Refunds. What do you offer? Not sure if I am being unreasonable.

[ElizabethWakefield]

I am having a crap day, so it is quite probable that I am being unreasonable, but I don't think so, but thought I would gage opinion.

I sold a top last week, age 7. Got an email from the buyer yesterday saying that as the top did not fit his 7 yr old I had obviously shrunk it. He was sure it was shrunk, because his stepson has a jacket in the same make in an age 6 which fits.

The top has not been shrunk, it is totally fine and in great condition. It has a zip part way down the front, which I think would be distorted if the top was shrunk.

He wanted a refund, due to shrinkage.

I replied that the top was fine, it hadn't been shrunk, but if he wanted to return it I would refund cost, but not postage.

He has now sent 3 emails today asking me to explain why the top is not bigger than a jacket he already has in the house and demanding again a full refund including postage both ways, because it is my fault again claiming shrinkage.

I have replied saying that as I am not a shop, or cannot see his jacket I have no idea why the sizing differs, but that on receipt of the jumper back I will refund his money, but not postage.

Am I even under any obligation to refund him, if it is a case of item not fitting?

I'm fairly sure what you're offering is standard ebay practice. Feels unfair when you're the buyer and you feel in the right, so I can see why he feels hard done by but that's ebay.

tell him that rather argue about the sizing of a shop's garments you are prepared, as a gesture of goodwill to offer a refund on return of the item. You need to refund the full amount paid ie cost +p&P. It is up to you whether you refund the return postage - if you chose not to refund the return postage you can state that as the item is in fact as described you are merely refunding as a gesture of goodwill.

You could ask him to photo the 2 items together so you can see the difference in size (in case he is trying it on). He may take a paypal case out in which case you will HAVE to refund what he paid you BUT this won't include return postage. It's likely that he may damage your item though.

I recently purchased something describe as excellent condition. The seller refunded me & said to give it to the charity shop.

Either way, the buyer has better protection.