Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

eBay

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

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Buyer claims problems, wants postage refunded or they’ll leave bad feedback

30 replies

Oileol · 28/02/2021 23:47

I sold an item for a family member, new without tags as they hadn’t used it.
I checked it over and did lots of photos of inside and outside etc, it looked new without tags- I just stated it had been in a wardrobe for a few years.
The buyer got in contact today to say they’d found sand and a sweet wrapper in a pocket. Initially I was quite shocked, thinking maybe the family member had been mistaken about using it, or I’d missed something- so I offered a refund.
However the buyer doesn’t want a refund- they just want the postage refunded as the straps are damaged/ the sand and they also say it was poorly packaged (it wasn’t pretty but it was secure and clean, I only charged what Hermes charged me too).
I stated no, I’d offer a refund, including postage, when they sent it back- I wanted to see how it was so different. I checked photos, inside and out, and it looks how I remember it- immaculate.
They are now sending multiple messages threatening bad feedback unless they get their partial refund as ‘that’s what sellers normally do’, and she ‘can’t be doing with the faff of returning it’- plus she’s now apparently washed it so I wouldn’t see the sand anyway.
Frankly they got a bargain anyway, it sold for less than used ones normally go for and about 15% of the new price. Even if it was true about sand I’d be confident re-listing a return. On principle I don’t really want to give a partial refund, especially as they say ‘that’s what sellerS normally do’- implying she’s done this before.
Wwyd? Worth the agro standing my ground?

OP posts:

MsAdoraBelleDearheartVonLipwig · 28/02/2021 23:50

Absolutely. She’s a cheeky fucker who’s used to ripping people off. Tell her to return it in the condition in which it was sent and you’ll refund her the item but not the postage and there’s nothing wrong with it. Then block her. She’s just after getting it even cheaper. I bet you don’t hear a word from her. And you can fight any negative feedback.

fabulousspider · 28/02/2021 23:51

Do ebay have a resolution centre you could ask to look into her account?

extentioncord · 28/02/2021 23:55

One negative wouldn't bother me. People get too hung up on it. I would refuse to refund a penny and let her leave bad feedback. Can you still add a comment underneath?

kooked · 28/02/2021 23:59

Yes, she's trying it on. I always insist on return of the product now instead of partial refunds because of this.

Viviennemary · 01/03/2021 00:09

She needs to return the item for a refund. Don't entertain a discount. And don't describe items as new if they've been in a wardrobe for years.

Beenaboutabit · 01/03/2021 00:13

Remember, you can give a negative review too. So, don't be threatened. Stand your ground - you were unfortunate with this buyer. Most are decent as are the sellers.

mrsmacmc · 01/03/2021 00:22

I had this with a T-shirt I sold as BNWOT as it had languished in the drawers for months. Buyer came to me a month after the sale and claimed it had deodorant marks on it - I asked for pictures and got radio silence. Total chancer!

sneakysnoopysniper · 01/03/2021 00:33

Im an experienced Ebay seller (18 years) and yes buyers do try this on, especially with clothes. I only offer partial refunds in very limited circumstances.

In this instance I would tell the buyer she can accept the garment "as is" or return for a refund. Refund will be given when the item is returned you in same condition as sent. This is industry standard.

Very few buyers are influenced by negatives in any case - Im not and am an experienced Ebay buyer. You can leave a response stating that buyer attempted extortion and abused the return process.

Original poster

Oileol · 01/03/2021 07:34

@Viviennemary it was a very open listing, ‘used’ but the in the description I said ‘this is actually unused, no tags but it’s been in a bag in the wardrobe for years after being received as an unwanted gift. Tried on but never taken out’. No attempt to mislead.

OP posts:

Original poster

Oileol · 01/03/2021 07:36

Seems people are in agreement. I was pretty much going to before she said ‘this is what sellers always do, just give me the postage refund I’ve asked for’.

OP posts:

JustABasicWitch · 01/03/2021 18:39

Its actually not allowed to threaten bad feedback in exchange for a refund etc - its called feedback extortion and ebay dont like it.
Should she leave the neg FB id be on the phone to eBay to let them review it and it would be possible that theyd remove it anyway.

Also to the person who said you can leave a neg review too - no you cant. Sellers cannot leave anything other than positive - however you can reply to fb received.

TheSandman · 01/03/2021 19:02

What does the buyer's feedback look like?

Experienced buyers aren't put off by one odd neg. The "X% Postive Feedback" is what we glance at when considering buying.
99% Positive for a low number seller is fine.

If the % is oddly low I'll look at the feedback but it's pretty obvious when someone is being a dick.

Don't sweat it.

Thefirsttime · 01/03/2021 23:27

@Beenaboutabit

Remember, you can give a negative review too. So, don't be threatened. Stand your ground - you were unfortunate with this buyer. Most are decent as are the sellers.

No you can’t. You can only give buyers a positive feedback rating. You could give positive feedback but write a negative comment though.

This buyer is a CF and this is clearly their modus operandi to get things cheaper. I’d stand my ground. You can also look at the feedback this buyer has left others as this can often be quite revealing.

Thelnebriati · 02/03/2021 00:32

They are now sending multiple messages threatening bad feedback unless they get their partial refund

Report her to Ebay. Use the 'report' system, but also get in contact with Customer Services and tell them how worried you are. They take a very dim view of threats to leave bad feedback.

CarpeVitam · 02/03/2021 08:38

@Beenaboutabit

Remember, you can give a negative review too. So, don't be threatened. Stand your ground - you were unfortunate with this buyer. Most are decent as are the sellers.

@Beenaboutabit Sellers haven't been able to leave negative reviews for buyers for years now. Has it changed again recently? 🤔

Thelnebriati · 02/03/2021 14:32

No, you can't leave a negative review for a buyer.

19lottie82 · 04/03/2021 01:48

Sellers haven’t been able to leave anything but positive FB for buyers for years now, at least over 10!

If you were to leave a positive FB with a negative comment, eBay will remove this if requested by the buyer.

However in your situation if the buyer does leave you a negative you can contact eBay and ask them to remove it under their “feedback extortion” policy, as the buyer is basically trying to blackmail you.

TheWitchersWife · 11/03/2021 14:43

She has to return it in the condition it was sent, she's washed it and admitted it, which means she can't return it in the condition it was sent.
I'd speak to eBay and report her if she continues.
And no, I wouldn't give a particial refund.

Original poster

Oileol · 11/03/2021 15:30

I haven’t had a response since my last message. I just said the only option was to return it if there was an issue, no response or feedback after the initial flurry. She had a really good deal even if it hadn’t been new!

OP posts:

notrub · 11/03/2021 21:45

You could give positive feedback but write a negative comment though.

DO NOT DO THIS!

If the buyer reports it, ebay will remove it and your account will get a black mark.

Report the buyer for abuse of the feedback system now.

As far as a refund goes it's tricky because although the buyer has said they've washed it, they can still claim it wasn't as described on receipt and ebay can still find in their favour.

Wait and see if they leave bad feedback or open a SNAD case against you.

If they leave bad feedback, report them for abuse of the feedback system - do this on the phone - reasonable chance the feedback will get remove. If it isn't removed, add a comment underneath that accurately describes what happened in a non-emotive way.

If they open a SNAD, you could try and fight it, but you'd probably lose the case - ebay nearly ALWAYS side with buyers, so your best option then is to accept the return unfortunately.

KirstenBlest · 24/03/2021 19:23

I was a buyer who got unpleasant feedback from a seller after returning the item. It wasn't 'Negative' but the words were not complimentary. I left Neutral feedback.

I've had similar after buying footwear that wasn't the size listed.
That one got negative feedback, as he was very rude. Not much you can do with footwear in the wrong size.

If there is a problem and it's resolved, I either leave nothing or nice feedback.

notrub · 24/03/2021 19:56

@KirstenBlest

I was a buyer who got unpleasant feedback from a seller after returning the item. It wasn't 'Negative' but the words were not complimentary. I left Neutral feedback.

I've had similar after buying footwear that wasn't the size listed.
That one got negative feedback, as he was very rude. Not much you can do with footwear in the wrong size.

If there is a problem and it's resolved, I either leave nothing or nice feedback.

If a seller leaves you bad feedback disguised as a positive, report it to ebay and it will be removed and the seller reprimanded.

Easterbunnygettingready · 24/03/2021 20:20

Report her for trying to blackmail you

KirstenBlest · 24/03/2021 20:21

Ooh really, thanks notrub.
I might do that. I felt a bit bad because the item was nice but had way too much fabric conditioner on it. I can't stand the smell and feel of the stuff. It was something that would fade on washing so I didn't want to soak it and wash it a few times, which hasn't worked for me in the past anyway.

It's happened before with a pair of trainers. Soaked them in soda crystals, washed them, white vinegar, washed them, soaked them in disinfectant, washed them and they still absolutely stink even if they're a bit less slimy. Haven't worn them yet. Bleurgh!

coronafiona · 14/04/2021 13:58

@sneakysnoopysniper can you advise if sellers should pay for returned postage? I sold an item of clothing with a mark on it which was my genuine mistake and I have refunded the buyer but she is sending threatening messages demanding I pay for postage. But the post costs either way, there's not much I can do about it. I don't want to refund everything as it will have cost me £10 (postage, eBay fees) and I've got nothing to show for it. Any advice?

Flip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread