Hello, I am not very experienced with ebay, and I have ended up with my first complaint, which is upsetting me a bit, as I really try to be as open and honest as possible. To me this sale wasn't about the money, but rather a sentimental item that had been in my family my entire life, that I hoped to go to a good home. I would like to get your perspective on this, what my obligations are, and what I should do?
I recently listed a chest of drawers for $80, which I didn't know much about at the time (I am currently trying to clear out an entire house asap). I put up 3 pictures, and described it as I saw it, as "Really nice, solid antique set of drawers. In excellent condition." I was surprised that there was a lot of interest in the drawers. I realized late towards the end of the auction that they are in fact quite antique (19th century) and I found a receipt for their purchase from 1982 for $400. However, it was too late to modify the ad or remove it. In end they were sold for $417, and were Local-pickup only.
The buyer came (two people) to pickup the drawers and paid in cash, and took them home. A few days later they have sent me a message to say that they are not happy with the drawers, and they are not in great condition and there a several issues with them, and if they had known they would not have completed the transaction, but they say that if I transfer $100 to their bank account, they will hold onto the drawers. The thing that particularly annoys me about this is that this buyer sent me a message a few hours before the end of the sale asking about the wood, where I told them that I recently found out it is cedar and I have a receipt for their sale for $400 in 1982 (which I showed when they picked them up). They are the only buyer to have known this, as I couldn't modify the ad anymore (I tried). These drawers are likely more valuable than what they got them for, and they are now asking for me send them money.
Questions:
(1) What are my obligations as the seller for local pickup returns? They were able to inspect the item when they picked it up. Do I still have an obligation?
(2) If I say that I will give them a complete refund, whose obligation is it to return the item?
(3) Are they allowed to ask for compensation by means of a bank transfer? And why $100? It is not my fault where they live.
(4) Is there a specific rule for what the definition conditions listed in ads? E.g. Does "excellent" condition imply something in particular? I used the term perhaps loosely, but I still think the drawers are in very good condition (especially now considering their age).
There was no part where I tried to mislead them at all, but perhaps I should have been more careful - but I am in such a rush to clear stuff, and I didn't expect them to go for much, that I thought that people would inspect them when they come anyway. These drawers are quite sentimental to me, and I didn't want to part with them, and now thinking perhaps it is a sign I should try and hold onto to them (not sure where they will fit though...). Thank you for your help!
Cheers, Steve
