EBay sent a buyer who lodged a return request a return sticker without giving me a chance to respond

[dtrezi]

I have been a 100% EBay seller for many years. I sold a camera and lens  to a buyer on a No Return Auction.It was photographed and listed completly and honestly.

However did not mention that the lens was missing a lens cap in the listing, as I thought it was on the lens all along as it had been left in the box for awhile. Once I kenw of the missing lens cap, I offered to replace it.

The seller complained and lodged a return request.

EBay sent the seller a return sticker and the buyer sent the camera back before I could offer a partial refund.

Despite my protests to EBay, they say that the missing lens cap is grounds for the buyer to return the goods.

All EBay will say is that once the camera and lens is returned (after the buyer has had it for close to a fortnight) , I can lodge an appeal.

That is next to useless as if the Buyer will take it back and I will be paid out.

EBay have acted in a manner biased towards the buyer without any opportunity for me as a seller to resolve the dispute.

Are there any Consumer Bodies such as ACCC that I can lodge a complaint about EBay's manner of handling my case ?

[phorum_junkie*]

Once you receive the item back all you are out is the postage cost. Is it really worth such a fuss for so little. Sensible sellers build up a fund to cover that sort of thing by adding a few cents to their selling price of all items. Ebay do not deal in partial refunds or replacement of parts, once either the buyer or seller asks ebay to step in it is an all or nothing refund situation. Just be glad you are getting it back, often ebay refund without the buyer needing to return. Ebay have acted exactly as they say they will in their terms and conditions which you agreed to when you signed up.

[clubesquire]

We all need to be very careful and mindful. 'Not as Described' is a perfect 'OUT' for buyers who wish to return goods for any reason, not necessarily because it's not as described.

We're right in the firing line, but thankfully it hasn't happened yet. Our refurbished items are such that it's virtually impossible, in some cases, to itemise each and every tiny, extremely hard to see mark. We try to generalise, although one day, it won't be enough.

Its just the way it is I'm afraid. 

Sorry you've had this experience. We are reminded all the time, it's eBay's sandpit - right or wrong,  their rules.

Melina.

[dtrezi]

My understanding is that in Australia, EBay like any other merchant have to abide by the Australian Consumer laws as administered by the ACCC.

EBay should be accountable for any staff member who acts outside these laws when the y make decisons not in keeping with the Australian laws.

I believe in my instance they have acted against the laws, if not, then in the spirit of the law, due to the fact that I was not given a chance to negotiate with the buyer before EBay allowed them to return the item.

It seems to me that this buyer is some one who has changed their mind and wants to send the camera back despite nothing being wrong with it.

The only issue was the missing lens, which was replaced by a more expensive filter. That is such a trivial matter, that I offered $100 in compensation, despite being abused and threatened by the buyer. EBay were aware of this fact and saw the evidence.

Circumstances in many cases should be taken into account when decisionas are made by EBay, and nothing is always in black & white. Despite one's 100% EBay standing, it means nothing in cases such as this.

Then there is the issue of Feedback. I gave a positive Feedback to the buyer once I was paid, which should be wiped off as there has been no sale and likewise any feedback left for me.

As EBay is a community, we as community members should be able to have some input into the policies and T&C s of EBay. 

While I understand that EBay also run Gumtree, the rules there are even worse.

I have had some very bad buyers and sellers on Gumtree ( some have been charged and jailed for fraud).

I no longer use Gumtree for anything such has been my experience.

I have asked the ACCC to look at my EBay case and I am confident that they will take up the matter with EBay after speaking with their operator.

[collect247]

Ebay is a buyers paradise and a sellers worst night mare I can assure you of this.

You have to kiss buyers ass and then you will still have to beg and then you will still need to refund lol or ebay will let the buyer keep your money and item,selling is a real **bleep** these days.

[iloveelena03-7]

i had similair, ebay policy does not fit within accc guidelines, i contacted my bank when ebay sent the refund to the buyer and the bank forced ebay to return it back to me, hence ill have to open a new ebay account as ebay wont let me sell anymore because i proved their policy is illigal 

[iloveelena03-7]

it does not matter if u agree with terms, if those terms do not fit with in accc thay are illegal

[davewil1964]

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@iloveelena03-7 wrote:

i had similair, ebay policy does not fit within accc guidelines, i contacted my bank when ebay sent the refund to the buyer and the bank forced ebay to return it back to me, hence ill have to open a new ebay account as ebay wont let me sell anymore because i proved their policy is illigal 

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Good luck with that -

We don't allow members to create a new account to get around buying or selling restrictions, or to avoid consequences of policy violations.

https://www.ebay.com.au/help/policies/identity-policies/multiple-accounts-policy?id=4232

Part of the terms you said you had read and agreed to when you first joined.

[melbourneclearance]

That ebay policy seems to be flexible. I had a buyer on my blocked list who created another account and bought from me. When I called ebay about it their response was more or less: Tough luck, buddy! Shut up and just send the item and don't bother us again about this!

[davewil1964]

As you are well aware eBay hold sellers to higher standards. Especially when it is eBay who have blocked the seller.