What's my responsibility in packing a return?

[jaelzion]

Situation: I purchased a rare collectible figurine from a seller and received it  promptly. However, it arrived broken, so I requested a return. I believe the way the item was packed had a lot to do with it getting broken (the seller simply wrapped the box it came in with brown paper rather than double-boxing it). The retail box was not very strong and there is a visible dent in it.

The seller did not provide a separate box and I didn't have one handy. So I either needed to purchase a box to send the item back, or I could send it the same way the seller did originally (just wrap the retail box in paper and send it back). I wasn't excited about spending money on a box  but on the other hand, I didn't want the item to be further broken getting it back to the seller.

In the end, I coughed up the $6 for a box and some bubble wrap and sent it back.

Question: what exactly is my responsibility in this situation? Would I have been wrong to send the item back the same way the seller sent it, knowing that it would probably get further broken? I know not to ask for reimbursement of the $6 because the seller will likely say "I didn't ask you to do that", and it's true, he didn't. Just wondering what most people would do in this situation.

[chrysylys]

I always keep extra boxes around so I would never have to buy one unless it was some oddball size.

But I would take the extra packing measures.

[jaelzion]

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@chrysylys wrote:

I always keep extra boxes around so I would never have to buy one unless it was some oddball size.

But I would take the extra packing measures.

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@chrysylys So if for some reason you didn't have a box that would fit, would you feel obligated to obtain one or would you just send it back the way it came? I'm trying to figure out the ethics of the situation.

[chrysylys]

I would take steps to make sure the item was packed properly even if the original sender didn't.

But I have to wonder why the seller wants a fragile collectible returened that is damaged and no longer collectible.  What type of item are we talking about and what value?

[jaelzion]

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@chrysylys wrote:

I would take steps to make sure the item was packed properly even if the original sender didn't.

But I have to wonder why the seller wants a fragile collectible returened that is damaged and no longer collectible.  What type of item are we talking about and what value?

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It's a figurine worth $300-$500. Not sure why the seller wants it back, I guess he could *probably* recoup some of the value by selling it as damaged/repaired.

[sam9876]

"Would I have been wrong to send the item back the same way the seller sent it, knowing that it would probably get further broken?"

No.

[jaelzion]

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@sam9876 wrote:

"Would I have been wrong to send the item back the same way the seller sent it, knowing that it would probably get further broken?"

No.

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Thanks for your input.

[mg152]

That’s bad and incorrect advice from sam9876. You are responsible for packing the item well so that no further damage occurs. Hang onto a few boxes for times like this. If you just sent it back wrapped in paper & it was destroyed you would have a hard time getting a refund. It’s wriiten in eBay policy, I’ll look for it.

[mg152]

From eBay
Pack the item carefully. Include the packing slip, apply the shipping label, and send the item back to the seller. You must return the item within 5 business days of requesting the return. It's a good practice to include tracking information when returning an item.
And
Return the item in the same condition as you received it. See the item condition policy for returns for more information.

[rolenboy01]

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@jaelzion wrote:

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@chrysylys wrote:

I would take steps to make sure the item was packed properly even if the original sender didn't.

But I have to wonder why the seller wants a fragile collectible returened that is damaged and no longer collectible.  What type of item are we talking about and what value?

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It's a figurine worth $300-$500. Not sure why the seller wants it back, I guess he could *probably* recoup some of the value by selling it as damaged/repaired.

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That does seem kinda odd why wouldn't they have insurance on such a pricey item? did you inquire about insurance?

[mg152]

Insurance won’t pay on an item so poorly packed anyway.

[sam9876]

" If you just sent it back wrapped in paper & it was destroyed you would have a hard time getting a refund."

False.

As soon as the returned package shows delivery to the seller, eBay will require a 100% refund no matter what condition it is in.

[jaelzion]

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@mg152 wrote:
From eBay
Pack the item carefully. Include the packing slip, apply the shipping label, and send the item back to the seller. You must return the item within 5 business days of requesting the return. It's a good practice to include tracking information when returning an item.
And
Return the item in the same condition as you received it. See the item condition policy for returns for more information.

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Okay, so whether they enforce or not, eBay policy does assign some responsibility to the buyer to pack the item well. That being the case, would it be appropriate to ask the seller to reimburse packing costs (not now, but if I had done it before shipping the item back)? Or is that cost just an exception to the general idea that a buyer should not be out any money because of a SNAD?

[chrysylys]

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@sam9876 wrote:

"Would I have been wrong to send the item back the same way the seller sent it, knowing that it would probably get further broken?"

No.

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Smart shippers pack properly.

[ed8108]

Very disappointing and sad to receive a rare item broken during shipment.

I agree you acted appropriately in returning the figurine in a manner to insure no further damage will occur during return shipment.

The seller should certainly on his own initiative and motion offer to reimburse you for any shipping expense that you may have incurred.

Realize your seller is receiving back his item in the best possible condition because of your effort.