Return Postage?

[RaPaPaPumPumBootyMum]

A follow up...

I bought a phone which did not work.

I returned it to the seller [business seller] who really dragged their heels on acknowledging return and repaying purchase price. They actually only responded when I threatened getting ebay/paypal on the case.

However as the item was non-functioning i feel they should repay my return postage. I think in hindsight i should have opened an item not as described case rather than a return case as i think then ebay refunds the buyer their return postage automatically on proof of postage?

But I didn't and only opened a returns case. I have contacted the seller to ask for my return postage to be refunded. The seller responded saying they couldn't refund anymore money as paypal has their commission payment [or something like that] but they would send me a manual payment when I leave them positive feedback.

Two things - firstly this feels like the seller is coercing positive feedback out of me which seems unethical... not sure how ebay would view this?

Secondly, the seller could of course renege on the deal and not pay return postage after I have left positive feedback.

The thing is i don't actually think I want to leave positive feedback for this company [and they probably realise this]. They sent me a faulty item and were very slow in acknowledging my complaint and refunding. Now they are pushing for my positive feedback in return for them just doing the right thing and paying my return postage.

I think I would have given them neutral feedback if they had finally paid the return postage [due to my having to prompt them and the initial hassle of the return] but now I think a negative is in order [due to their holding me to ransom over repayment of return postage].

What would you experienced ebayers do? And is it worth informing ebay about this seller and their tactics?

I am less concerned now about having my return postage refunded and more wanting to inform other potential buyers about my experience with this company!

Sorry for the essay!

nothing you can do - you cannot force him to give you the return postage costs. I would tell him that feedback extortion is not permitted and you expect your refund of return postage costs due to him sending you a faulty item.

but he shouldn't blackmail you over feedback either. eBay cannot force a seller to give you the return postage costs, you are reliant on the goodwill of the seller.

Thanks fergoose.

Is it worth my informing ebay about this seller do you think?

I understand that ebay can't refund my return postage but would they be interested to hear of a seller blackmailing a buyer over positive feedback?

I think it would be wrong of me to leave positive feedback for this company as then some other potential buyer will be dropped in it when they purchase a faulty item from them!

even good business are more amenable to giving return postal refunds if open return case rather than not as described

on the odd occasion when a buyer has wanted/needed to return something I have paid return postage once item has been received but i also make it clear i will only pay what it cost be to send so if it cost be £2,20 to send second class I would give you 2.20 to return i would not give you first class signed for ( unless I sent it signed for I would not give you an extra 95p to send back signed for; if i sent it signed for then I would)

as I sell mostly china or glass very occasionally things break and then I refund on receipt of photo of broken item, no-one wants to receive broken stuff back in post, that sorts out those trying it on, and all genuine ones are more than happy to email a couple of photos rather than pack it up and return

just send polite email saying it cost £xx to return please refuind £xx to zzzz paypal account. I will leave feedback once this is received