Faulty item and seller won't accept return.

[ThePopcornPolice]

Really need some advice. I purchased a games console controller for my daughter. It wasn't new, it was refurbished from a private seller. Controller arrived yesterday and basically doesn't work as it should. I have contacted the seller and they have told me tough, they won't accept a return as they are a private seller and only business sellers have to accept returns. Surely if the item is faulty he needs to accept it back? I don't want to end up with a useless controller. Can anyone advise before I brave calling eBay? I don't like complaining but my daughter used her pocket money to buy it so I don't want her out of pocket.

If the item is damaged or significantly not as described the seller is obliged to accept returns irrespective of whether they're private or a business. If it was sold as working and isn't, you should be covered both under eBay and Paypal (if you used Paypal) - raise a case with eBay if you've been unable to resolve this directly with the seller.

You don't need to call eBay. Just go to your purchase history, look for the sales record for the item and there will be options against it. There should be one for "there is a problem" or something similar.
Open a return request and briefly explain that the controller does not work.

The seller will have a week to accept the return and issue you with a pre paid returns label.

If they don't you can ask eBay to "step in and help", and they will issue you a returns label.

Once a delivery has been attempted you can claim your money back, if the seller hasn't issued it back already.

PS just clarify, private sellers aren't obliged to accept "non fault" returns, but they must accept returns for faulty items, they don't have a choice.

Thanks all. He has decided as a 'one off' he will accept it back but will be adding me to his blocked buyers list! Oh the shame!

Just make sure you leave appropriate feedback, but keep it factual so eBay have no reason to remove it!

And make sure the seller covers the return postage by sending you a returns label.