have no choice but to issue a return shipping label.  Hopefully , they know how to pack it  so that it doesn't get destroyed.  Contact them and explain to them how to pack it.  Apologize even though it is not your fault that they can't figure the game out.  Hopefully , you get it back and it's in the same perfect condition.

Remember, the return shipping cost is a LOSS for you to use as a deduction.  A post that I read about 10 minutes ago made me realize that the one positive thing of a return is a tax deduction.  Print out the from MY EBAY where you had to refund and save that as a receipt. 

[monica-sells]

Once the 'seed' is planted, and the buyer wants to return it...that's pretty much it for us as sellers.....it is the culture of online buying....

anyways....

allow the return....follow all the ebay protocols (in order, do not deviate)

once you get the item back, you can initiate the refund and resell it to someone who knows what they are doing/buying.....even though the buyer is a moron, stay professional

[limpy316]

Ugh, thanks for all of the feedback, this is really pathetic.  I even listed no refunds on my auction as well.

I guess I'll have to go forward then with the refund and cut my loss with this.  Hopefully I can relist and then resell the item at a higher amount to recoup my loss.

Thank you everyone.

[ms.rodriguez*]

No refunds doesn't mean anything here.  Buyers will lie to get their refunds.  Anytime you have a loss, you recover it by pricing one or two (or whatever) items a bit higher.  Goodluck.