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:)

[i-once-was-bump]

A seller CAN offer a partial refund if they choose-the option is right next to the transaction in Paypal.

Yes, it is the seller's choice not the buyer's right.

.

[freightcar2009]

Really???

How expensive was this thing anyway?

Personally I would refund his money and give him the thing just so I get a happy client and a better reputation.

[koalablue12]

freight.....no no no - this is way more fun :^O

[i-once-was-bump]

Really???

How expensive was this thing anyway?

Personally I would refund his money and give him the thing just so I get a happy client and a better reputation.

Yes many sellers would do just that but that does not mean posters can give incorrect advice to the OP.

The seller has offered a refund on return of the item and that is acceptable and allowable under the terms and conditions of eBay and Paypal.

The buyer has no right to insist on a partial refund.

I am not commenting on the ethics of either the buyer or seller but commenting on some of the advice.

One can only make a sensible decision if given all the facts (not imaginings).

[i-once-was-bump]

freight.....no no no - this is way more fun :^O

Sorry koala, I am bowing out now that those wishing to criticise me have clearly not read the thread properly.

[freightcar2009]

I do not think they are meaning to criticize.... I think it is more varying of opinions.... Mind you in their passion some can come across as a bit blunt, and others do seem to have glass jaws

For me I am learning a lot and your opinion is just a valid as anyone else’s.

[phorum_junkie*]

The seller might be aware that some buyers try to rort sellers by insisting on a partial refund and keeping the item therefore the seller might be erring on the side of caution.

The seller has admitted that it was an error and should NOT have been listed as new!

The buyer is being more than reasonable by agreeing to keep it and get a partial refund.

If I were the seller I would refund in full and let them keep it or send them a prepaid satchel to return it at my expense.

OP I woul dopen a Paypal dispute, if the seller replies agree ing to it being returned then send it back by trackable means if you will get back enough to get at least some money back, only send to the address as given through the dispute. If they don't respnd escalate to a claim.

If sending it back would cost more than you will get back then I would leave them a factual neg.

[bright.ton42]

I don't get it - why all this talk about Negging the Seller who has offered a full refund without fuss, something which many don't. They made a mistake and owned up to it promptly..again something that many don't.

And why shouldn't they want a return of the item to check on it.

I bow to the knowledge of others here more experienced than me, but isn't it a bit of a storm in a teacup?  If I was the buyer I think I'd be thankful for small mercies. 

[thecatspjs]

The seller is hardly accommodating if they do not wish to offer partial refund.  They deserve NEG.  But I would ask again if they would not consider partial refund.

neg the seller ?? ... what irresponsible advice

the seller has more than met their ebay, paypal and consumer legislation obligations by offering a refund on return of the item

if the OP wants the seller to pay return post, they may in fact find the seller accomodates their request if they requested this

Whilst like other posters, I may send a  prepaid satchel for the items return and think it is only the right thing to do, I respect that sellers are not under any  obligation to do so

[phorum_junkie*]

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.