Aargh...buyer wants to return.

[HeeBeeGeebies]

Please god someone shoot me if I ever think about selling on eBay again. It's just not worth the bloody hassle.

This time I have a buyer wanting to return something because it doesn't fit. I list all my items as "no returns" but obviously refund if the item is faulty/doesn't arrive etc.. This buyer claims the item is not "true to size". Well it fitted me fine when I was that size and I really can't see how I can be held responsible for the manufacturers sizing policies.

Surely this is the risk you take when buying 2nd hand clothes online? I have been in this situation before and just thought oh well and sold it on/given to a charity shop.

I contacted eBay before replying to the buyer and all they said was try and sort it out, if not let buyer open a case and escalate to resolution centre. I sent buyer a polite message but they are "shocked" and have opened a case.

Do I have a leg to stand on? Sorry for the rant!

[charlotte12345]

Hi, in my experience ebay usually side with the buyer, and I have had my paypal account frozen until I sent a refund, I get so mad I now have stopped selling clothes people are cheeky.

[Tryharder]

Just let her return it and refund. Not worth the hassle otherwise.

She will have to pay to return it. Don't refund her for that. Make it clear that you are acting on goodwill

[MomentForLife]

Bloody pain but I would say refund item but not postage. Sometimes makes them think sod it. So annoying when you know the item is fine. I've been tempted to say "have you measured yourself recently?"

[HeeBeeGeebies]

The thing is, I'm sure it's eBay policy that any returned items have to be posted by recorded delivery. Or am I wrong? Once she's paid for postage she will have practically paid for the item again..iyswim.

I really am never selling via eBay. Also currently waiting on a non-payment case. Huumph.

[HeeBeeGeebies]

Selling via eBay again^

Yes moment, I was tempted to say something similar.

[MomentForLife]

I'm not too sure. I've stopped selling for the same reasons as you.

Thing is, why should you lose out on postage when you know the item was fine? If the postage is going to be almost what she paid it might put her off.

[ForTheLoveOfSocks]

I've had this in the past. My DH sold some jumpers on EBay. They had shrunk and we had clearly stated that they had shrunk in the description.

One buyer wanted to return it because it was shrunken?!

They are trying it on. Stand your ground. We did and we won. They will start by saying they want a refund and return, then when you refuse they will ask for a partial refund, hoping you'll give in. It's a classic script. Makes me

[LilyBlossom14]

If a buyer returns an item not tracked then they have no proof a seller has received it back, so it is in their interest to return with proof - and they will need that if they open a case before ebay will force a refund.

And you cannot refuse a return, if you do they will open a case which can count against you, plus they will prob neg and trash your stars. No returns means bugger all and is pointless quite frankly.

[ForTheLoveOfSocks]

Lily you can refuse a refund when it's not geniune. I did and eBay found in my favour, not the buyers.

[JamNan]

If I buy something on eBay that doesn't fit me I usually put it straight back up for auction. It's the luck of the draw. When selling clothes I usually state the measurements.

In this case I think the buyer is trying it on. It's not worth arguing with her - she sounds like a time waster. The best way out of this it to offer her a goodwill refund if she returns the item tracked but don't offer to refund her postage.

Jeez some people. Out of interest how much was it?

[LilyBlossom14]

well in 99% of cases ebay will find in favour of a buyer - so refusing it is pointless in my experience.

[HeeBeeGeebies]

Hm I'm torn. I was in a similar situation last time I sold on eBay and I kicked up such a fuss that eBay ended up refunding the buyer and me!

Am I definitely not liable for the return postage? If I can guarantee not having to pay for the return then I may just ask her to return via recorded delivery.

Jam, she paid about £3 and £3 odd for the postage.

[LilyBlossom14]

no - you cannot be forced to pay return postage - so she will send back and you give her back the £6 odd she paid you.

[nickstmoritz]

If it is definitely just the fit then refund but not return P&P.

If buyer is really difficult and you sell regularly then refund the return P&P It is not worth taking the hit on your stars & feedback for £3 Add her to you BBL though. Crappy I agree but that is probably what I would do.
Remember you are also down on initial P&P as she paid it but you spent it on postage and will now have to give that amount back to her to refund her initial payment (item plus postage). This is what makes it SO annoying if a buyer returns for fit not a fault.

Try to always put exact measurements on your listing if you can (I know not always easy if you are rushing or have lots to list) It covers you a bit more with this sort of buyer. Although I have STILL had one or two that want to return for fit. It would be easier if they just relisted.

[HeeBeeGeebies]

Hm well I sent a polite message explaining that I thought her claim of "not as described" was unfair but I was willing to refund her original payment if she returned via recorded post. She's refusing though so don't feel like there's much more I can do. No way am I ending up out of pocket.

[ForTheLoveOfSocks]

See, some people just try it on to get money back. I'm glad you've stood your ground.

I wonder if they will ask for a partial refund next?

[MomentForLife]

Good on you. She's trying it on