To claim postage refund too?

[HappenstanceMarmite]

(Also posted in Ebay forum but meant to post here for traffic.)

Bought an item from Ebay which arrived damaged. Seller agreed immediately to refund and asked me to return item. All good. She sent the item with free postage - can I claim for the postage it will cost ME to send it back? And, if so, will I be obliged to use her preferred courier or can I just take to Post Office?

(Item is fairly large but extremely light)

Many thanks in advance

From past experiences on ebay I don't think you can claim for postage costs so it's up to the seller if they refund it or not. To get a refund ebay States that the item needs to be returned ( to prove its damaged ).

Thanks Endler. I am going to return the item - I have also provided photographic evidence to show the damage. I did state to the seller that I thought the item badly packed (not sufficient protection).

I just don't think it fair that I should be out of pocket for an item I won't get to keep ...due to seller's inadequate packing.

If you open a case for not as described then eBay will possibly give you a label to print, however, please ask your seller first if they'll pay return postage rather than you opening a dispute against them.

Thanks Sisters. I did open a case (as advised by seller) for "arrived damaged" (or similar I think). I printed off a label for the Post Office from EBay. Does that mean it will be paid for already then? Sorry for cluelessness! I've been in Ebay for years but never had this issue before.

If you have been given a label to print off then its already been paid. You won't be out of pocket. Just take it to the post office.

let's hope this sends out a message to other sellers to take more care with some of their packing, it is so disappointing when you buy something you really want and it arrives damaged, then because it's a 'one off sale' it can't be replaced.

Yes happen, all paid for and with tracking. They have been phasing in managed returns for a while with not as described cases but you do still find some sellers are still exempt for some reason.

I'm afraid postage costs are down to you as per ebay/paypal guidelines but no harm in asking seller as they might want to keep their fb positive, good luck :-)

Well you were right chin and sisters! Took it to Post Office where they scanned the label and declared it was paid for! Tracked too so all should be well.

mrsfuzzy it was very disappointing as it was a handmade item...as you say, a one off.

Thanks for your comments and advice everyone

Judge, sorry, you are wrong.

EBay rules changed at the end of last year and they started to roll out 'managed returns' which, as I said above means that in not as described cases the seller is responsible for return postage.

Happen, good news