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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask for advice regarding eBay...

15 replies

Hurtandupset2 · 20/11/2020 00:24

Whilst using eBay, my dd recently ordered an item by mistake (wrong size) and cancelled it within 5 mins of ordering, and then ordered the correct size.

A few days later the seller (from China) said it was too late to cancel the order as it had been sent out, even though their own paperwork shows they didn't send it until 3 days after she'd cancelled it.

We spoke to EBay and they advised us to refuse delivery in order to process a refund, but we weren't given the chance to do this as it was just left on the doorstep and the delivery guy had left. (Covid, I'm guessing). We explained this to EBay but they've basically said that it's tough shit and they can no longer refund us and to speak to the seller again.

Both parcels actually came at the same time (both were posted 3 days after they were ordered), which to me is plenty of time to have cancelled one of them.

Anyway, they're now saying it can't be refunded unless we pay for return delivery as we accepted it and it's a mistake rather than something being wrong with the item.

We've used ebay for 15+ years and I'm just shocked at their lack of customer service; you'd think they'd refund as a gesture of goodwill, if nothing else.

Is there any way to get Ebay or the seller to agree to refund with free return delivery?

It said free returns on their page, but when we queried this, they've said that's only for faults or item being 'not as described', which doesn't fit our reason for returning.

Many thanks for any advice.

OP posts:
switswooo · 20/11/2020 00:34

I think YABU I’m afraid. A lot of the Chinese sellers sell a lot of low value items making very little profit on each sale. I’m not a seller but unfortunately so many people (not you) use and abuse eBay that it becomes difficult for sellers to make exceptions.

What do you mean she ‘cancelled’ it? Was it a Buy It Now item? I didn’t think you can cancel them.

How much was the item? I would just chalk it up to experience to triple check before you buy anything on eBay.

Hurtandupset2 · 20/11/2020 00:51

I'm not sure, but she immediately contacted the seller to cancel it, and they said it was too late as they'd posted it, but they didn't actually post it for 3 days.

OP posts:
Hurtandupset2 · 20/11/2020 00:52

My issue is how can we have refused an order when they just left it in the doorstep? If they'd knocked and waited we would've refused it, but we weren't given the chance.

OP posts:
ragged · 20/11/2020 02:05

how much was cost of the item you cancelled?
how much could you sell it on for?

I just think some battles aren't worth the hassle.

planningaheadtoday · 20/11/2020 02:16

There isn't much you can do.
The system is flawed for this error in purchasing.
Do check the item, if it's not as described then the return is free. If it is as described, despite you contacting them, you must pay for returning it.

LunaMuffinTop · 20/11/2020 02:36

Hurtandupset2

My issue is how can we have refused an order when they just left it in the doorstep? If they'd knocked and waited we would've refused it, but we weren't given the chance.

YABU it’s not the sellers problem that the person that delivered the parcel just left it on the doorstep so I’m not sure why you think the seller owes you a refund for that and I agree with the seller if you want a refund you need to return the item even if you have to pay for it because it’s your DD’s mistake not the sellers you would be in the right if it was the sellers fault but it’s not so either suck it up and send the item back or keep it and try and sell it on.

decoratingnightmare · 20/11/2020 02:47

It's so easy to cancel items on Amazon - I've had to do it several times when I've changed my mind about a colour or whatever. They are far more supportive than EBay. They have an online form - 2 clocks and it's done.

Use Amazon is my best advice.

lljkk · 20/11/2020 10:38

it’s not the sellers problem that the person that delivered the parcel just left it on the doorstep

On Ebay, it is 100% the seller's responsibility to get item delivered, but I doubt it is their legal duty to facilitate a refusal. OP did receive the parcel safely so cannot claim breach of contract on safe delivery.

I imagine this item cost < £10 so not worth hassle to get refund.

PeggyPorschen · 20/11/2020 10:42

How much was the item?

you'd be better off trying to sell it back locally. It's annoying they didn't cancel the order, but they don't have to.

You are also a bit naive if you think being a long-time user of ebay is bothering them. They are huge, there's no such thing as trying to keep clients.

Amazon is more efficient, but they don't care about individual private or sellers either frankly. They are too big for that.

switswooo · 20/11/2020 11:27

There are some very good sellers too. I bought a desk in Jan from eBay and contacted the seller in June to say would it be possible to have the bigger desk. They said if I could return the desk to them (which would have been free as I paid with Paypal) and pay the difference they would send me the bigger desk.

planningaheadtoday · 20/11/2020 15:15

There are mostly decent sellers on eBay. I've had items refunded because what arrived wasn't what was pictured, I've had an extra delivery free of charge when I needed extra paint. I've had a lovely seller send extra seeds as a gift.

Very occasionally you run into difficulties, it's usually with the imports from China and a language barrier combined with different time zones.

I've now purchased over 1,500 items from eBay over 15 yearsBlush and I can count on one hand how many haven't worked out.

If I've not ready the description carefully then that's my fault. I keep the item or pay for its return.
If the item is not as described then I return it through eBay as you can print of a paid postage label. If this isn't forthcoming you need to wait a week then click help, and eBay sort everything out.

Elle200 · 20/11/2020 15:35

You're wasting you time trying to get a refund from china, I gave up after eight months. They should not be allowed to trade on Ebay, so many pretend they are UK sellers.

switswooo · 20/11/2020 16:35

They should not be allowed to trade on Ebay

That's not fair to those who have had good experience with Chinese sellers.

wheelywheelynice · 20/11/2020 20:48

Write return to sender and put it back in the mail.

Hurtandupset2 · 23/11/2020 03:20

The item was £25; it's a top. I've now opened the package to check it over and there are actually faults with it.
The collar is 'frayed/uneven' on one side and the embroidered stitching is already loose on one letter, so that's not great.

I would usually use Amazon and wouldn't use someone selling from China when using Ebay, but my dd didn't think, which may end up being an expensive mistake for her.

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