Help - I have screwed up as a seller

[sushisuperstar]

Hi everyone. I would like some advice please, and before I go any further I know this is my fault. I’m new to selling on eBay but still, its my fault.

Anyway, I sold an item and overcharged for postage - I didnt mean to and I have refunded the difference so that’s fine.

However, I sent the item in a way that wasnt protective enough so the box it came in has turned up in non perfect condition. Because the item is a collectors item its a big deal if the box is in any way beaten up. Again this is my fault. So the buyer has, on my advice, contacted the manufacturer for a new box (I know this is free of charge or I would have covered that - obviously).

However, the manufacturer in question releases new design boxes every year. The item was a 2017 release, and I’m worried what will happen if the company can only offer a 2019 box and the buyer kicks up a stink about this - I wont know this till tomorrow.

If he does kick up a stink, what would my options be? Obviously I dont want to be in the potentially horrible situation of having to refund because of a box (not that it matters but the buyer got this as a extremely reasonable price). Would Ebay allow me to give a partial refund if this is the case? I hope this post makes sense.

As always thank you in advance for any advice. Happily the other items I’ve sold have been happily received but I have learned my lesson.

Sushi

Are you sure he's being truthful about the box ? He could be trying to scam you.

In my experience eBay generally sides with the buyer so if they requested to return item and have a full refund you would need to do so.

With a private sale the main thing is that the item is s described... did you describe the packaging at all? If yes, and the buyer wants a refund, unfortunately you would have to offer one. The buyer may accept a partial refund, that would be the ideal outcome if the manufacturer can’t supply the box he wants. I hope it gets sorted quickly and with out too much fuss, eBay can be painful x

If he isn't happy get him to return it to you

If he wants a refund then just give him one once the item has been returned to you.

You didn't protect it enough when posting. It's been damaged. You've sold it in X condition and it's arrive in Y condition.

Get the item back, refund him. You will lose out on postage costs but you'll learn for next time.

See he would be bad to return it because he got the item at an amazing price (he got it for nearly £200 cheaper than anywhere else) and you can't get these things anymore although if that's what he wants it is fair enough.

I didn't mention the condition of the box in the listing but I know eBay always side with the buyer. I am aware this is very much my fault - if he gets back to me and complains about not getting a 2019 box I'll give him the option of a return for refund. The item itself is pristine and comes with the certificate etc etc so he would be crazy to return but we shall see.

Lesson well and truest learned!!

*mad not bad bloody auto correct

Under no circumstances should you list something on Ebay for £200 cheaper than it is available everywhere else. I guess that's a hard-learnt lesson. Certainly makes return for full-refund quite appealing, now. I think I'd push for return+full refund & then you can list it for a decent price after all. You'll be quids in, what's not to like.

Ebay/paypal would allow a partial refund if buyer finds that solution acceptable. Easiest if buyer suggests that solution (all msgs thru Ebay msging service).

Ah but it's not easily available - it's no longer made and other people on eBay are charging a bomb. I sold it for £100 and others sell for approx £260 plus. We will see what transpires. I've learnt my lesson that's for sure.