Vague return policy text

[adra2817]

I recently purchased an open box item from an ebay seller. After placing the order, I changed my mind since I was getting a better deal on a brand new item of the same brand. I immediately contacted them to cancel the order. They told me there would be a penalty exceeding $100 + shipping charges. I asked them what if I return the product after receiving it. They told me there will be restocking fees and penalties, also over $100. 

In the original ad, all that was mentioned was the buyer was responsible for return shipping. There was absolutely no mention of additional penalties. This was my first purchase on ebay, and frankly I'm disappointed. I feel the seller should be more specific about their return policy up front so the buyer can make an informed decision.

Has anyone else faced a similar problem? What are my options at this point?

[frodobagginskennedy]

Sellers are NOT required to accept or agree to any cancel request.  YOU should have done your research for the better priced NEW item BEFORE you wasted the sellers time and REAL money.  Sellers are immediatly charged NON refundable fees as soon as you agreed to buy and sent your payment.

Now unless the seller is offering free returns they are not allowed to charge restocking fees.  Even if they offer free returns they can only deduct 50% of the cost IF you send back an item damaged or used by you.

Since the seller is insisting they will not cancel there is little you can do.  You can open a return request for BUYERS remorse.  To open any other type of case for return would be lying.

[bonjourami]

No seller can charge a restocking fee, or a penalty for a return. You would be responsible for return shipping fees, and if the seller had no returns on his listing, he can refuse the return as it is a remorse return.

[hurryagain]

@adra2817 

The seller is not obligated to honor a cancellation request.  When you bid or buy on eBay, it is a purchasing contract that both parties should follow.

Now, when you get the item, yes you CAN return it b/c you changed your mind but like it says, you will be responsible for the return shipping costs - which you seem to be okay with.

Now onto those "fees and penalties"...the seller is full of baloney...he/she is trying to discourage you from returning the item.  Sellers cannot charge you any fees or penalties for returning the item.

Good luck.

[adra2817]

Thank you for the prompt answers. I am good with paying for return shipping since it was explicitly mentioned in the ad. I don't know why the seller brought up additional penalties as it was not mentioned anywhere in the ad. Anyways, since they have already shipped the product, I will simply return it. Do not want to give my business to unscrupulous sellers.

[bonjourami]

What business? You are returning it and cost the seller listings fees and Paypal fees.

[adra2817]

My issue is specifically about the seller providing me the wrong information regarding returns. If there is a re-stocking penalty, it should be stated explicitly in their return policy statement. I understand there is a cost associated with the return that the seller has to bear, but that is no excuse for misleading a customer.

[hurryagain]

@adra2817 

Glad we could be of help.  Do not worry about those additional fees or charges that the seller threatened you with, the seller cannot charge you those fees.

If you have any other issues, come back to the board and I am sure someone will help you.

[glgenterprise]

The seller is trying to get you to agree in writing to a restock fee, so that they can do a partial refund. We have not been able to force a restock fee for quite awhile now, and your seller likely knows this, which is why they are likely trying to get you to agree to it.

Not for nothing, and you are a new eBay buyer, so you would not necessarily know this, but we pay anywhere from 2.5 to 4+% to PayPal that they DO NOT refund to use when we refund buyers. That is sunk costs for sellers when buyers change their minds AFTER they have purchased and paid for an item. Plus, depending on the listing, out the original shipping if it had Free (which is really included) shipping.

[blijeolifantje72]

you state

--In the original ad, all that was mentioned was the buyer was responsible for return shipping. There was absolutely no mention of additional penalties. This was my first purchase on ebay, and frankly I'm disappointed. I feel the seller should be more specific about their return policy up front so the buyer can make an informed decision.--

I just want to state that can work both way. You should have asked questions before purchasing and researched. That is also your responsibility too. He / she did not force you to buy. If you felt there was not enough info there to make a purchase then you should not do it. What you did here is buyers remorse.  I buy too so it is not like I am just on the Sellers side but I do think it is wrong to go back on your word.

I heard from other top rated sellers that they can charge restocking fee. I personally have never done it but this was told to me by very experienced seller who also has a return 30days return policy. Does anyone know if that was true

[picknparley]

It's good you saved yourself some money.

But it cost the seller $$ for nothing they did wrong. 

Not justifiable.