do you HAVE to send an item once you have sold it?

8 replies

shelley72 · 25/10/2012 18:34

if for example you get it out of the garage and it smells a bid odd? i sold an item for 99p (didnt expect any more so thats fine) but i go to package it up this morning and it smells really strange. obviously i would refund all costs, but WWYD in this situation - send anyway? or email buyer and ask what they would prefer? i dont like sending out things that aren't really good so i am a bit annoyed with myself tbh.

TIA

OP posts:

CajaDeLaMemoria · 25/10/2012 18:40

If you don't send it, they'll think that it sold for too low and you are pulling out. Sellers who do that always say that they found damage/it smells funny/its not in good condition, so the buyer probably won't believe you (especially if you had photographs up, because they'll expect you would have checked it over for the photos).

I'd email and offer to send it, but advise that it does smell funny and also offer a refund. They might not believe you, and want it sent anyway - and then if its really bad, they might send it back for a refund anyway.

It's a tough one. Expect for them not to agree to a mutual cancellation, so you might end up paying fees anyway, if you refuse to send. They might also report you, although that is less likely if its a 99p item.

fergoose · 25/10/2012 18:43

I have had this several times, sometimes I don't believe the seller. If it was me I would clean it if poss, and then send it and prob refund too. If it is only a couple of quid I would post it cheaply to the buyer and just email to explain and refund their money. Buyer then knows you are honest - and everyone is happy.

Up to you of course, but you won't get an unhappy buyer then will you.

Original poster

shelley72 · 25/10/2012 19:43

thank you. i have cleaned the item so i will see how they turn out in the morning. i think that i will prob send them anyway, means losing 2.20 but my fault really. i just didnt notice the smell at all!!!

OP posts:

Kingsfold · 25/10/2012 19:43

Send and refund, with apology.

fergoose · 25/10/2012 20:07

I know it is difficult to know what to do for the best - I think if it only costs you £2.20 and everyone is happy then that is worth it - and you will feel good for doing a nice thing too I reckon :)

A seller did this for me once, a top had a small hole in the sleeve, shee refunded and still sent it - I mended it easily and repaid her the cost anyway and everyone was happy. Was only 99p anyway, but I appreciated her honesty and kindness really. There are nice folk on ebay, we just sometimes forget as we always remember and linger on the bad ones and the problems which occur.

LineRunner · 26/10/2012 15:28

Same happened to me. Sold a belt cheaply, and noticed a scratch on it as I was wrapping. I messaged the seller saying sorry, and that I was sending it, but could they please look at the defect and let me know if they wanted a full no-quibble refund, and I wouldn't expect them to send the item back.

They ended up keeping it and paying for it, and leaving nice feedback. My faith in ebaY was quite restored! (Well, for a few days at any rate....)

I think like the others have said above, the key is to established that you are being honest, and made an honest mistake, and that the buyer will not have to pay for it.

lljkk · 26/10/2012 19:59

I would get in touch with buyer, explain the problem, apologise, and ask what they'd like me to do.

Most the time if I find a minor mistake or problem & msg buyer to explain they are quite happy to still have the item.

Mirage · 26/10/2012 20:21

I'd email the buyer and explain,and ask what they'd like to do.I did this yesterday,sold a piece of fabric,when I checked it before sending,it measured slightly differently to the description.It was only 99p,but I emailed anyway and the customer was quite happy for me to send it as she'd been looking for that pattern for years.I've also done the same thing after finding a fault on a rather expensive cardigan,and the customer left glowing feedback.

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