Question about potential issue with buyer

[3415len]

Hello, I thought I'd get some advice nice and early as I feel I have a 6th sense and can predict the future..

A buyer has been communicating with us through ebay messaging regarding some metal engineering stamps.

These stamps are worth $350+ and he basically told us that he only needs to use a few of the stamps and not all of them and asked us to split the set. We told him sorry but we only sell it as a set.

Regardless, he purchased the set and then when he received the item, he told us the stamps weren't the font that was in the picture.

Well, straight away we know he was wrong / lieing because we took the picture of the set ourselfs, and we only have one type.

Now, I could be jumping the gun, but my prediction is that he has used the stamps for his one off job, and now he wants to return them because he feels that he cannot justify spending $350 on one job.

We have told him we will give him a full refund + return postage refund if he sends us back the stamps on the condition they have not used.

Now one of 3 things can happen;

1. He decides to keep the stamps

2. He returns the stamps unused, we refund his money

3. He returns the stamps and they show sign of use, now what??

I'm tipping scenario 3 is going to happen and this is why I have made this thread. What would our next step be if scenario 3 did happen, as we cannot sell an item as brand new when it is second hand, especially for the price they are worth.

Please note, I'm only looking for advice & a civil discussion and not looking to argue with idiots who just post for the sake of arguing with you.

Thanks guys !!

[phorum_junkie*]

dazzabelle if the item was returned then you were only out of pocket by the postage. I would have offered the buyer a refund without them even having to open a dispute if I did not have proof of authenticity.  As I wouldn't want an unhappy customer I would probably have offered a refund on return even if I did have proof.

If it was advertised as a ruby then anyone could reasonably expect that it was not a created one they were purchasing and as you had never had it authenticated yourself you were almost bound to lose, the onus of proof is on you and if you had have had proof it was a natural ruby and genuine, hallmarked gold then once you provided that proof Paypal would very likely have found in your favour.