Will I need to pay for the return?

[allsafetysolutions1]

Hi. I recently purchased some acrylic nail stuff from WA, clearly not from Aus as the language in there messages is terrible. When I received the item, the bottle of liquid has leaked and melted all the little pots of powder closed. I messaged the seller with a photo and they came back offering a $6 refund. I only paid $11.61 as it was free shipping. I refused saying that I would have still paid $5.61 for something I cannot use. They have now come back with an $8 refund and have told me that if I open up an item not as described, I will need to send it back. Can someone clarify for me, if I do open up a dispute, will I need to send it back as it could cost more than this is worth. Sorry, I know this has probably been answered before, but I have never opened a dispute before. I know their feedback is appauling. Didn't even check.

[allsafetysolutions1]

This is going to sound silly as I haven't done it before, do I just click the "return this item" button?

[clarry100]

Yes...

Then next screen you select a reason from a list.

Possibly the most approriate is "arrived damaged'.

But you could choose "does not match description"

You can write notes and upload pics if you wish as well.

Then once you submit, the seller will get a formal return request and have a set time to respond.

The seller can then respond in some way, or just choose to give you a refund without an actual return.

Personally if he chooses to accept the return (for which he must pay) I would then escalate and get ebay involved as I think this item should not be traveling by post due to being a dangerous good.

You are the one who has to sign the declaration that its safe to travel so don't put yourself in this position.

I'm quite sure if you escalate then ebay will simply refund you in full with no need to actually return the item.

Maybe others will have differing advice on this.

[*tippy*toes*]

The first ingredient on the bottle is a Class 3 dangerous good (Hazchem Code 3WE). The fact that the stuff has leaked out is a pretty serious thing to happen. It could have exploded en route, injuring someone, or worse. You also shouldn't be breathing it in or getting it on your hands. It's important that you tell eBay that the stuff is classified as a Dangerous Good or Hazardous Substance, therefore it would actually be illegal for you to send it back. Even a small spill will see the emergency services donning full PPE.

If it's still leaking, you need to seal it up in a bag, otherwise it could still explode. It's heavier than air, so fumes will be hovering around the floor. If you've got kids or pets, keep an eye on them. If you have a gas stove, don't light it. If you smoke, don't smoke anywhere near it. Even something as simple as static from walking on the carpet can ignite it.

[allsafetysolutions1]

Wow.....I will be wrapping it in a bag, sealing it with sticky tape and putting it in the bin first thing. Thanks for the info. I also opened the dispute last night, so we'll see how that goes. Do you think I should call ebay first to tell them about the dangerous item or just wait?

[clarry100]

Yes...

Now that you have the case open I would call ebay and discuss the dangerous item and that you thik it would actually be illegal for you to return the item to the seller as you do not have a dangerous goods licence.

My strong suspicion is that they will just close the case in your favour with a full refund right on the spot on the phone.

And they may have strong words (or worse) to the seller about their activities too. And so they should before some poor unsuspecting Aust Post worker suffers.

It really is quite illegal for this seller to be putting dangerous stuff like this in the mail without the appropriate licences in place. Clearly it was also not even packaged well enough to travel and as Tippy says could have injured a worker or even worse.

Umm! Also I don't even think you are allowed to dispose of such chemicals into your wheelie bin either. As it could easily cause an explosion and fire in the rubbish truck. You would have to find a local place that can handle disposal of such items. Sounds like some nasty chemical you have there.

[allsafetysolutions1]

Thanks. When I opened the dispute, the address of the seller was Penang, Malaysia. I will call ebay this morning to tell them about it. The bottle is empty now but I will dispose of it some other way. Thanks everyone for your help.

i have been with ebay for so long but I still learn stuff everyday from you guys. You are all so knowledgable and helpful. So massive kudos to all the posters on these boards. Sometimes, I am laughing so hard at the comments posted. Keep all the info coming as if it can help me, I'm sure you guys help so many others.

[clarry100]

So must be a seller in WA using a drop-shipper from Malaysia.

Did the original listing say the item was located inside AU?

It's still their legal responsibility to ensure any goods mailed into AU are safe and comply with Aust Post safety regualtions.

[allsafetysolutions1]

Yep, states item location Darwin NT.

[*tippy*toes*]

Even if you were able to post it back, if it says the item is in Australia, then the seller has to provide an Australian address to send it to. I would also mention to eBay that the item location was Darwin, yet the return address is an overseas one. Even more reason why it shouldn't be posted back.

I can't remember what the disposal instructions were on the MSDS I was reading. I think the instructions were for disposing of say a full bottle. I'm not sure if it would be the same for an empty one. I also can't remember if I read that the liquid or the vapours were volatile (sorry, had a really long work day yesterday and the brain is still a tad foggy this morning!). I think it might be the actual liquid because if it was the vapour, it would be too dangerous to use in nail salons.

I'd call the EPA in your state and ask them what the best way to dispose of an empty bottle would be. Most areas have a chemical dump station at the local tip, so you might be able to take it there too. Your local council might be able to help as well.

[dazzledayz]

If this seller has signed the dangerous goods section of the postage label he has really done a very wrong thing!

That signature allows for transport by air which, if coming from Darwin during the wet season, is a likely scenario.

This stuff is highly flammable with a very low flash point of 20 deg C and an auto ignition temp of 393 deg C so will vapourize in ambient air and can be ignited by a static spark.

This seller is a cowboy and needs reporting to AP as well as eBay.