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eBay

If you buy or sell items on eBay, you will find tips and advice on this forum.

Original poster

Dishonest Buyer

21 replies

Drainedandconfused · 26/12/2017 17:07

I sold an electronic exercise device on the 23rd of November, it was in the original box with all the attachments, item had been used a handful of times, it was given to me by my neighbour to sell (used my account to sell as I have a lot of good feedback) i check and double check all items before I wrap and post.
I received a message this morning from the buyer saying that the plug was missing from the box and he wants a refund, he said it was a Christmas present for his 'missus' she opened it yesterday morning and there was no plug. He then told me that he was 'pissed off and I sell crap' and has opened a case.
I messaged him a few times assuring him that I was 100% sure that all the items were in the box, he then got ruder so I haven't answered any more messages.
Where do I stand on this? I know for a fact that nothing was missing.

OP posts:
MikeUniformMike · 26/12/2017 17:11

Ebay usually side with the buyer.
Ask the buyer to return it to you.

19lottie82 · 26/12/2017 17:15

Agreed, accept the return and refund once you get it back. You will need to provide a pre paid label. Was the heavier than 2kg?

Never sell items on eBay for someone else. A buyer can open a case with eBay up to 180 days after the sale, which can Be very awkward if they are refunded and you gave the money to the person you were selling for as soon as the sale went through!

Original poster
Drainedandconfused · 26/12/2017 17:21

Thank you for your reply. eBay side with the buyer despite it being brought over a month ago? Presumably everybody checks items for missing parts as soon as they receive them.
I'm inclined to believe that maybe his wife didn't like the present and he's chancing his luck.
So if eBay side with the buyer I'm out of pocket and will have something returned to me which is now useless as an essential part is 'missing'.

OP posts:
Flippertyjibbetty · 26/12/2017 17:26

I think you only get 30 days to make a case on ebay- read the guidance, that should help?

Good luck!

hevonbu · 26/12/2017 17:28

It's not possible to get hold of a plug, I suppose?

Original poster
Drainedandconfused · 26/12/2017 17:33

Thanks for all your replies, this has really upset me for some reason, I'm either really naive or have only sold to honest people in the past, obviously I know there are people out there who try their luck but fortunately I haven't encountered on eBay before. For the record my selling feedback is in the hundreds and all good.
I'm going to give eBay a call and have a chat about it. My neighbour is also a friend and knows that the buyer has requested a refund, she's as incredulous as I am.

OP posts:
greendale17 · 26/12/2017 17:37

Tell him to return it for a full refund

SunshineTheMonkey · 26/12/2017 17:40

eBay will make you refund. Get him to return it.

Sounds like a chancer but eBay will believe him Xmas Angry

Original poster
Drainedandconfused · 26/12/2017 18:02

Hevonbu...... I'm not going to message the buyer as he started swearing and was rude. I'm 100% sure that he has the plug, I'm thinking his wife either doesn't want/like it or the plug has gone awol in their house and the item is now unusable, he's trying his luck for a refund.

I've spoken to a very helpful woman at eBay, she has agreed that it is indeed suspicious to leave it over a month to say that something is missing. It's all on hold until the 3rd of January when eBay will step in and look at the situation. Essentially it's my word against his, i will come back and let you know the outcome. I may be totally wasting my time judging by what you have all said about eBay refunding buyers but I'm going to do my best to fight it. Thanks for all your replies.

OP posts:
Judashascomeintosomemoney · 26/12/2017 18:11

Have you reported the swearing and abuse to eBay? They really don’t like that, might help them to side with you.........

Jayfee · 26/12/2017 18:55

Although ebay will refund your fees if he has to return it to you, and you issue a refund,you will not get a refund for the fees PayPal charged you or your postage cost.I Iost £22 recently on the first ever refund I had to give in 8 years.

19lottie82 · 26/12/2017 18:58

Unfortunately if a buyer opens an eBay case they have 30 days after the latest delivery estimate in which ebay will step in and help, so I’m guessing they are still within the time frame.

If you leave it until the 3rd of Jan and eBay step in then it will go in the buyers favour and you will get a defect on your account which may affect your future selling privileges.

I understand it’s suspicious and annoying, but you won’t win this one unfortunately.

Original poster
Drainedandconfused · 27/12/2017 16:16

Thanks for your replies, yes I’ve reported him to eBay for his rudeness, I haven’t had any messages today, he was just within the time frame unfortunately. I know that eBay will refund and he will return the items to me with the crucial part missing.....so frustrating as not only out of pocket but have an unsaleable item. Think I’m taking a break from selling for awhile!

OP posts:
SunshineTheMonkey · 27/12/2017 16:39

It's so annoying. I've had customer services agreeing with me before that it's a conman but they still always side with them when it comes down to it.

SandyDenny · 27/12/2017 16:47

Too late now but if you do decide to sell in the future take a video of you packing it up for posting and be sure to tell the buyer you've done it.

honeysucklejasmine · 27/12/2017 16:53

I know you shouldn't have to, but message him and say "look, if you've changed your mind and want to return it, just say so. I'll refund you if you return the whole thing, no questions asked."

Then at least you get a saleable item returned.

He's a sneaky bastard.

Original poster
Drainedandconfused · 29/12/2017 13:03

Thank you for your replies.
SandyDenny......that’s exactly what I’m going to do in future.
The buyer has closed the case because the plug has turned up in his house Confused Had a sheepish message from him this morning, no apology though. Never mind, at least I’m not out of pocket.....this time.

OP posts:
Mycarsmellsoflavender · 29/12/2017 13:10

The bloody cheek! Glad you were found to be in the right though. Hopefully he'll have a black mark against him for rudeness although I wouldn't count on it.

Original poster
Drainedandconfused · 29/12/2017 14:54

He’s a CF alright! I know you can’t leave bad feedback for a buyer unless they don’t pay but I’m going to try and use my imagination to word something cryptic.

OP posts:
greenlanes · 29/12/2017 15:08

At least he has been honest and has closed the case which is good news for you. He genuinely may not have seen the plug or it was "lost" accidentally. I still have ebay packages that I havent yet opened - received in early Dec. I was too busy with Xmas and work and put them to one side.

The only thing that sounds unacceptable about your transaction was his swearing and being rude. But again I have some very odd transactions when trying to deal with issues. I have typed something perfectly polite and had the other person fly off the handle - sometimes I think stress or language issues make a big difference.

19lottie82 · 29/12/2017 17:52

I know you can’t leave bad feedback for
a buyer unless they don’t pay

Still can’t leave a neg

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