Reasonable timeframe for refund.

[hoarders_house]

I've been doing a bit of a clear out around the house and selling a few items.  I sold an old cordless phone system,  It was only about 6 years old and worked fine last time I used it but has been in storage about a year.  Item sold on 5th Sept and buyer contacted me (21/10/12)  today to say it wasn't working (batteries not holding charge).  I don't have a problem with giving a refund if the item is faulty but it seems like a really long time to wait to tell me.  I'm not an expereinced seller and am interested in what other might think about this situation.  I'm concerned I might be being taken advantage of.

[kopenhagen5]

Fair enough, it's probably taken a while to find out the problem and yes they need batteries replaced after time especially if they have been dormant for a while.

I would refund as it sounds a legitimate claim, upon return of the unit in same condition.

You could then purchase new rechargeables for it and sell again if it's cost effective.

[patchoo78]

Are they the type of rechargeable batteries like AA batteries. or the type that are only for phones? If so, maybe you could offer them a partial refund so they can go and buy a new battery for the phone. 

[phorum_junkie*]

If it was sitting around for a long time unused then the buyer is probably right. Also take into account what it's value is, not what you sold it for. If there was no ebay would you have gone to the bother of selling it elsewhere or would you just have chucked it out?

If you would have just chucked it out I would just refund the buyer and tell them to keep it or, if you think you could replace the batteries and sell it for more than last time, I would tell them to send it back and if it is faulty then you will refund in full including return postage.

[hoarders_house]

Thanks for the advice everyone, will go ahead and refund. 🙂