eBay. What would you do?
Discussion
Recently been selling off my collection of "Italian MotoGP rider" 1/12 Minichamps bikes.
Sold one of the rarer ones for £50. Mentioned in the listing it was USED. Pics were of the bike out of the box. There was a part that had become detached and I photo'd that and mentioned it explicitly in the listing. Included the part obviously. Didn't make any rash claims of "mint" or the like. I try to be one of the good guys on eBay.
Buyer received it and straight away I got a message they weren't happy. They said the box was torn. I genuinely didn't think it was. But as I replied to the buyer. I was more concerned about the bike and making sure people understood it was used and had a part detached. But asked for a pic. They were evasive, but today a week after the initial contact I got a pic of the terrible damage to the box
I understand that collectors want immaculate things for maximum resale value. And brand new in box ones are currently on eBay for £110-£220!!! But am I being too nonchalant by thinking this is such a minor thing. I can't really grasp what the buyer wants me to do. I don't feel obligated to give money back for it. Since I didn't misrepresent it. They didn't ask me BEFORE the auction ended about the box. (Which I mention in my listings to do if they have queries) I did wonder if the buyer had done it accidentally. I did wonder if they were trying to scam me with a damaged box they already had.
What would you do?
On a side note, I've changed all my other listings to include a note that the boxes have been opened and may have slight damage around the edges. And for people to check the photos closely. Entirely as a result of there being "always one!"
Sold one of the rarer ones for £50. Mentioned in the listing it was USED. Pics were of the bike out of the box. There was a part that had become detached and I photo'd that and mentioned it explicitly in the listing. Included the part obviously. Didn't make any rash claims of "mint" or the like. I try to be one of the good guys on eBay.
Buyer received it and straight away I got a message they weren't happy. They said the box was torn. I genuinely didn't think it was. But as I replied to the buyer. I was more concerned about the bike and making sure people understood it was used and had a part detached. But asked for a pic. They were evasive, but today a week after the initial contact I got a pic of the terrible damage to the box
I understand that collectors want immaculate things for maximum resale value. And brand new in box ones are currently on eBay for £110-£220!!! But am I being too nonchalant by thinking this is such a minor thing. I can't really grasp what the buyer wants me to do. I don't feel obligated to give money back for it. Since I didn't misrepresent it. They didn't ask me BEFORE the auction ended about the box. (Which I mention in my listings to do if they have queries) I did wonder if the buyer had done it accidentally. I did wonder if they were trying to scam me with a damaged box they already had.
What would you do?
On a side note, I've changed all my other listings to include a note that the boxes have been opened and may have slight damage around the edges. And for people to check the photos closely. Entirely as a result of there being "always one!"
I have been selling a lot of old toys lately - some great sales, some nightmares.
I take good pictures and give good descriptions, but 1 in 20 will try something on. A few take it through full complaints with eBay and eBay generally side with them - I take the item back and have to refund, knowing full well that the item I am getting back is not the one I sent.
A couple of times I have got a message saying if you send me x Ammont I will accept the item, generally I just refund what they ask for as it's easier than dealing with the hassle of not!
Once though they tried blackmailing me by promising negative Feedback if I didn't agree - so I contacted eBay and they took my side.
I would wait and see what they ask for, and just try and cover yourself next time - make sure you wrap really well though. I always wrap in bubble wrap, then cardboard and then a bin bag taped over.
I take good pictures and give good descriptions, but 1 in 20 will try something on. A few take it through full complaints with eBay and eBay generally side with them - I take the item back and have to refund, knowing full well that the item I am getting back is not the one I sent.
A couple of times I have got a message saying if you send me x Ammont I will accept the item, generally I just refund what they ask for as it's easier than dealing with the hassle of not!
Once though they tried blackmailing me by promising negative Feedback if I didn't agree - so I contacted eBay and they took my side.
I would wait and see what they ask for, and just try and cover yourself next time - make sure you wrap really well though. I always wrap in bubble wrap, then cardboard and then a bin bag taped over.
Blakeatron said:
I have been selling a lot of old toys lately - some great sales, some nightmares.
I take good pictures and give good descriptions, but 1 in 20 will try something on. A few take it through full complaints with eBay and eBay generally side with them - I take the item back and have to refund, knowing full well that the item I am getting back is not the one I sent.
A couple of times I have got a message saying if you send me x Ammont I will accept the item, generally I just refund what they ask for as it's easier than dealing with the hassle of not!
Once though they tried blackmailing me by promising negative Feedback if I didn't agree - so I contacted eBay and they took my side.
I would wait and see what they ask for, and just try and cover yourself next time - make sure you wrap really well though. I always wrap in bubble wrap, then cardboard and then a bin bag taped over.
1 in 20 is about right actually. I take good pictures and give good descriptions, but 1 in 20 will try something on. A few take it through full complaints with eBay and eBay generally side with them - I take the item back and have to refund, knowing full well that the item I am getting back is not the one I sent.
A couple of times I have got a message saying if you send me x Ammont I will accept the item, generally I just refund what they ask for as it's easier than dealing with the hassle of not!
Once though they tried blackmailing me by promising negative Feedback if I didn't agree - so I contacted eBay and they took my side.
I would wait and see what they ask for, and just try and cover yourself next time - make sure you wrap really well though. I always wrap in bubble wrap, then cardboard and then a bin bag taped over.
I'm just making space really. This isn't a long term thing most likely. I don't want it back tbh. As you say, risk is that I don't get back what I sent, but something in worse condition. I always mark the item in some way and take a pic of that.
I did think that if they asked for a SMALL amount of money back. I'd accept it. But they'd have to leave positive feedback before I did! I'm actually prepared to take the negative feedback tbh. I'm at less that 100 total. Buyer is nearer a thousand. So hopefully some choice phrases would scupper them far worse than me
Blackmail. Well they might be 300 miles away. But it's Christmas soon, so I get some time off work. Might be worth a road trip...
Packaging. Yep. I do the best I can. So the item can't move inside the box etc. Wrapped in brown paper etc.
Its just tough, if they want to take it to eBay they will force your hand to let them return and refund. I even get this when I list stuff with "Returns not accepted" set up within eBay.
Trick is to not let it get to you. Take it back, save the grief and sell it again. Its annoying - but it happens with us several times every single day. Not much can be done about it...
Trick is to not let it get to you. Take it back, save the grief and sell it again. Its annoying - but it happens with us several times every single day. Not much can be done about it...
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