Anything I can do about this?

[lifeistooshort]

I sold an item a while back, good in used condition. It was hardly used and was clean etc... the winning bidder didn't ask any questions before the bid. After the bid the buyer started asking lots of questions and then refused to pay as they said the item was an older version of the one they wanted and they only bought it for a friend and didn't want it anymore no hard feelings etc.... To be honest, I didn't even know there were versions for this. I tried to explain that this was not acceptable and they never replied and I didn't hear from them anymore. I opened a case and after three weeks, the buyer paid (probably to avoid their account being suspended?). I sent the item well packaged the next day and it arrived very promptly. As soon as the buyer received it, they started arguing that item isn't as described (it was), that is is filthy and full of mud etc.. (it wasn't!), rusty etc....

What do I do now? I know they are only saying this so that they can get a refund and give me negative feedback because I opened an "unpaid item case"). I am going to get stuffed won't I. I am really upset by this as I have 100% feedback and I only sell items in a very good condition. They buyer accused me of lying etc...

Any suggestions?

get them to post it back to you (at their cost) and relist it

if you have pictures you can prove that it wasn't dirty/rusty, but tbh it's prob easier to just refund.
Ebay will make the buyer pay postage to return it though, so at least you don't have to spend out on that

Thanks Bundaberg

I am pretty sure that if they return, they will have damaged the item and it won't be resellable. If that is the case, can I do anything about it?

I am new to ebay and cleary quite naive!

nothing you can do except take them to small claims court if they return a damaged broken item, and there is no guarantee you would win. You will have to refund when they provide tracking showing item has been sent back. If you refuse the delivery they will still get their money back btw.

After you opened the unpaid case you should have closed 4 days later, leaving it open for 3 weeks was too long.

maybe go on to ebay live chat and ask for advice?

also you could ask the buyer to send pictures of the "damage" and "dirt"

keep any she sends, and pass them to ebay along with your own pics from the listing that will (hopefully) show that it was not like it when sold

Sandy I didn't know you are allowed to do that. I thought you had to leave the case open until ebay closed it you know a bit like with a tribunal?? Clearly there is still a lot I have to learn.

Thanks bundaberg, I will try that too, both very good suggestions.

the buyer or seller can escalate a case - there is a school of thought it is better for the buyer to escalate. eBay making a final decision will close the case.

but a non paying bidder case, yes the seller can close it after 4 days if no payment has been received, that issues the buyer with a strike, gets you your final fees refunded plus stops the buyer being able to leave feedback, so you need to get it closed sharpish. Then you can relist or do a second chance offer. Add this buyer to your blocked bidder list too btw.

(what I wrote above is about a not as described case btw which is totally different to a non paying bidder case).

Thanks Sandy that is really helpful. I could quick myself really as I am probably going to be the one with problems and the dishonest buyer will walk away unscathed. Unfair but I guess you live and learn!

sadly you often only learn how to deal with these things when you have been through the hassle of a case yourself. eBay community boards are very useful reading if you have the time, and of course here folk are always happy to ask any questions.

(answer not ask)!

Thanks Sandy. I really appreciate your wise advice. Will let you know how it turns out.

Makes me wonder if ebay is worth the hassle though but that is another debate altogether

The lesson from this of course is: never sell an item to an unwilling buyer. You should have cancelled the transaction before you posted it, got your feedback and relisted.

The only thing to do now is get your item back and refund and relist!