What to do when ebay buyer damages the item and wants refund?

Question

Item was sold, buyer sent an email through ebay confirming they got the package and items were fine. Weeks later they stated items damaged and opened a case. Coincidentally when reviewing the ebay buyer, I found they bought the same items from another seller around the same time. I believe they just have regret about the duplicate items or cash flow issues and want to get out of one of the transactions. Per ebays case decision they are currently sending items back to me because of the damage so it looks like I am out the sale price AND the items because the buyer has damanged the items. These were not damaged, not even used, items when they left and package was packed carefully and pictures were taken for the listing. Even if it wasnt packaged carefully again I have an email from the buyer stating they received and was fine (which has an ebay tracking number for the email itself) and then a huge lag of time for another contact. I have read tons where basically it seems the buyer usually always "wins" these cases but what chance or recourse does a seller have? Thanks!

Answer 1

the e-mail stating they were received fine is your key



Any hassle from e-bay just refer them to the e-mail and state that you dont give a f//k about what the buyer claims after a few weeks, OR ebays decision - The buyer says they were received fine - thats good enough for you AND the law and you aint going to refund Also refer them to what other sellers have said about the buyer

(In law ebay have NO right to make a "decision" The ONLY right ebay have is to subrogate the buyers case (take it over) then sue the seller. But to do this they MUST present the case in court AND present evidence. YOUR evidence is clear and unambiguous . the buyer says goods were received fine. THAT ends your responsibility



Ebays terms and conditions are irrelevent cos

1) The only contract you have with ebay is to advertise your goods and handle the financial transaction for the fees they charge

2) the contract for the sale of the goods is between you and the buyer ONLY

3) Ebay have no right to interfere in that contract other than taking over the rights of the buyer (or seller) to sue the other party in a case of an alleged breach of contract

4) Taking over those rights does NOT allow ebay to become judge in any breach of contract matter cos they are now an interested party

5) their terms and conditions take away YOUR right for the matter to be judged in a court that does NOT have an interest

Answer 2

Welcome to the world of retail sales (Ebay is retail sales). Sometimes you just have to eat the sale and give a refund. It is a part of the "cost" of doing a retail business. Build an expectation for the occasional "irrational" refund into your business expense model. Take the loss and move on. It's a part of doing business. Don't let it 'eat you up'.



Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 3

return the item [s] to your supplier for a replacement/credit or refund.



NOW you know why most sellers of goods on Ebay earn no profit

Answer 4

i'd document it to ebay. a consumer won't be able to harm an merchandise then leave detrimental feedback in simple terms reason you do not refund . if she leaves you detrimental feedback, then leave her detrimental feedback. and also respond to the feedback she left you declaring that client admitted to destroying merchandise and demanded refund