A question about my first eBay return as a seller
bagofnickels
Posts: 354 ✭✭✭✭
I occasionally sell items on eBay as I upgrade them from my sets. A couple weeks ago I listed, sold and shipped a 1908 IHC. The buyer indicated their satisfaction with the coin and left me positive feedback. Today I woke up to the following message on eBay from the buyer.
I have been in a similar situation myself where I purchased a coin and decided I didn't like it due to a minor issue that was visible in the sellers images. I ended up keeping that coin because it was my fault for not looking more carefully. That was a learning experience for me.
Is it possible to not allow this return? Will eBay always side with the buyer here? There was absolutely nothing done improperly on my end and the buyer acknowledges this.
Anyway thank you for your time.
Comments
Did your listing offer a return period? If so, then that will hold. If you stated that seller does not accept returns and attempt to fight this return then the buyer might respond with the item was significantly not as described (SNAD) and that the SNAD made them change their mind. If they go down that path then ebay will make you refund the buyer.
My advice is to take the return and move on.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thanks for the reply Tom. I do have them enabled.
I guess I will take the L like my kids say.
At least the buyer is honest. Had he stated the listing was misrepresented you would be on the hook for return shipping.
I'd accept the return without hesitation and move on.
peacockcoins
I would make the refund and take the additional step of blocking the buyer from future "maybe" purchases. Speaking for myself only, I don't have time to deal with ebay wishy washies.
Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.
I think this is what I will do. It's unfortunate but I can't take the risk of this person making impulse buys later on down the line.
That is the best course, just do not refund until you receive the coin back from them.
It's not fair and it's easy to get upset, but as others have said, it's best to just move on.
Wait for the return, refund, and block (not out of vindictiveness, but out of caution).
While it may be disappointing, a return for this reason is allowed based on the return policy you have selected. There should be no financial loss involved here for you under certain settings. Unless you offer free shipping, the amount you charged the buyer for shipping the item will not be refunded to them. If for returns you selected 'buyer pays return shipping', you will not have to pay for a label to ship back to you. If you set it up correctly you will be out only time for returns like this. I would suggest reviewing the return selections you have for your items. Despite the unpleasant feeling of dealing with a return, be thankful that this buyer seems honest.
The buyer does seem honest and I don't have any anger towards them, moreso just some frustration. I also I'll make sure the item arrives safely PRIOR to issuing the return. I did not realize until reading these replies that I only issue the refund and eBay issues the return.
Thanks everyone for the replies I feel better about this
Returns are always preferable to a charge back. No one should ever refuse a return for any reason.
Take the return - the buyer will SNAD you on eBay or file a CC dispute if you don’t and you risk losing both the coin and the money.
eBay is extremely buyer friendly. There’s really no such thing as “no returns” on eBay. As a seller it’s just easier all around if you expect and accept returns.
I have one being returned right now also. The excuse for returning;
"Found a suitable specimen for my type collection at a lower price."
This bidder is now banned from bidding on any more of my auctions. Some bidders think that this is Ok, to do this sort of thing. They do not realize or care of the time it takes to relist and resell the coin.
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Wait until you get the return and examine it to determine it is the same one that you sold before sending a refund.
I agree that it is easier it just accept the return and more on.
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This was an auction listing not a BIN
I had one buyer that asked if I would take a return on an item.
It wasn't a coin and the shipping costs were not quite half of the item.
The buyer asked if they could return it and I said I didn't take returns.
If the item was going to be returned at their expense I would deal with it when that happens.
I don't know if it confused the buyer but they decided not to start the return process.
The only financial loss is if you elect to not re-list this coin on eBay. You will then be charged a fee.
peacockcoins
I said that once to a person trying to return a kilo silver coin after a month. After 5 months, he filed a charge back on his credit card compelling the return. Ebay told me I was lucky he actually returned it because the CC companies don't track the return and half the time the buyer gets the money and the item.
I recommend always accepting the return. EBay is actually much more fair to the seller than the credit card company.
By whom? Ebay refunds all of their fees when you refund the buyer, whether you relist or not.
Refund, block, move on.
The return request was to eBay, not you. If very valuable open at post office (if you have PO Box) to make sure same item and condition as sent. Then refund. They might not even send it.
There is a fee cost associated with returns but usually it is very small. You do not receive the payment transaction fee back, a little less than 3%. This is not usually a problem but last week I had a buyer buy a large item and his ship to address was in CA. but after purchase he wanted the shipping changed to Lake Placid NY. I refunded and he repurchased the item after changing his ship to address. Cost me about $20
edit-for spelling.
Just refund their money (after you receive it back) and move on. Then - Be sure and block them.
Relax, eBay has established a deadline of May 16 for them to return it to you.
Yes, when you automatically allow eBay to re-list the item. When I don't re-list I am charged a fee.
peacockcoins
To update those who replied, the coin returned yesterday in the same shape as I sent it. All in all no big deal. Hopefully the fact it was returned and relisted doesn't scare potential buyers off, especially since there's nothing wrong with the coin.
Thanks again to everyone who replied!