Page 4 | Bloody eBay aibu to tell this woman to do one?

Cookiesandcake · 2017-08-04T13:35:10+00:00

Sold a very expensive designer item of clothing, think £300-£400 on eBay for £36. Buyer is no claiming its way too big and she wants a refund, even though the size is correct and I stated in my description that it's really big and could easily fit a size bigger. It's not my fault if it's too big for her. Arghhhhh

Cailleach666 · 04/08/2017 17:49

onion- technically not- I agree.

Only business sellers have to abide by that law.

However that's not going to wash with ebay- it may seem unfair, unethical- but that's their rules.

Their ball pit, they get to decide who sells and how they sell.

Arguing and pointing out the law is not going to help.

It's not worth a fight that the OP will lose.

Original poster

Cookiesandcake · 04/08/2017 17:52

So basically my only option that isn't going to totally screw me over is to give a refund even though there was nothing wrong with the item?

OP posts:

Puzzledandpissedoff · 04/08/2017 17:54

Sorry if it's already been mentioned but you have to refund under distance selling regs

As Cailleach pointed out, it's ebay's own rules which oblige a refund under these circumstances, not consumer law (which they seem to feel shouldn't apply)

Some might well consider that regrettable ...

Cailleach666 · 04/08/2017 17:56

*So basically my only option that isn't going to totally screw me over is to give a refund even though there was nothing wrong with the item?
*

Unfortunately that's the only option you have to minimise damage to yourself.
Make sure you get the item back first however, and don't pay return postage.

Hopefully you will get a higher price when you come to re-sell.

Just for karma!

Original poster

Cookiesandcake · 04/08/2017 18:04

Right looks like I'm going to have to swallow my pride and give the refund then haha. Thankyou all for your advice

OP posts:

Puzzledandpissedoff · 04/08/2017 18:04

So basically my only option that isn't going to totally screw me over is to give a refund even though there was nothing wrong with the item?

Got it in one ... which is precisely why many feel ebay is no longer a place for the low volume, private sellers they seem to no longer want

CazY777 · 04/08/2017 18:10

My item was sold on eBay, but they opened the case through PayPal.

Miserylovescompany2 · 04/08/2017 18:11

Only refund when you have the item back in your possession! It's essentially a change of mind - so let her pay for return postage.

if it's not sent via a tracked method she can't prove you received it

neveradullmoment99 · 04/08/2017 18:57

Only agree to a refund if you think she is not going to let it go. It really is a PITA.

SchadenfreudePersonified · 04/08/2017 18:59

Cookies

If she's really pissing you about, when you get the item back claim it reeks of smoke (even if it doesn't) and give a partial refund to allow for dry cleaning costs (and your travel costs to and from said dry cleaners).

Two can play at that game . . .

LorLorr2 · 04/08/2017 19:06

Grr how irritating.
I would find any way to not refund, which may mean emailing ebay and explaining that you specified the measurements (also you aren't a shop). If you do accept the return in the end, make sure she's paying for the postage and ask for it to be in the same condition as she received it. She has to open a case though, she can't just ask for the money over messages!

Cailleach666 · 04/08/2017 19:30

If she's really pissing you about, when you get the item back claim it reeks of smoke (even if it doesn't) and give a partial refund to allow for dry cleaning costs (and your travel costs to and from said dry cleaners).

That won't work.

OliviaBenson · 04/08/2017 19:35

I'd reply saying you are surprised she considers is not as described given all the measurements and photos provided but that as a goodwill gesture you will be happy to issue a refund when you have received the item back and have checked it.

She won't. She may try and negotiate a part refund but hold firm. If eBay have seen you do this, it will be in your favour should she escalate it.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 04/08/2017 20:10

If you do agree to a refund, can I also suggest you make absolutely sure that the item returned is exactly what you sent

You mentioned it was a designer piece and it's not unknown for buyers to swap something for a fake, return it and then later sell the (much more expensive) item they've kept

Original poster

Cookiesandcake · 04/08/2017 20:25

Omg that's so sneaky puzzled. Is that sort of thing common on ebay?

OP posts:

Puzzledandpissedoff · 04/08/2017 20:42

I don't know about common, Cookies, but it certainly happens - as some of the posts in the Community section clearly show

Another thing that irritates the hell out of me is ebay's relaxed attitude to rule breaking by those who produce high commission for them. I've seen (and reported) a number of sellers who continually misrepresented items in their listing titles, but was anything ever done? Was it hell ... and yet a smaller seller would certainly be (rightly) banned for doing the same

19lottie82 · 05/08/2017 15:00

schad you can't give partial refunds without the agreement of the buyer.

neveradullmoment99 · 05/08/2017 15:22

Another thing that irritates the hell out of me is ebay's relaxed attitude to rule breaking by those who produce high commission for them. I've seen (and reported) a number of sellers who continually misrepresented items in their listing titles, but was anything ever done? Was it hell ... and yet a smaller seller would certainly be (rightly) banned for doing the same

Ive seen this too.

worridmum · 05/08/2017 15:30

MY advice would be to stop selling with ebay / paypal as they ALWAYS side with the buyer no matter what you do.

For example my husband brother sold a computer on ebay used the correct mailing system got proof it was deivlered (exactly how ebay suggests you do it) got the signture.

They then opened did not recive dispute so ebay refuned them despite all the evidence he had that it was delviered to the right person they got to keep the item and the money it bloody sucks.

Cailleach666 · 05/08/2017 15:37

worridmum some types of items are more open to the seller being scammed than others.

Phones, computers ( other than hardcore components) designer stuff, shoes handbags etc.
Selling anything of high value can leave the seller vulnerable.
I sell 450 items a month on ebay- all relatively low value (£5- £10).
I very rarely have a problem.
On the very rare occasion a buyer claims not to have received or unhappy with purchase I automatically refund or send a replacement immediately, I never question or argue.

Hence I have 100% feedback, and continue to make a substantial profit using the ebay platform.

Just an example of how things can work really well when selling on ebay.
( I also sell as much again on Amazon)- but that's another different story!!