Need serious advice from TRF

[Kanger]

I am beginner user on Ebay, and have only 8 feedbacks as buyer and seller, all 100%. Lately I sold my one month old iPad to make room for the new MacBook Air. Yesterday it was delivered and today I got an email from the buyer that the item is not as described. I listed the item as MINT and no return accepted, and he claims that the screen has scratches. I installed the antiglare film that acts as a screen protector THE DAY I got my iPad, and even shipped the iPad with the film still attached. He wants to resolve the issue, and I told him the antiglare situation. Paypal has already transferred the money to my account, and I am very afraid of a potential scam as it happens on Ebay quite often. What are my options as a seller to protect myself???

[Timber Loftis]

Well, lots of options here. Big question is does he want to resolve it privately or work through the complaint system.

If he wants to resolve it privately, you can have him send you the device, and give him back his money, less shipping costs, upon receipt. Then you're back where you started.

If you want to enforce the terms of your "no return" statements, then you'll probably find yourself working through a complaint. Good luck with that, it doesn't favor sellers as I recall.

[Welshwatchman]

I only sell my unwanted stuff on Ebay so it's not imperative that I keep a 100% feedback but I always offer an unconditional refund, no quibble.

I also refund their return postage if there's any flaw or problem with the item, even if only a perceived flaw.

I "overcommunicate" if anything - It's best to do it this way and whilst I have 100% feedback over 700 transactions it only takes 1 plonker to piss about.

Ebay is geared towards the buyer. It's best to go the extra mile to show you are a fit and proper seller.

[calvinlgoh]

As a seller through paypal, you do have protection. However, paypal also favors the buyers in a lot of ways.

Just because the funds are in your account, even if you have already transferred it to your bank, paypal can still give you a negative balance.

Resolve the issue with the customer if possible. Retain all tracking numbers, proof of delivery, pictures of items and any related documents incase a dispute is filed.


Good luck.

[joeychitwood]

Be very careful. Many scams are perpetrated on eBay by people who buy high-end items, then claim that they are broken, defective or otherwise compromised. Do some research on these scams and watch carefully for signs that the buyer may be trying to steal from you.

[skywag]

Have him send it back and refund all his money including shipping. Do it now!

[prc117f]

There are Component swappers on ebay, for example that guy that bought your ipad. probably used the glass to fix another ipad and now will claim damage and have you eat the cost.

Tell him to go to hell and don't give him a red cent back.

[Mike B]

I've been on eBay since 1999. My advice:
Had him return your iPad, inspect the iPad 1000% ( good chances are he probably dammaged the item, and claimed YOU sent him the damaged item).
Once you have it back, and in the same condition as which you sent it, then I would issue a full refund.
If he refuses to do it this way, I'd just make him file a complaint.

[sea-dweller]

Good luck, tough situation here...

[Shade]

Tough situation buddy, I guess we should start placing our "private" security seals or marking to prevent sparepart swapping..

[BarkMaster]

Consider playing hardball since you aren't protecting a long feedback history...

[Warnsboy]

I've had a few sales where the selling price was on the high side of value. Each ended with buyers remorse and a complaint that the item was not as described. I offered refunds on each and was able to settle each for a discount refunded to the buyer. Important!!!! DISCOUNT...DELIVERED AFTER POSITIVE FEEDBACK........Good Luck!

[xjeeunitx]

I have some experiences with eBay and PayPal. Tell him to open up a complaint. After he makes his case, you offer him a deal through the resolution center.

-either he sends all of the items back in the original condition the item was sent
-give him a partial refund of what you think is a good amount to shut him up

If he sends the item back not in the original condition, then you should write that along in the resolution center. It will probably help you give you some leverage. The point of writing all this and keeping good communication is key when having issues resolved with PayPal accounts. Although, PayPal favors the buyer most the the time; as long as you show that you are trying to resolve the issue in a professional manner, you should be just fine. No matter what, do not try to deal matters outside of PayPal or by personal emails. All communication should be conducted via eBay messages or PayPal resolution center. It is important to document all messages and that is why I told you to do that.

Another advice is do not refund the money until you get the items in your possession. If you refund the money prior, it's all over. Feel free to contact PayPal customer service for any questions, as their customer service is pretty decent. It's way better than eBay customer service; they're like nonexistent. They are both owned by eBay Inc. though. Good luck.

[Leigha2z]

Hi,
Is it possible that he thinks that the scratches are actually part of the apple picture/screen saver? There was another thread on this forum about that very subject. The person thought the display was scratched but it was only the white lines (perhaps to look like shooting stars?) in the apple screen saver photo. Just a thought, maybe you could ask him. I hope it all works out for you!
Best,
Leigh

[blackmsport]

resolve privately with buyer if he 's not happy maybe give him $20 discount

It works for me all the times... lots of whingers / fussy buyers out there so beware and be firmed

[2careless]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

I have some experiences with eBay and PayPal. Tell him to open up a complaint. After he makes his case, you offer him a deal through the resolution center.

-either he sends all of the items back in the original condition the item was sent
-give him a partial refund of what you think is a good amount to shut him up

If he sends the item back not in the original condition, then you should write that along in the resolution center. It will probably help you give you some leverage. The point of writing all this and keeping good communication is key when having issues resolved with PayPal accounts. Although, PayPal favors the buyer most the the time; as long as you show that you are trying to resolve the issue in a professional manner, you should be just fine. No matter what, do not try to deal matters outside of PayPal or by personal emails. All communication should be conducted via eBay messages or PayPal resolution center. It is important to document all messages and that is why I told you to do that.

Another advice is do not refund the money until you get the items in your possession. If you refund the money prior, it's all over. Feel free to contact PayPal customer service for any questions, as their customer service is pretty decent. It's way better than eBay customer service; they're like nonexistent. They are both owned by eBay Inc. though. Good luck.

+1 use the resolution process. If you try to deal with it in private, he can still file a complaint and you're back to square 1. Better start the process and use it to get it resolved. Remember to document everything through the resolution center. Good luck.

[Kanger]

issue has been resolved. The buyer contacted customer service and closed the case. He kept the iPad, and I kept all the funds, no partial refunds. And he also apologized for not knowing how to use an iPad, thus causing the entire situation. Thanks for all your input.