Do I Get A Defect For A Return?

[i-love-my-sheep]

I got a message this morning from a buyer, who had selected the 'returns' option for the message. The item was a coin (which is clearly stated in my listing that they are copies and not the real thing and there are even photos of the word copy that is stamped on it, but that's not the issue). They are sold as 'in proof like condition', meaning they are in a capsule and have no handling marks on them. 

He said it was 'damaged and used' (not sure how it could be used, but anyway). He asked for a mailing address so he could send it back and I could send him a new one that wasn't 'damaged or used'. I asked what the damage was, wondering if maybe the capsule had been broken in the post. I haven't heard back as yet.

Given the fact he used the 'returns' option for the message, will I automatically get a defect for that, or does the defect only come if he asks eBay to step in? I said I would check if I had another one here and depending on what 'damage' there was, would depend on whether he would need to send it back or not. If it's completely stoofed, there's probably no point in getting it returned as it's only a low value item. Of course I said if I had another I'd be more than happy to send it.

His feedback doesn't suggest he has a history of returns, so I think he is being genuine. In fact, 99% of his feedback left for others are just a full stop.

[i-love-my-sheep]

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@thecatspjs wrote:

It depends on the reason the buyer selected for the return if you get a defect for the buyer asking about returning it.

The reason should show in the message and be the one of the reasons below.

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The subject of the email says "Returns: <buyers ID> sent a message about <item title with item number at the end>" Then the body of the email was letting me know what the situation was. Under that was the blue reply button and under that was the listing details. I can't see anywhere where he has selected one of those options!!!

[jensmanchester-australia]

If you go into ebay and click on the return request details it will show you in there which option they have selected.

[i-love-my-sheep]

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@beallieblue-oz wrote:

Ask him for a photo if possible, as I had a customer not this ID complain it wasn't what she ordered, i asked for a photo,she sent it , and of course I was the wrong seller. She got her right order couple days later. This was before all this new **bleep** came in , so don't know if you get a defect.

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He did offer a photo, but I said not to worry as when I went to the listing and magnified the main photo, there it was, what appeared to be a scratch on the coin. I don't know how on earth I missed it. Although I hadn't magged the photos before. The coins were already encased in the capsules when I bought them, so *assumed* they would have been what they said they were. I should know never to assume!

I found another one here and looked it over and it looks OK and he is happy for me to send it to him on Monday. I also told him not to worry about sending the other one back. I only made about $1 on it after I took into account the purchase price and eBay fees and it would have cost $1.40 to send back. He seems to like the gold clad coins, so I'll send him another one as an apology.......and in the hope he doesn't feel the need to still trash my feedback!

I don't know if I should have, but I asked him not to open a dispute as I am willing to do whatever it takes for a satisfactory outcome (including a full refund if he finds any fault with the replacement). He replied that he wouldn't. He's only got 80 feedback so I sent him some tips on when to open a case and whether he would be better opening one via PayPal or eBay. I did point out to always contact a seller first and if they prove to be difficult, hit them with a dispute. I thanked him for contacting me before taking any action.

Hopefully it will all work out OK and I won't get my feedback trashed! So far I'm not seeing any new defects, so I'm crossing everything.

[i-love-my-sheep]

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@jensmanchester-australia wrote:

If you go into ebay and click on the return request details it will show you in there which option they have selected.

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Where abouts do I find that? There is nothing in the resolution centre and not sure where else to look .Thanks!

[thecatspjs]

Mmmm .... they might have managed to send a message via the original listing using ask a question. 

Beats me though ... eBay has this method of defect free communication pretty much blocked on purchases after sale, and provide links to open a request for most things unless you select I have a question about using my item or I want to send the seller a message

[i-love-my-sheep]

I think you might be right Cats. I just went into one of my purchased items and clicked on the ask a question link. There in the options was "returns". 

Still nothing showing up in my defects, although I know they can take a bit to show up. Hopefully by using the ask the seller a question link in the listing, I have scraped through without a defect.

Thanks all for the help!

[thecatspjs]

Even though its not in the clear just yet, and eBay can bite ya when ya least expect it .... if there is nothing in the resolution centre it sure sounds promising ...... fingers crossed then ...

[jensmanchester-australia]

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@i-love-my-sheep wrote:

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@jensmanchester-australia wrote:

If you go into ebay and click on the return request details it will show you in there which option they have selected.

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Where abouts do I find that? There is nothing in the resolution centre and not sure where else to look .Thanks!

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If you go into you My eBay and look under - Sell - on the left hand side there is a link to returns. Next to returns there will be a number in brackets which shows how many returns requests are currently in progress.

Returns don't show in the resolution centre unless it is escalated for ebay to become involved.

If a defect is applicable it won't show for a few days either.

[i-love-my-sheep]

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@jensmanchester-australia wrote:

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If you go into you My eBay and look under - Sell - on the left hand side there is a link to returns. Next to returns there will be a number in brackets which shows how many returns requests are currently in progress.

Returns don't show in the resolution centre unless it is escalated for ebay to become involved.

If a defect is applicable it won't show for a few days either.

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Looks like a big, fat zero!!!!!!!!! I hope that's a good thing!

[i-love-my-sheep]

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@thecatspjs wrote:

Even though its not in the clear just yet, and eBay can bite ya when ya least expect it .... if there is nothing in the resolution centre it sure sounds promising ...... fingers crossed then ...

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I have everything crossed! Thank you.