What do I do if item I bought as new is actually very used when I got it?

[solomonseal]

I bought an item as a gift for a friend and it was advertised as Brand New, however when I received it it was actually clearly very used and unsuitable as a gift. I contacted the seller and said I was happy to keep the item for myself but wanted a partial refund. She said "accidents happen" and she must have acidentally listed it as new and to send it back for a refund. What should I do?

Thanks for any advice:)

[cathy1971]

Actually I have gone back and read my comments and the OP's post again and I have changed my mind.

The seller has said they made a mistake and to return item for refund. The buyer decides she wants to keep item anyway. If the buyer is happy to keep just leave it at that and you don't need to leave feedback. It is not up to the buyer to ask for partial refund it is up to the sellers discretion if they want to or not. They are in no way obligated to.

as a seller myself I would have told the buyer to send it back for refund. If they wanted to keep it I (as a seller) would offer them a partial refund for the inconvenience caused.

It is up to the OP whether they leave feedback or not.

[bsal6160]

"Accidently" listed it as NEW ???????? How does one accidently list something as new ???? 

What if the buyer "accidently" didn't pay?

[syrupsmummy]

"Accidently" listed it as NEW ???????? How does one accidently list something as new ????

What if the buyer "accidently" didn't pay?

It can be done easily if the seller sells both new and used item and using a template or click "sell similar" to list items.

It's not hard to forget changing item condition among all other section to edit. We are only humans. We all make some mistakes.

[thecatspjs]

I said neg the seller, any seller who does not cover return postage when they have made a mistake deserves to be negged.

It may not be what ebay or Paypal can force them to do but it is the only decent thing to do if you want to be a good seller.

the OP has not even indicated if seller offered return post or not - it was not the question the OP had

gosh can't understand why an ebayer would encourage negatives for sellers who operate within the policies of ebay and paypal ...?:|

[***super_nova***]

I have read the thread correctly; the seller messed up, as a result the buyer has paid far too much for an item, which they cannot use for the purpose they intended.  The buyer offered to accept partial refund, which would have let the seller off the hook.

Instead the seller insists that the buyer post the item back, which means they will be out of pocket for the return postage.

Of-course, the seller could offer to pay the postage both ways; but surely that is not a better solution than the buyer proposed.

I would have done as PJ, let them keep it and offer appropriate refund, I would be happy that no more money has to be wasted on postage.

[***super_nova***]

the OP has not even indicated if seller offered return post or not - it was not the question the OP had

gosh can't understand why an ebayer would encourage negatives for sellers who operate within the policies of ebay and paypal ...?:|

yes, you are right they did not indicate who will pay the return postage, but somehow i doubt the seller did intend to do so.  If they pay the return postage and then re-list as second hand, they are bound to be losing.

FB is not rating whether seller operates within eBay or PP guidelines; it is rating of their customer service and dealing self created problems.

[thecatspjs]

IMO I just think board advice that is provided based on OP version of facts provided + speculation, and then an OP takes that advice and a seller is awarded on that advice is pretty carp all around

[thecatspjs]

whoops - insert seller awarded "a negative"

[phorum_junkie*]

thecatspjs do you really think that sellers should not cover the cost of return postage if they have made a mistake?

Yes it is very easy to make a mistake and list as new in error if you are using another listing as a template, I have done it a few times but have always refunded in full and told them to keep the item.

[i-once-was-bump]

the problem is not with the seller or the buyer but with the advice given by some posters.

Yes, neg a seller for item not as described.

Yes, neg a seller for not paying return postage when the seller was at fault.

BUT you cannot neg a seller if they don't accept the buyer's request/demand for a partial refund. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible. (Well technically you can leave a neg for anything including a perfect transaction so don't bother trying to trip me up on that, you know what I am saying.)

The seller has offered a refund on return of the item.

They have filled their obligation even if we would not do the same in this situation.

Of course the easiest solution would be to offer a partial refund or accept the buyer's request for a partial refund.

But that is not the issue here, it is the suggestions that the OP should demand a partial refund and if the seller is not forthcoming then neg the seller.