eBay

pharmakon · ‎04-07-2020

I sold a pair of vintage bookends manufactured by the Armor Bronze company. I included a detailed, accurate description, as well as multiple pictures of the bookends from every angle including closeups of the original manufacturer tag which was on the bottom of each one clearly showing the name. I accepted a best offer of $25. I was able to fit them in a medium flat rate box to keep shipping cost down due to the weight. Buyer upon receipt immediately requested a return stating the item did not match the description. I do not offer returns on any of my listings, yet I do not seem to have that option in this case because buyer is using the "incorrect description" excuse. I'm at a loss. I've never run into this before in my 20 years on ebay. Is there a way to get ebay involved? I can't see any resolution options as the seller. If I have to pay the return shipping I'm basically out the cost of my item, which I think the buyer is probably banking on so the they will get the item and the money too.

orangehound · ‎04-07-2020

@pharmakon wrote:
Is there a way to get ebay involved? I can't see any resolution options as the seller.

Unfortunately, you have encountered an abusive buyer who is misusing returns. There is absolutely nothing wrong (that I can see) with your listing.

But, with an eBay Money Back Guarantee claim, you only have two options:

Pay for the return, and when it is received back then refund the buyer in full (price plus shipping paid) ... then report the buyer for abusing the Money Back Guarantee.
Refund the buyer in full (price plus shipping paid) ... then report the buyer for abusing the Money Back Guarantee.

In reporting the buyer, the buyer will not have a record of abuse. And if this is a pattern with this buyer (and it likely may be), then the buyer might be banned from eBay or they will no longer have access to the Money Back Guarantee.

As a Top Rated Seller, if you had listed this item with 30- or 60-day buyer-paid returns, you would have been eligible for a couple of seller protections against abusive buyers ... a false MBG claim can get you a refund of up to $6 in return shipping costs, and if the item is returned damaged then you can withhold up to 50% of the refund to compensate for the damage ... but, these are not available to listings with "no returns".