Returns

[TheFallenNinja]

So, I sold a digital camera 2 weeks ago on eBay, shipped same day, job done.

Today I get a returns request, the reason given "I've changed my mind"

Am I obliged to accept the return and refund? It's £210 so I'm a bit reluctant but I didn't want to fire off a shitty reply without consideration.

Any views?

Think you only have 14 days to return an item. Plus is "changed my mind" a good enough reason?
What is your returns policy?
Personally I would just reply that unless the item was damaged or not as described then it's tough. Then add a sorry.

never fire off a shitty reply, they can still leave you very damaging feedback!

I've not had that one, so unsure, I would try Ebay live chat. I think the short answer is they can change their mind (sorry). Please report back to us what Ebay live chat says.

I spoke to eBay live chat, quite helpful really. Transript below;

Scott Essenburg
Welcome to eBay Live Help, my name is Scott. How may I be of assistance?

TheFallenNinja
The buyer of item 261256381528 has had the item for 2 weeks and now is requesting to return the item as they have changed their mind. What's the eBay stance on this?

Scott Essenburg
Hello TFN. I'd be happy to help you out with what to do in this situation. Just to clarify, the buyer wants to return the item just because they have changed their mind. May I know what you meant by 'changed their mind'?

TheFallenNinja
Thats all it says in the returns request "I've changed my mind"

TheFallenNinja
I've had no other communication from them

Scott Essenburg
I see. If in case they want to return the item, it is your discretion to accept their request of returning the item. You also have the option to decline their offer if in case their reason is not because the item is not as described in the listing or not working.

TheFallenNinja
OK, so if I decline and they subsequently claim that there is a problem with the item how do I stand then?

Scott Essenburg
You can then respond to the case (if they will open one), and state that they should have asked for a return on the day that they've received the item.

TheFallenNinja
So, the fact that they have had the item for two weeks and are now saying they simply have changed their mind should mean that they would lose any case they lay against me? I suspect this is what will happen and I want to be sure that the timeline is considered carefully if a case is opened.

Scott Essenburg
Yes that is correct. It is proof enough that they haven't returned the item as soon as they have received it. Nonetheless, you can get back to us if in case you need more advise.

TheFallenNinja
Thanks Scott, appreciate the time.

not really true though - the buyer could claim the item is damaged, they have 45 days to open a not as described case, and then ebay would tell them to return for a refund.

Your buyer has listed it for sale anyway.

I always thought you only had a legal right to return if you are buying from a business seller and that with private sellers you are taking a chance on their honesty.

but a buyer can file an ebay not as described case and claim damaged, faulty etc.

I didn't know that, I have thrown away a couple of faulty ebay items in the past.

it is difficult they could have used and broken in which case they could claim not as desribed within 45 days,

if you accept return you say I will accept return and once I have checked security marks and serial numbers I will refund provided in exactly the condition it was sent

mostly I think it is best to accept a return if requested much less hassle long run but technically you do not have to as a private seller if in auction format ( distance selling regulations and right to return do not legally apply to any auction whether business or private seller) only BIN or second chance/best offer

I guess I'll have to wait and see if the ebay guy was wrong.

Oh well.

and regardless of distance selling, if the buyer opens a not as described case ebay normally tell them to return for a refund. But as your buyer has now listed it for sale I don't think they will return it tbh.

The buyer has listed it for sale?
Cheeky twat!
I would personally tell him to shove it and bring it on.
Even if he does leave neg feedback you can add your reply to his feedback. And most buyers are shrewd enough to take into account more than one feedback. If all your other feedback is good they will see this and realise you've been unlucky enough to get an arsy buyer.

I'm so confused, how does LilyBlossom know TFN's Ebay name and how does she know name of the buyer & how does she know it's been relisted? I only know tools on Goofbid & I can't find anything to help me find that info.

Probably followed the item number. Great idea. It is listed as in perfect condition so I've (politely) declined his request.

He's now messages me saying that he only bought my camera as the other one he ordered got lost in the post but has now turned up and could
I just help him out!

We've obviously never met.

No No No! He is a cheeky tw*t Do not refund this person. They have a right to sell on your item after purchase but that is after your transaction is done and dusted.
They sound like they are a total pain and will probably return a crappy similar camera to you.

I would message buyer to say "after consulting ebay customer support you have been advised not to refund and that ebay will be inspecting any feedback left as it is Highly unusual to request to return an item after 2 weeks".

Someone tried to do this to me with a dress and I sent that message and never heard from them again. They didn't leave any feedback and nor did I for them. I was just glad to be shot of them (they had crappy feedback when I checked too).

Is the camera for sale definitely your one? He sounds dodgy. Have you looked at what else he buys and sells and feedback?

To be fair I'm not going to do anything else, I've declined his request, he jus seems to be a chancer.

Again though, he's obviously never met me

Thanks for all the replies