Trouble with sold item

funkyfunkymonkey

Rage_in_Eden wrote: »

I'm having a similar thing happen. I sold an item (unwanted and unused gift - mint condition) and sent it but the buyer has said they haven't received it - all other items sent on the same day have arrived. They just said "it's not arrived and I'd like a refund". I've been e-baying for ages and I must admit I just have a bad feeling about this. It was quite an expensive item as well and sold for over £10 (which admitedly is half the RRP). I know I could claim it back off the postal service as I have proof of postage but it just seems a bit "off". I have e-mailed the buyer and asked if it's arrived but it's now 3 days later and I've not had a response. What does everyone else think?

Probably best to claim off Royal Mail and leave the buyer feedback thanking them for their understanding for item lost in the post - hopefully if other sellers take this approach a pattern will emerge if it is something they keep doing.

If the item was genuinely lost in the post they have received a refund and +ve feedback for being so understanding. You should also get +ve feedback for a prompt refund and caring enough to leave them +ve feedback.

FFM

spora

jenniewb wrote: »

have you had a look at this guys feedback? could be he has done this before. Not going to help you out here I know, but may put you in the picture.

I hate ebay and paypal for this very reason: it favors everyone but the home seller!

I would second the others in suggesting it was sent back- which paypal will ask them to do, and it needs to be recorded so in all he looses the item, and the cost of recorded delivery for telling lies.

But just wondered, what if he sends something that is not the item? how do paypal know? he would have a recorded delivery item number plus a refund and you would have nothing/something useless, what if he posts back something that is not the thing he won? what happens then?

This is a fair point actually. I dunno if im being stupid but if he was to send it back could you open it in front of the postman and if its not your item refuse to sign for it? can you do that or is that just stupid

Have you heard back from him yet? If he does leave neg feedback i would be tempted to close the account and open a new one- only because you havent actually done anything wrong

misscampsxx

Haven't heard anything back yet and I emailed him nearly 24 hours ago so *touchwood* I might have called his bluff. Plus, if he realises that I'm not just going to willingly hand over a refund, he might not bother to pursue it. Everyone's advice has been great! All keep your fingers crossed that he's shut up now! x

misscampsxx

Hey again

He's written back and he's sent some photos of how it came in the post and to be honest, it does just look a bit like damage in transit. The seal is mostly intact except it's come a bit loose at the top and the lid has a big crease in it. I suppose I should just offer him a refund if he returns it. My friend says it should be possible to claim compensation from royal mail for the value of the item, does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks guys x

dollydoodah

How was it packaged by yourself? I presume the body lotion was in a sealed box?

misscampsxx

Yeah the body lotion was completely sealed and the box had no visible signs of damage at all. I sent it in a jiffy bag.

I'm kind of in two minds over what to do because it's not exactly my fault that it was damaged in the post but then I suppose it's not his fault either. What's the general procedure in a case like this?

x

frivolous_fay

If it's postal damage, then it's normally a refund (or a partial refund might be appropriate now that you have some evidence), then you put in a claim for damage from the RM.

funkyfunkymonkey

I had a similar experience when I posted a book about a year ago. It was damaged in the post. I refunded the buyer in full but asked them to keep the book as 'evidence' just incase RM wanted to see it.

The buyer was happy because they got all their money back (plus kept the book - even though it was damaged).

I was happy because RM gave me the full refund as compensation - so effectively I made more money because Amazon refunded the fees when I made the refund to the buyer.

FFM

jenniewb

spora wrote: »

This is a fair point actually. I dunno if im being stupid but if he was to send it back could you open it in front of the postman and if its not your item refuse to sign for it? can you do that or is that just stupid

Have you heard back from him yet? If he does leave neg feedback i would be tempted to close the account and open a new one- only because you havent actually done anything wrong

Thats an idea! except if I get something like that happen to me, I would want the buyer to be feeling the pinch- not royal mail who he would then claim the money from!

Would be an option if I hated my posties- but I don't they are great:T !

wigglebeena

funkyfunkymonkey wrote: »

Probably best to claim off Royal Mail and leave the buyer feedback thanking them for their understanding for item lost in the post - hopefully if other sellers take this approach a pattern will emerge if it is something they keep doing.

FFM

Yeah, this is my policy. If all we sellers always always do this - making it very polite so dodgy buyers can't get it removed - then sellers with, ooh, 50 sad and regretful comments about the buyer 'having' to report an INR should be useful warning for other sellers. And no doubt Royal Mail would be VERY interested to be alerted to such feedback...