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Problem buyer

6 replies

Familyguyfan · 28/10/2012 09:18

Hi all

We sell (and buy!) a fair amount on eBay, so are reasonably acquainted with eBay rules. Often, if we have buyers that don't receive items in the mail, refunds are given before a case is raised. If there is a problem with the item and the buyer isn't happy, we offer a full refund upon traceable return of the item without a case needing to be raised, although the buyer can if they want. What I mean to say is we like to offer a good selling service without eBay twisting our arm.

We sold several items to an overseas buyer. He was a pain from the beginning, complaining about the (discounted) postage costs. He only agreed to pay for the items when we directed him to the Royal Mail site to check the prices himself, where he could see he was paying less than the actual postage costs. Because of this issue, we thought the buyer might have 'buyers guilt' and took dozens of photos of the items, both unpacked and packed, just in case.

I won't go into all the details, but once he received the items, the fun really began. He began demanding money back, making vague complaints about the items not being as described. We advised him to return the items in a traceable way and we would refund him. However, he clearly doesn't want to return them, just wants a partial refund which we won't give him.

He's already been dealt with by eBay for harassment and feedback blackmail. I don't know how due to data protections, although I'm not really bothered. He's e-mailing us through eBay up to a dozen times a day, although it has dropped off since I contacted eBay about the harassment. He has now stated he won't be raising a case (as we invited him to do), won't be returning the item and still wants a partial refund. I won't agree to this.

Is there any way to stop his e-mails from reaching me? I've already blocked him as a buyer, can I block any contact? Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks all

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80sbabe · 28/10/2012 19:39

If you go to the account tab and then site preferences you can edit your buyer requirements.
Scroll to the bottom of the "buyer requirements" section and tick the box "do not allow blocked buyers to contact me".
I am not entirely certain this will be effective if a buyer has already purchased an item from you but it is the only thing I can think of.

It may be worth another call to Ebay customer services though.
In your position I think I'd be asking them to review the messages you are receiving in terms of content, frequency and the buyer's refusal to open a case.
They may be able to put a stop to it if the blocking contact method won't work for you.

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Familyguyfan · 29/10/2012 15:40

Thanks 80sbabe. I've tried to do this, without much success but that's probably my error! I'll try again later.

He's being a bit less of a pain today. I just hope this is am end to it. Some people are shameless!

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