Your attitude as a dealer toward returns?

logger7

If your transaction is online or in person, how do you react or feel on coin returns? Sometimes you have waited a long time to sell a given coin, you tell others you sold it, and then due to buyer's regret or other reason it comes back.

MasonG

I would certainly prefer to not have coins returned but occasionally, somebody will want to. As long as it's within the specified return period, I'll take it back without a fuss. Although I don't require a reason, it would be nice to get one. Length of time the coin was in inventory doesn't matter. Depending on how the buyer presents the issue, I may block him from future purchases.

jclovescoins

Hate returns, and won't accept them for bullion-based transactions at all. Maybe some type of re-negotiated exchange/trade.
On eBay, it doesn't matter what you think as a seller - you have to accept returns! LOL - always ran into some crazy people on eBay so stopped selling there.

TimNH

I've read accounts of buyers trying to flip coins for a profit during the return period, and if it doesn't sell taking advantage of the return policy. Risk-free profit! That alone would deter me from offering returns if I were a seller.

VanHalen

I sell on eBay occasionally, on a couple coin forms BSTs and once in a Blue Moon to a local buyer.

Have well over 1000 transactions selling in the last 15 years. I have had 2 returns the entire time. if it's bullion I don't accept returns. Sure it sucks but it's part of the hobby for me.

PeakRarities

Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

With that being said, I’ve read many accounts of buyers nefariously trying to flip a coin unsuccessfully before returning it, and unfortunately I don’t see how this could be circumvented .

I will say that one recent coin purchase, a mid four figure coin, unfortunately resulted in my first return. The sellers pictures were pretty good, but they didn’t show how deep the contact marks were. I made my decision within a week and offered to cover the shipping both ways, to which they honorably declined. I still regularly check this dealers inventory and hope that I find a coin to purchase from them in the future.

MasonG

@DeplorableDan said:
Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

I don't have a problem with a return for this reason at all. Where it becomes a problem is when the buyer files a phony "not as described" claim in order to avoid paying for shipping to return the coin.

PeakRarities

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:
Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

I don't have a problem with a return for this reason at all. Where it becomes a problem is when the buyer files a phony "not as described" claim in order to avoid paying for shipping to return the coin.

Agreed. I was speaking more in terms of direct sales, as we all know eBay policies favor the buyer and dealers have little to no control over returns regardless of opinion.

MasonG

@DeplorableDan said:

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:
Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

I don't have a problem with a return for this reason at all. Where it becomes a problem is when the buyer files a phony "not as described" claim in order to avoid paying for shipping to return the coin.

Agreed. I was speaking more in terms of direct sales, as we all know eBay policies favor the buyer and dealers have little to no control over returns regardless of opinion.

I think most reputable dealers are generally willing to accept returns within a reasonable time frame if a coin doesn't work for a buyer. The goal for most is to find repeat customers and insisting that a buyer keep a coin he doesn't like runs counter to that. Of course, there are those who are difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy but those buyers will eventually be asked to shop elsewhere.

Barberian

Every time I've returned a coin, it's because the seller did not provide an honest description or adequate photos of the coin. I relay that to the seller as well.

Catbert

As a collector:

First preference is to see the coin before purchase commitment. In the alternative, buying from a dealer with great pics is second best. I rarely return a coin and feel bad when I do, but if it isn't right for me (on rare occasion), then it needs to be quickly returned so the dealer hasn't lost too much time with the coin out of inventory. Of course I pay return shipping costs.

MrEureka

Last time I checked, the ANA required its member dealers to give a 30 day return privilege to collectors, although there may have been an exception made for bullion items. Assuming that's still the case, I have no problem with following the rules. HOWEVER, if a collector asks to return a coin for an unreasonable reason, or because the market has changed, he would be very unlikely to get any discounts in the future, much less first shot on anything.

MasonG

@Catbert said:
As a collector:

First preference is to see the coin before purchase commitment. In the alternative, buying from a dealer with great pics is second best. I rarely return a coin and feel bad when I do, but if it isn't right for me (on rare occasion), then it needs to be quickly returned so the dealer hasn't lost too much time with the coin out of inventory. Of course I pay return shipping costs.

I don't think most dealers have a problem with this at all. However, if you're up to your sixth return in a row, you might find some who will suggest that perhaps you should think about looking elsewhere for the coins you want.

edited to add... "You" = nobody specific, just anyone in general, not you specifically.

spyglassdesign

I've been pretty lucky with no returns to date, but a relatively small sample of 100 or so sales in the last 6 months.

This is at least partly why I have worked very hard to improve my photography skills. I don't try to hide anything, especially when not slabbed (unlike a few notorious sellers on ebay). I try to show it in its best light, yes but also don't try to hide anything. I want my buyers to know exactly wheat they are getting.

If I do get a return at some point, I can be assured that it wasn't because anything wasn't disclosed on my part to the best of my ability. If someone decides they don't want it within the return period... Oh well. That's the nature of the business. If you give a customer an opportunity to have buyers regret, it will eventually happen. As long as I wasn't dishonest about it, I don't think I'd be too bothered by the return.

jmlanzaf

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:
Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

I don't have a problem with a return for this reason at all. Where it becomes a problem is when the buyer files a phony "not as described" claim in order to avoid paying for shipping to return the coin.

Agreed. I was speaking more in terms of direct sales, as we all know eBay policies favor the buyer and dealers have little to no control over returns regardless of opinion.

I think most reputable dealers are generally willing to accept returns within a reasonable time frame if a coin doesn't work for a buyer. The goal for most is to find repeat customers and insisting that a buyer keep a coin he doesn't like runs counter to that. Of course, there are those who are difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy but those buyers will eventually be asked to shop elsewhere.

I think that's mostly true. But I still bristle (and pray for karma) for the person who filed chargeback on a silver & gold Chinese kilo FIVE MONTHS after purchase.

spyglassdesign

@Catbert said:
As a collector:

First preference is to see the coin before purchase commitment. In the alternative, buying from a dealer with great pics is second best. I rarely return a coin and feel bad when I do, but if it isn't right for me (on rare occasion), then it needs to be quickly returned so the dealer hasn't lost too much time with the coin out of inventory. Of course I pay return shipping costs.

I've actually kept a lower value coin that wasn't quite 'it' to avoid doing a return... I try to do everything I can to avoid a return if possible. One or two out of several purchases probably won't irk a seller, but if you are sending multiple back out of a small number of purchases, don't be too surprised if you get blocked before long!

PeakRarities

@jmlanzaf said:

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:
Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

I don't have a problem with a return for this reason at all. Where it becomes a problem is when the buyer files a phony "not as described" claim in order to avoid paying for shipping to return the coin.

Agreed. I was speaking more in terms of direct sales, as we all know eBay policies favor the buyer and dealers have little to no control over returns regardless of opinion.

I think most reputable dealers are generally willing to accept returns within a reasonable time frame if a coin doesn't work for a buyer. The goal for most is to find repeat customers and insisting that a buyer keep a coin he doesn't like runs counter to that. Of course, there are those who are difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy but those buyers will eventually be asked to shop elsewhere.

I think that's mostly true. But I still bristle (and pray for karma) for the person who filed chargeback on a silver & gold Chinese kilo FIVE MONTHS after purchase.

Wow. I would be livid, how does a chargeback get anpproved after 5 months, is that PayPal’s doing? Otherwise I could only see that happening maybe with an Amex

MasonG

@jmlanzaf said:

@MasonG said:
I think most reputable dealers are generally willing to accept returns within a reasonable time frame if a coin doesn't work for a buyer. The goal for most is to find repeat customers and insisting that a buyer keep a coin he doesn't like runs counter to that. Of course, there are those who are difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy but those buyers will eventually be asked to shop elsewhere.

I think that's mostly true. But I still bristle (and pray for karma) for the person who filed chargeback on a silver & gold Chinese kilo FIVE MONTHS after purchase.

Can't disagree with that, which is why I included "within a reasonable time frame", and five months isn't.

Catbert

I don't buy my coins via ebay and also don't have a history of returning coins frequently. It is a rare occasion for me (thankfully).

yspsales

Think I will stick to a Ricko approved collection in the future.

Most of my returns (once or twice a year) are just due to butt ugly toning.

jmlanzaf

@DeplorableDan said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:

@MasonG said:

@DeplorableDan said:
Though no one asked, I will add my opinion from a collectors perspective. I would think that an online transaction, where the buyer is unable to see the coin (in ALL of its glory) prior to purchase, SOME leeway should be given regarding infrequent returns.

I don't have a problem with a return for this reason at all. Where it becomes a problem is when the buyer files a phony "not as described" claim in order to avoid paying for shipping to return the coin.

Agreed. I was speaking more in terms of direct sales, as we all know eBay policies favor the buyer and dealers have little to no control over returns regardless of opinion.

I think most reputable dealers are generally willing to accept returns within a reasonable time frame if a coin doesn't work for a buyer. The goal for most is to find repeat customers and insisting that a buyer keep a coin he doesn't like runs counter to that. Of course, there are those who are difficult, if not impossible, to satisfy but those buyers will eventually be asked to shop elsewhere.

I think that's mostly true. But I still bristle (and pray for karma) for the person who filed chargeback on a silver & gold Chinese kilo FIVE MONTHS after purchase.

Wow. I would be livid, how does a chargeback get anpproved after 5 months, is that PayPal’s doing? Otherwise I could only see that happening maybe with an Amex

PayPal. There are a lot of cards that have 180 day chargeback windows. It's not that uncommon. That's why I always tell people that they are kidding themselves if they think they can refuse to allow returns on eBay.

At least the bastard returned the coin. eBay told me that most of the time they don't and their CC company doesn't force the issue, although eBay seller's protection MIGHT cover it.

MasonG

@jmlanzaf said:
PayPal. There are a lot of cards that have 180 day chargeback windows. It's not that uncommon. That's why I always tell people that they are kidding themselves if they think they can refuse to allow returns on eBay.

At least the bastard returned the coin. eBay told me that most of the time they don't and their CC company doesn't force the issue, although eBay seller's protection MIGHT cover it.

I had an "unauthorized charge" claim filed on a PayPal payment three months after I received confirmation of receipt as specified in PayPal's User Agreement. PayPal sided with the buyer.

Dave99B

I’ve sold 300+ coins on eBay. Believe it or not, my very first buyer returned the coin. Haven’t had a return since.

Dave

ARCO

I create huge, clear pics, full descriptions and ALWAYS a true auction on Ebay. If the buyer returns it, they are blocked. It has only happened a few times, but I don't have time for people who have all the information to buy and then send it back.

Cuprinkor

Assuming the buyer has seen a lot of coins in his experience, he should know upon sight whether or not to return - not some 14, 30, or whatever day time period that eBay "says".

FranklinHalfAddict

@Cuprinkor said:
Assuming the buyer has seen a lot of coins in his experience, he should know upon sight whether or not to return - not some 14, 30, or whatever day time period that eBay "says".

I agree except for a very rare occasion.

I’ve only returned two coins in my life. One was about 7 or 8 years ago and it was an auction win from DLRC. The coin looked absolutely nothing like the photos. The photos showed really nice color for a 1957 Franklin half and in hand the entire coin was a flat dull grey color. I could not get a single color to appear no matter what light source I was looking at the coin under, and what angle I had the coin tilted at, I have no clue how they got those colors to appear in the photos.
The second coin was maybe 2 or 3 years ago and was an eBay purchase. It had some light hair lines and scuffs that weren’t visible in the listing photos. The hair lines and scuffs weren’t all that bad, but they were kind of borderline on something that was really gonna bother me long term with the coin, so I struggled for a few days before finally deciding that I couldn’t live with them and I had to return the coin.

So, I do agree that an experienced collector should know almost immediately whether they want to return a coin or not but like I said, there can be very rare instances where you struggle with the decision to keep or return.

There have been many other times where I have regretted buying a coin almost immediately, but the coin was not misrepresented in the listing, so I just bit the bullet and kept the coin.

Cougar1978

It’s a part of being in the business. Fortunately for me it rarely happens. It could be buyers remorse, etc. I offer 14 day return period for online beyond that no returns accepted. Big ticket material more likely to be returned. It could be buyers remorse, etc.

I won a return dispute with a buyer on a $100 item where eBay sided with me. The buyer did not supply tracking nor return it during the 14 day return period. It never showed up either. That person badgered me for months. Had it showed up I would have returned it to them. I told them “there will be no refund, eBay has decided this.”

Don’t cave in to their BS. They may pressure you for the money before back in your acct.

Big ticket material over $300 I prefer to do at shows for most part. Had a guy flake out on a $475 eBay slabbed gold coin on eBay once. This was before managed payments. He pressured me repeatedly for the money but would not refund until back in my acct. Told him “I have no control over their process. Your money will be refunded once received back in my acct.”

In summary returns can happen but I am not going to be jerked around.

For shows would recommend a sign “no returns accepted.” However if you don’t you could face them down refuse or just stall them, get the heck out of Dodge. A guy next to me at show faced a guy and 2 of his coin club buddies down (no returns on sight seen) on $300 item / they backed off.