Returning graded cards
JHS5120
Posts: 1,968 ✭✭✭
What're your thoughts on returning graded cards?
I had a customer last week initiate a return through ebay because the back of a PSA 7 card was not centered to his liking. The card was a $30-50 card, not rare and properly graded. I accepted the return very cordially and even paid for the return shipping because it isn't worth the effort.
This isn't the first instance either. I have had customers return graded cards in the past and it is (quite frankly) infuriating. If a card is graded without materially error (like a missed pinhole), I cannot imagine any scenario in which a card should be returned.
End rant.
I had a customer last week initiate a return through ebay because the back of a PSA 7 card was not centered to his liking. The card was a $30-50 card, not rare and properly graded. I accepted the return very cordially and even paid for the return shipping because it isn't worth the effort.
This isn't the first instance either. I have had customers return graded cards in the past and it is (quite frankly) infuriating. If a card is graded without materially error (like a missed pinhole), I cannot imagine any scenario in which a card should be returned.
End rant.
My eBay Store 
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
0
Comments
WTB: PSA 1 - PSA 3 Centered, High Eye Appeal 1950's Mantle
Was there a back scan in the listing?
No. I'll only include scans of the back when relevant to the purchase.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
James
A lot of sellers state that they will not accept returns on graded cards but with eBay's system the way it is there is no way to enforce that.
James
This is the part that confuses me. Is a buyer able to successfully file a SNAD even when the card is clearly as described and the auction states no returns? If the card is described simply as "PSA 7," what is the grounds for a SNAD?
I had a frustrating experience recently where I paid over $300 for a PSA 9 which had a very noticeable corner ding when I received it. I assumed I was stuck with it because the card was as described and the auction stated "no returns." I felt PSA and not the seller was at fault, so I did what I felt was the honorable thing and swallowed hard.
This is the part that confuses me. Is a buyer able to successfully file a SNAD even when the card is clearly as described and the auction states no returns? If the card is described simply as "PSA 7," what is the grounds for a SNAD?
I had a frustrating experience recently where I paid over $300 for a PSA 9 which had a very noticeable corner ding when I received it. I assumed I was stuck with it because the card was as described and the auction stated "no returns." I felt PSA and not the seller was at fault, so I did what I felt was the honorable thing and swallowed hard.
The buyer can usually successfully force a return.
However, is your problem with the buyer? He adequately described the card as a PSA 9 and sold you a PSA 9 that arrived safely. The buyer fulfilled 100% of his side of the arrangement. It seems like your issue is with PSA's assessment of what a "MINT" card is. If that is the case, send the card to PSA and they will reimburse you if they agree. If PSA stands by the card, and sticks to their original opinion of MINT then both the buyer and third party authenticator have fulfilled their part of the agreement.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
If the card is correctly graded according to the parameters, then it should sell at some point.
If not, then you have to determine whether it is worth the time and effort to have PSA correct and remedy the grading error.
In the case of a large vendor, I would think that it may be better to accumulate a group of cards for PSA to "remedy", than to irritate a customer.
I recently purchased a high end 69 Johnny Bench card and considered returning it (because of the back) but since the seller did have a no return policy and complied with my request by sending a (crappy) picture of the back I felt the only thing to do was to take it on the chin as I could have requested he posted a better picture.
However if I did take a chance on a card without seeing the back (did that recently for the first time in ages last month) I would never expect to be able to return the card.
I always like to see scans of both the front and back of a card regardless of the price. Most sellers will post a back scan if you ask. On a several requests they sent me a crappy picture via Ebay email instead of posting with the original front of the card.
I recently purchased a high end 69 Johnny Bench card and considered returning it (because of the back) but since the seller did have a no return policy and complied with my request by sending a (crappy) picture of the back I felt the only thing to do was to take it on the chin as I could have requested he posted a better picture.
If someone asks me for a back scan, I will almost always provide one.
It takes maybe 2 or 3 minutes to scan, crop and upload an image. I sell anywhere from 400-500 cards on eBay each year. It isn't worth it to me to spend 20+ hours a year doing nothing but scanning backs of cards.
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
I always like to see scans of both the front and back of a card regardless of the price. Most sellers will post a back scan if you ask. On a several requests they sent me a crappy picture via Ebay email instead of posting with the original front of the card.
I recently purchased a high end 69 Johnny Bench card and considered returning it (because of the back) but since the seller did have a no return policy and complied with my request by sending a (crappy) picture of the back I felt the only thing to do was to take it on the chin as I could have requested he posted a better picture.
Admittedly the buyer should have requested a scan of the card back if truly interested if time allowed. You will see I bolded JBrules term crappy pictures. If you have never asked and received pictures through the eBay mail system I will attest they are terrible. I requested pictures a couple times before realizing these pictures (and eBay) where almost useless. They are small and of poor (low resolution) quality. I am a currency collector and you need a good large picture/scan to judge condition. Those inserted in the auction listings can usually be enlarged and are normally good enough to make a judgement. eBay's paranoia and arrogance will no longer allow direct direct communication between seller and buyer to obtain a decent picture fearing (probably rightly) that a deal will be done "off eBay" and they don't make any money. I will admit I don't know anything about PSA graded cards but I do for graded currency. A similar concept.
I'll get off my soapbox before someone comes and knocks me off.
BTW, I believe the OP did the best he could and just accepted the return and avoided the aggravation this buyer would have caused him.
Dad 1916-2014
With ebays current policies, you are pretty much at the mercy of the buyer. I had a buyer ask for a refund because they "changed their mind". In all honesty, on graded cards, there should be no returns whatsoever. If a person is that picky...go to a show and buy it in person.
Believe me, if there were a show where I could browse though hundreds of PSA 9 commons, I'd already be there!
Link to Auction
Once in hand, there was a very pronounced crease running from the left edge to the top edge (which, of course, when I look back to the auction scan, I can see where it is). The seller has a no return policy, but after pondering it over a couple of days, I initiated a return. I uploaded a scan in the return process, which you can see below. The crease is more pronounced in-hand.
My case is a bit different than the OP - mine is clear misrepresentation of the item, which I think a return is warranted. I agree that not liking the back of the card or changing your mind is really lame.
As a buyer, I have no problem returning something which is not completely and accurately described. Any seller who doesn't bother with a back scan to conceal a problem - even crummy centering - will soon be receiving back their goods. I just sent another "mistake" back a few days ago and got reimbursed, although I'm disappointed because I would have preferred to own the card.
As a seller, I would expect anyone who deals with me to be honest about their satisfaction, or lack thereof, and would not hesitate to accept a return regardless of policies. Corporate movers don't care about what us little card collectors care about. But we should.
Why would you ever buy the card in the first place based on the picture?
That's the buyers scan in this thread, "the picture on the auction appeared not to have any creases". No need to bother reading the 2nd sentence, just get out your pitchfork.
Why would you ever buy the card in the first place based on the picture?
That's the buyers scan in this thread, "the picture on the auction appeared not to have any creases". No need to bother reading the 2nd sentence, just get out your pitchfork.
LOL - I guess reading is overrated.