Returns

[karecoope-95]

A buyer has sent a return request for a vase saying it arrived chipped. To my knowledge it was perfect when it left me.

Anyway, he messaged saying he wanted to keep the vase and get a partial refund. To which I offered $10.00 as he got a good deal in the first place.

I havent heard back from him. It expires on 20th April at which time I suspect he will reject the $10.00 and Ebay will refund in full & let him keep the vase.

Do you think this is correct? He made me an offer on another item even though I dont do offers and I rejected it. I think this is behind it and he's a scammer.

Would I have been better off getting the vase back & refund in full? Any help appreciated.

[clarry100]

If 20th passes then the buyer can escalate the case and ebay will refund in full with no requirement to return the vase.

You can accept the return before that time, but if you do you will need to pay the return postage by trackable means and when you receive it back then refund in full. So you would be out of pocket the postage both ways.

If you do accept the return and the buyer is trying on a scam they may not want to return it and then do nothing about actually returning it.

If this happens they have 5-days to send the item back, if they don't then after 30-days the case should by default close in your favour.

[imastawka]

He should send a pic of the damage.

A scammer is not going to deliberately damage an item they want cheaper, or free.

[jellybirddesigns]

First thing you need to do is ask for a clear picture of the damage and only once you have seen that can you make a decision.

[performance_parts_clearance_centre]

Absolutely request a picture / pictures of the alleged damage! If the buyer queries it, tell them that you've discussed the matter with eBay Customer Service, and they've instructed you to get images before refunding...

[karecoope-95]

He sent one dark blurry photo. Ive already agreed to a partial refund so if he wants it cheaper why hasnt he agreed. Because he knows he'll get it for free if he waits til the 20th. Since Ive  already agreed, Ive burned my bridges havent I?

[digital*ghost · Accepted solution]

Did the buyer request a partial refund in the dispute? If so, I'd call eBay and ask where you stand in this situation, since technically you've agreed to resolve the request how the buyer asked you to.

[justkidzbiz]

Ask him for a clear photo that shows any damage as the photo he sent is blurry and cannot be viewed.

[karecoope-95]

Thanks everyone. The buyer accepted the $10.00 refund after I contacted Ebay live chat. They were quite helpful. The buyer even left good feedback! I dont know why people dont message the seller when there's a problem and go straight to Ebay.

[lyndal1838]

If you look at the functions from the buyer's point of view it is all too easy to go to an ebay dispute in preference to just contacting the seller.

I agree that there are some buyers who go for the jugular immediately, but not all of us do.