to think that a lot of Ebay buyers are CFs?

[applecrumbl3]

I just sold a few items on Ebay, all nice dresses that I have decided are a bit young (i.e. short!) for me now. Everyone paid (eventually) and I posted using Royal Mail first class as indicated on the listing.

Out of 5 items, two people have come back to me. One asked for the 'tracking number' so she could track delivery. She hasn't actually said it hasn't been delivered, and all the other items posted at the same time have arrived safely. She knows there isn't a 'tracking number' bc its first class mail, untracked. She likely also knows that if she complains to Ebay they will 100% side with her even if I show the postage receipt and she will get a full refund. I know this because it happened last time I sold things on Ebay. Do this many things really get lost in the mail?!

Another girl sent me a very short message alleging that the item wasn't as described because it didn't fit her and therefore I must have shrunk it so she demanded to return it. I replied to say that I hadn't shrunk it as I hadn't washed it (it was silk) or even dry cleaned it as had only worn it once or so (this is all true, it was in as new condition). I said usual Ebay etiquette would be to accept things don't always work out when you don't try them on in a shop, and simply sell on. She said it wasn't the same as her other items from the same brand, therefore wasn't as described and she wanted to return.

I was pretty pissed off by the pair of them, and decided enough was enough. By chance buyer 2 works in my industry but is more junior than me, and I am now client side and head of the function. I therefore wrote back very sweetly and said that I was 100% sure that the item was as described, the listing had stated no returns, and I didn't really want to refund her. However, I said, "as it happens I am due to meet one of your senior colleagues next week at your offices so I would be happy to meet up with you beforehand so you can show me your existing item and how the sizing differs and then of course you can have a refund." As I happen to be looking for some professional advice in relation to a big project, I also emailed one of her senior colleagues to set up a meeting just in case!! Funnily enough she replied to say not to worry about it and she hadn't realised it was no refunds and she would try to sell or give it to a skinnier friend!

AIBU to think that people are really naughty and completely trying it on?!

@applecrumbl3

I am sorry that you have had a bad experience on eBay. I buy and sell a fair bit and am a "trusted member" who posts on the member to member board "trying" to solve and prevent problems! The main problem to understand - perhaps - is that eBay runs its operation very much automatically. There are safeguards and they are seen to favour buyers more than sellers. If a buyer does not pay then - without exception - the seller must open a "non-payer" case after just two full days. If they fail then to pay after 4 further days then the case is closed. The seller gets a fee credit and the buyer gets given a defect. If he gets more than one most sellers will ban him. If a buyer considers that an item is "not as described" and whatever the seller thinks - in effect - he can open a not as described case and return for a refund. It is horrendously disappointing of course but the seller gets the item back for the cost of the postage. All secondhand clothing must be washed and must not be described [even by mistake] as new. Buyers do not need any details of tracking. All items sent by post [1st or 2nd] have a 16-digit number and this provides proof of delivery. That number must be entered into the eBay sale summary on despatch and will enable eBay to check whether delivery has taken place. The seller is protected as if delivery has occurred then - even if not actually to the buyer - the seller will not lose! If a buyer claims non-delivery and "opens a case" then you will have to refund but you can claim back form Royal Mail.

Please do not give up on eBay. It does work but both buyers and sellers have to understand that we obey eBay's rules and they "never" make exceptions!

Send things tracked and charge accordingly. Not hard, surely.

Hello

I have had some awful buyers on eBay, it really is frustrating! Just to let you know, if you send a parcel 1st class or 2nd class not large letter though, a reference number will be on the receipt, this you can use to actually track the item now! It's only just started being put on the receipts, I spoke to the post office and this is what she told me because a woman bought a pair of £3 sandals off me and then a week later said she wanted a refund because they hadn't been delivered, I called eBay as I just had a feeling and eBay asked for this reference number on receipt and it showed delivered 👍🏽 so just look out for it on receipt, I add it to all my listings now. Thought it might help 😊

Would you mind messaging me your ebay username so I can avoid you? Not that I’m a scammer, mind you, but because you genuinely scare me. And I buy Joules on ebay so I want to steer well clear!

PS no returns means no change of mind returns, not no returns period. Distance Selling Regs apply to ebay purchases.

I once sold a Monsoon silk dress that I'd worn once on ebay as I accidentally washed it and it was slightly faded. I took photos and described what was wrong with it. It sold for 99p plus postage of £3.50. The buyer messaged to call me a skank for selling a dress that was faded!!!

Erm excuse me love, I'm not the one buying a dress for 99p that has been described exactly as it was for 99p and moaning about it.

When I said it was clearly described as faded by washing accidentally she called me a c**t and claimed for a refund from ebay. She then continued to send me abusive messages for 2 days. I've never sold on ebay since.

Jesus Christ! If I was this woman you were essentially blackmailing I’d definitely be having a concerned word with your employer for unprofessional behaviours and practices from the head of one of their departments. This is genuinely worrying behaviour!

I hope I never buy from you. You sound really awful. I can't believe you think it's acceptable to threaten someone in this way.

I once had someone buy something for around £50 which was not an insignificant amount to me at the time, I needed the cash. She left positive feedback, all good then about three weeks later opened a case saying it wasn’t as described . I didn’t accept the return because she’d already left positive feedback and clearly broken the item herself, eBay sided with her and I lost £50.

I’ve bought a lot on eBay over the years and stuff does go missing but not that often. I’ve had one Hermes package go missing and probably 10-15 Royal Mail parcels. That’s over a period of 10 years of eBay use.

Wow.

You sent her dirty clothes.
You brought her work into it to unnerve her.
You make bitchy comments about her size.

Yes you sound lovely

I note the original poster hasn't returned. Not surprising. I'm another who thinks work shouldn't have been brought into it. Beyond cheeky.