refunded but items return is not what I sent

[aap2015]

Hi Guys,

I have a few question, its my first time to sell some stuff here in Ebay, I sold a new bag without tag, and after a week my buyer told me that was used and damaged. I have a photo to justify everything, to make story short, I refunded the money including the postage, but I a strongly suspect it is not the same bag that I sold to her. The one that I send was new and unused but the one she returned has clearly has had a lot of use. If you have any suggestions for the best course of action would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for taking time reading this one.

[saarzi · Accepted solution]

You strongly suspect? It was your item - you sent it to her, it either is the same bag, or isnt.

If its not, Id email her and tell her she has sent the wrong item back to you, that that is fraud, and if she doesnt return the correct item in original condition (immediately, with tracking), or return the money, you will report her to EBay, her local police station and ACORN (Australias online fraud department), with detailed images of the original item you have on file, and images of the bag she has returned, and request a formal investigation and that insist that charges are pressed. 

If she doesnt comply, or doesnt reply, do exactly that. Maybe nothing will come of it, but there will be a file in her name, forever. If she tries it again on someone else theres already a record.  

Next time, always take photos of marks or something on the bag to prove its your, before sale. You can get things like black light pens to put a identifying mark on the tag or inner lining etc for identification, and the buyer cant see it / wont know its there. I do this with some of my items. If you put details of the marks in an email with item numbers and photos, via the EBay system to a friend, theres a pre existing evidence that the mark is being used, what it looks like and where it is, and on what items - so no one can say you made it up after it was sold. Handy with expensive items or designer items that have a higher chance of being swapped.

[jellybirddesigns]

Unfortunately, it sounds like a classic bait and switch scam and this is not the first time I have read about it on the boards.

I hope the bag was not very expensive.

Someone on an overseas board mentioned a special type of tag that could be attached to items like this when sending, but I'm not sure what is is called. I'll try find out.

[pennyforum14]

You should never process a refund until the item is received back in the original condition.  If a different item is returned, no refund.  A message back to them, suggesting they have made a mistake and sent the wrong item, and asking them if they would like you to return it to them, would establish your willingness to negotiate a solution should they subsequently lodge a dispute.  Photos from the original listing, and of the item that was returned, along with copies of the messages with the buyer, can be included in the dispute process to support your case.

Unfortunately, since you have already refunded, there is probably not a lot you can do to get your money back.

[aap2015]

thank you so much for you quick response, i will try to folow your advise..

thank you so much