Numpty Ebay Question (sorry!!)

[breamster]

I've sold lots of odds and ends over the years without any problems. However, I've just sold an electrical item for ~£30 + postage and I've had a "Return Request" with reason of "Changed my mind" - can I simply say no?

What will be the likely outcome? I'm a private seller which I assume makes a difference.

I've looked at my original auction and it has the default statement of "returns accepted" which I had always assumed to be if it is faulty not because they have changed their mind.

I don't want the item returned mainly as I can't be rs'ed with the hassle but also my cynical head says I may get their faulty item returned - foolishly I didn't note the serial number of the item before I shipped it.

I assume I have to accept the request? Thoughts?

[littlebasher]

If you do, don't expect to receive the same item you sent. More likely they'll return their broken equivalent and expect a full refund.

[breamster]

littlebasher said:

If you do, don't expect to receive the same item you sent. More likely they'll return their broken equivalent and expect a full refund.

Yep - as I said above that is a concern. Will Ebay side with me if I decline the return on the grounds that the item was a described and not faulty. Or will as they (as I suspect) side with the buyer and I end up out of pocket?

[littlebasher]

breamster said:

Yep - as I said above that is a concern. Will Ebay side with me if I decline the return on the grounds that the item was a described and not faulty. Or will as they (as I suspect) side with the buyer and I end up out of pocket?

In my experience, they always side with the buyer - They'll no doubt point out you have a returns policy and use that as leverage. All you can realistically do is refuse to accept the return and see how the buyer decides to play it.

[anonymous-user]

You said you accepted returns so you have to accept returns, simple as that.

[7db]

That.

Also: it's very unlikely that you'll get anything other than your item back. You might do, but most people are pretty honest.

[JonV8V]

Tell them you'll check the serial number anyway. They don't know you don't know it and might put them off if they're dodgy

[arsenalmorris]

JonV8V said:

Tell them you'll check the serial number anyway. They don't know you don't know it and might put them off if they're dodgy

This,

Tell them you are happy to accept the return and will process a refund after you have received the item back and checked the serial number on it to confirm it is the same one you have sent them in the first place.

[breamster]

...sounds like a plan.

Thanks for all the feedback - think I am going to end up out of pocket.

Ebay seems to be getting alot worse recently - non-paying bidders etc. Think I might switch to gumtree for a bit.

[anonymous-user]

Should only be a few quid for the P&P you'll lose out on as you'll get your final value fees back and relisting the item is usually free as long as too much time hasn't passed. Just change your default listing preferences to not accept returns and it won't happen again.

[Stoofa]

I'm currently in a similar, yet slightly different situation.
I sold an ASUS router which I know was working 100% (I left it on test on my own broadband connection for a week prior to selling).
I however set my advert as "no returns". I'm not a business (so DSR isn't something I have to offer) and I don't run a "try before you buy" service.
Guy has problems setting it up, I try a couple of times to help via email, but I sold a router, not a router plus technical support.
Because user doesn't know how to use the device suddenly there is a return raised with the reason "damaged or faulty". Of course it isn't - but as I'd set my advert as no return that is the only way he could raise the return.

Ebay get involved in two days time and I'm 99% sure I'll lose this (they always side with buyers) and I'll be out of pocket - postage to send the item and I'll be expect to pay for the postage to have it sent back to me.
This was my first "hassle" situation in many years of using the site. Damn annoying.

[7db]

breamster said:

Ebay seems to be getting alot worse recently - non-paying bidders etc. Think I might switch to gumtree for a bit.

Frying pan ---> Inferno (owned by frying pan).

[SistersofPercy]

Returns accepted and not accepted are a bit of a useless statement where eBay is concerned because returns will always be accepted regardless, you have little choice if the buyer files a case.

Refuse a return request and you'll most likely find it changes to a 'not as described' dispute and is suddenly broken. As far as I'm aware in a standard return the buyer pays the return P+P, in a NAD Dispute you, the seller, are charged for the return P+P so it's always worth gritting your teeth and playing nice.

My usual reply in cases like this is something like 'Of course, once the item is received back in the condition it was sent and all serial numbers and marks checked I'll happily refund you'. It's not really worth the hassle of a NAD dispute and a knackered item.

Of course there is always the option of 'jog on'. Empty your Paypal account, close your eBay account and ignore the incessant Paypal bailiff letters for a couple of years. Depends really how much you value your account and if you are willing to brazen out the threats. I'm told Paypal have never actually taken anyone to court but I have no idea how true that is.

[chimp427]

The advice about staying polite, accepting the return and saying that a refund will be provided on inspection of the serial numbers is about your only hope really.
Ive had a few idiots when presented with this suddenly decide the item is ok again.
I wonder does adding no returns to the item description help at all?

Edited by chimp427 on Wednesday 16th September 19:31