Abusive buyer misuse of returns - unbelievable distress as a seller

[jewelry_secrets]

Recently I asked ebay to help me because a buyer chopped the back off a platinum diamond ruby and sapphire pin to wear as a pendant - the wrote in messages they did this

Then...next day they started a return stating it was broken or damaged

i had documentation from an independant appraiser it was in good condition from an independent party I was never asked to provide this document..

I accepted the return

I reached out to ebay because this item was damaged...and changed....I don't know how to cover these losses as a seller there is no shop on the planet that allows buyers to alter items then forces sellers to accept back an item that may never be sold again and/or is damaged

By reaching out and asking for help I have now been told I will not get my final value fee credit back...I am being charged for asking for help

I NEVER ESCALATED THIS TO A CLAIM I JUST ASKED FOR HELP UNDER DURESS

I tried to discuss with the high value team but feel I have no rights

I feel frightened to start this conversation on ebay  and feel I will be persecuted further for it but I am terribly distressed at the treatment I have had

[gutterpunkz05]

It would have been nice if you had mentioned the damaged stone at the start, that changed the situation from your original post significantly.  You would be unable to provide any evidence as to the condition of the stone at time/point of delivery, and as such would have no option but to accept a return request.

The fact the buyer had stated they had removed the pin would have nothing to do with the claim for damaged stone, and it is quite possible the claim of altering the item was made to distract you from responding with relevance to the claim.

As it would appear you failed to resolve the issue with the buyer, therefore requiring ebay to resolve the issue, then  the ebay fees are not refundable.

In all likelyhood, you have been well and truly scammed

Just to add, selling international can have rewards, but it also comes with added risks

[jewelry_secrets]

Sorry no

I had in the thread a toxic reply from another seller...that interpretation is out of context...

this is the first time I have ever used this forum and I am older so trying to understand how it works

another seller told me it was my fault I was dumb enough to be scammed but I could not protect myself..

the comment was very toxic they made to me and unsupportive

I don't relate to the whole unsupportive messages I am feeling

the sentiment from the community is THERE IS NO COMMUNITY ON EBAY

what a shame!

[janeababe]

Hi J_S 😊

Firstly, ignore the toxic one. 👍🏻 

Next:

Have you started an appeal to eBay’s decision? 
I found the process via the eBay site map, but I can’t post links with the app.  I took some screenshots.  (Looks like they have loaded in reverse order, but you’ll work it out)

I think this is your next port of call. (Providing you are within the 30day timeline. )

Here, you can upload the eBay messages where the buyer admits to altering the item.  Obviously the stone is mentioned as a rouse, but if indeed it is damaged, you can claim the buyer damaged it while altering the item. After all, it’s plausible that that’s exactly what happened.  

Anyway, no warranty in Australia covers ANY ITEM that has been altered by the buyer! 

The pin didn’t just break off, they admitted in writing that they removed it. Technically, this now makes it NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE.  

Start an appeal and get you money back. Then block that buyer. 

I know that you think eBay reaches out internationally to the buyers, but really, any serious buyer of high end jewellery like yours, wouldn’t be on eBay. 

Best of luck. 💋

[jewelry_secrets]

incorrect

please read the detail and do not jump to assumptions

[ratman0100]

Sadly some just love to be toxic. But the good ones out weigh the bad. I understand what you are saying and wish you well. I dont know enough about selling but Wish you well and hope you get the help you need.

[domino-710]

I'm with Jane - I totally agree.

The alteration was done & admitted to - the damage to the stone - if any - was probably caused while doing the alteration - the alteration should not be covered by ' returns '

Perhaps use this platform for the less expensive - and think about a couple of the reputable Auction Houses - cetainly the premiums are there but between winning & losing - probably worth it.

[gutterpunkz05]

Sorry but having been through the international dispute process on a number of occassions, and being scammed in the early days of selling internationally, I do know how the international dispute process works.

As  the claim was that the stone was damaged, you do not have a leg to stand on. 

It is unfortunate, but international scammers know exactly how ebay disputes are settled, they probably know how it works better than most ebay employees.  For the scammers it is a business and they can even pay to learn all the tricks of the trade.

As for the buyer claiming they removed the rear pin, it is highly unlikely, but in any case the item would have been repairable and while it may have had some bearing on any resale value, it would not have made the item worthless, and you could have simply reduced the refund accordingly.

Janebabe has pointed out the appeal option to you,  But you should have already been aware of this, as it is advised to you by ebay, when ebay found against you.  Unfortunately an appeal is seldom successful, and unless you can provide evidence that the stone was intact when delivered, then the appeal will be denied in about  60 seconds.   (NOTE:  ANY EVIDENCE YOU INTEND TO RELY ON, MUST BE UPLOADED AND INCLUDED AT THE TIME OF APPEAL.  IF NO NEW EVIDENCE IS INCLUDED IN THE APPEAL,  THE APPEAL WILL BE DECLINED.  YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE TO SUPPLY EVIDENCE TO THE APPEAL).

( I do not wish the international dispute process on anyone)

Yes I feel your pain, and sympathize with your plight, but that does not help you in anyway.

Rather than searching outdated newspaper articles, your time might be better spent researching your

international recovery options,  and if you intend to continue selling such high valued items to international buyers, then it would be best to already have international recovery processes in place.

[domino-710]

OK - how hard is it to damage a Diamond - a Ruby  - a Sapphire. ??

Both being - 9 on the Mohs Scale.

[domino-710]

It has been a relaxed afternoon - so thinking.

In thinking - so many of those flags - you know the red ones - have emerged.

All those ' reasonably ' priced items - at the most ' reasonable ' postage cost - $12.50 Express Post.

The first 3 listings - $328,000 - $128,000 - $39,000 - all $12.50 Express Post.

Does Australia Post even carry these items - we have known things to go missing - lost etc. LOL

Is it only me????

I'd want an armoured truck. 

[domino-710]

OK - this probably covers it