What happens if returned items aren't in the condition they were sent out?

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

I have agreed (very reluctantly) to accept a return on two items won by the same buyer.

The buyer has complained about one of the items but wants to return both and is insisting on full postage refunds on both items.

Items will have to be sent with a courier and I'm worried that if they get damaged I'll still have to refund her but be stuck with two worthless items (buyer paid nearly £300 but both worth a bit more than that).

Anyone know what happens in this situation?

Also, what happens if someone returns an item which is not the one sent out originally?

[fergoose]

it depends - if they were damaged in transit then you would claim from the courier - if the buyer has damaged them you would need to ask them for the postage costs then re-send them back to the buyer.

Do you think the buyer has damaged them intentionally?

As a last resort you would need to take them to small claims court if they have damaged your items.

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

Would I claim from the courier or would the buyer as it is them that has the contract with the courier for the return.

I have no reason to believe that they'll be damaged upon return. I have just spent far too much time thinking of all sorts of scenarios since the buyer contacted me on Saturday.

[fergoose]

if the items were damaged on the way to the buyer then you would claim, if damaged when returned the buyer would claim in theory, but if they have returned them to you damaged and give eBay the tracking eBay will refund them.

What damage are they saying there is - could it have happened in transit?

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

Sorry, I haven't explained myself very well.

The buyer is claiming that one of the items has been adapted (it hasn't) and wants to return both items. Afaik, there's no damage but I was wondering what would happen if the items were returned with damage.

It's a totally hypothetical question. I was wondering what would happen in those circumstances.

I really should spend less time thinking about these things and concentrate on things that actually require my brain space .

[fergoose]

right - well hopefully there is no reason to worry, as long as they send them back properly packed and protected.