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eBay

If you buy or sell items on eBay, you will find tips and advice on this forum.

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Original poster

Buyer demands refund! What do I do? I don't know if he is right?

40 replies

SpankyMcSparrow · 06/03/2012 17:07

I sold a book a few weeks ago. It was a copy of what I believe to be a 1966 edition of the hobbit.

The buyer bid for it and won. After which I found out he was in Australia ( I had put on the ad UK post only) . I asked him if there was a UK address I could post to, he said would I mind posting to Australia. Because I am nice I said I would so he paid the postage and I posted.

I have just checked my account and he has left me negative fb saying "This book is a 1974 edition, not 1966 as advertised. Refund demanded." Its my first neg feedback. His is 100%.

I have looked at the photo's I have taken of the book and no where can I see 1974 only 1966 ( I may be wrong, I am no expert) . I advertised the book believing that's what it was, I did not mean to mislead anyone if I am in fact wrong. I do not know if I am or not.

What do I do? I find it very rude of him to leave a fb like that without contacting me first. I think he has (not 100%) taken a case up with Ebay, however I don't get taken to the book I get taken to my purchase's for me to report something . Do I contact him?
I am a bit wary because he says on his profile he is a collector of everything 'Hobbit' related and I wouldn't be surprised if he has a copy of a 1974 and may try and fob me off?
Do I have to refund? Tbh I can't really afford to, but will if I have to.

Anyone got any advice? Sorry its long!

OP posts:

LovesBeingWearingSkinnyJeans · 06/03/2012 19:31

Sellers can't leave neg feedback, don't leave it under pos or he can get it deleted anyway.

fergoose · 06/03/2012 19:48

you must not leave neg statement on pos rating - it will get you into trouble

I know the buyer didn't contact you but I don't think they are wrong to be upset - the item wasn't correctly described.

Original poster

SpankyMcSparrow · 06/03/2012 19:56

Have left a reply on my negative, will leave his feedback when everything is completed.

I never knew sellers couldn't leave negative.

I don't blame him for being a bit pee'd off, I just wouldn't have done things the way he has. At least not straight away, I would have sent a message and if it had not been replied within a few days then I would have taken it further.

OP posts:

Seona1973 · 06/03/2012 20:03

SpankyMcSparrow, Your photos havent been made public so cant see what the book looks like

Original poster

SpankyMcSparrow · 06/03/2012 20:06

Sorry have taken it down. I pretty sure I was wrong.

OP posts:

sarahtigh · 06/03/2012 21:34

I do not know how much you sold it for but it appears you made a mistake in listing it would have been nice for him to contac you first though, check it is worthwhile paying both lots of postage it may be better to refund and let him keep it, as when you sell it again being a reprint you might well get much less

so even if it's a pain insisting it is returned does not always make financial sense

1 negative will not make difference esp if you reply nicwely to his neg

" I am very sorry made genuine mistake in listing have offered/ given full refund"

reads better for folks who read your feedback that said I would not bother checking someone with over a 100 stars and 99.7% feedback

PurpleFrog · 07/03/2012 09:58

I think you will just have to chalk it up to experience. So far I have shied away from listing many collectable items. I imagine that commercial dealers and knowledgeable collectors won't suffer fools gladly. I have listed a few collectable books, but I just don't feel confident I know enough about the different conditions and jargon to list any of the coins or stamps I have up in the loft....

PiedWagtail · 10/03/2012 00:09

Sorry - but the OPs are right - if your book was a 1966 edition it wouldn't have any LATER dates on it, would it?? Sorry - but this one was your fault. Chalk it up to experience.

Shangers · 10/03/2012 05:47

hold on though - you advertised it as UK postage only so he should take some of the risk in the postage! I think you're being generous to offer to pay the postage one way let alone both!! why should you be out of pocket even more than if it was a genuine mistake to a UK buyer which would be a lot less than return postage to Australia!!

fergoose · 10/03/2012 07:46

Shangers - the buyer is entitled to a full refund, regardless of how much the postage was.

Flatbread · 10/03/2012 07:58

In this case the postage may be worth more than the book. If it were me, I would let the buyer keep it and request him to change his feedback.

YouChangeWithTheWeather · 10/03/2012 08:01

And change your settings now so that overseas buyers cannot bid on your items from now on. Sometimes it's less stressful when the P&P is two quid.

SparkyMcSparrow · 10/03/2012 09:22

I'm not out of pocket. Its just hassle.

Book is worth alot more than postage so I'm not just going to let him have it. I'm just waiting fir the book to be deliverd back to me then I can tell payapl and they will issue a refund. If its not delivered or he hasn't postee then a refund will not be given.

Can you change your settings so oversea buyers cant bid? I thoight when you placed the ad you just chosr Uk postage only. Which he ignored anyway!

Sorry about sp On phone amd cba to check.

SparkyMcSparrow · 10/03/2012 09:23

Oops have nc but tis me

sarahtigh · 10/03/2012 22:09

you have to block bidders who have an address in countries you don't post to you need to change settings

unfortunately you did make a mistake and the fact the buyer is in australia does not alter the ethics of it. ok so if you ban overseas biiders the postal refund might be less but then you might get less for your stuff.

I reckon 25-30% of everything I sell goes overseas

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