Why can't I give a partial refund on a returned item?

[chileboy]

I sold a factory-sealed memory module to someone. My auction stated Returns Not Accepted.

When he recieved it, he opened it and then realized he couldn't use it - he thought his notebook PC had two memory slots, but it only had one apparently.

So he issued a return request with "Doesn't fit" as the reason, along with a message detailing what happened and "hoping" for a full refund.

What I would really like to do is have him return it and refund half his money (which is what I responded). I figure then I can sell it for half-price or whatever.

But that's not one of the choices that eBay gives me. I can accept the return, in which case he gets a full refund, or offer him a partial refund, in which case he keeps the item.

I realize I can just refuse the return and be done with it, but I'm trying to be a nice guy and meet the buyer halfway. Plus couldn't he still leave me negative feedback?

Can I "refuse" the return, have him send it back and then refund half when I receive it? Or do I risk running afoul of some eBay policy?

[missjen831]

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@chileboywrote:

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@missjen831wrote:

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@chileboywrote:

How could he file a SNAD? I sent him exactly what was stated in the auction, it was his fault that he couldn't use it.

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Buyers lie all the time. I’m not saying he will, I’m just saying it’s a possibility, something you should keep in mind. 

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Hmm. I see what you're saying. 

Well, the guy has good feedback as a buyer. Maybe I'll wait and see how he responds to my offer and take it from there. As @richard1rst said, I can issue him a partial through PayPal. So I could agree with him to "refuse" the return on the eBay form and tell him when I get the item back I'll give him the credit that way. Of course, he'd have to trust that I'd do that, but as it stands now I could just refuse it and give him nothing anyway.

Thanks for your time & advice.

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Yes I think that’s a good idea. Just explain to him why you declined the return. If he hadn’t filed a request, I would have suggested you arrange a return between yourself and the buyer, without eBay involvement, since it’s remorse and you have a no returns policy. By handling it amongst yourselves, you can set the return terms. Good luck!

[vintagemoth12]

Thanks a lot!