Buyer wants refund- should I refund his postage costs?

G_Model101

Hi all,

I recently sold some wargaming items on ebay and one buyer wanted a refund. The seller said he would send it back as he thought it was metal when in fact it was plastic, something that was quite clear from the photo but nevertheless I had forgot to explicitly state in the listing.

He emailed to ask for a refund and I agreed at which point he stated that he had already sent the item back to me at his cost.

I decided to refund the cost of the item, 99p, but not the postage (£1.50)as I deemed that this was not my mistake.

Now I recieve this email......

"Hi return item to you quite a while ago
sent it back to your address that you recieved it
you said you would refund money back to me many thanks"

Should I refund his postage costs that he originally paid for the item?

Is it even worth attempting to respond in a professional manner when I get the impression that I am dealing with a gormless idiot will just neg me if he doesn't get all his money back?

frivolous_fay

You should really update the originally paid postage costs. If it wasn't 100% clear in the listing, then you can't say it's his fault really.

Ste_C

frivolous_fay wrote: »

You should really update the originally paid postage costs. If it wasn't 100% clear in the listing, then you can't say it's his fault really.

I agree, but buyers shouldn't make assumptions either and should always double check if a listing doesn't include that much detail. The seller hasn't deliberately mislead the buyer.

I don't think you should refund him the original postage costs. If you bought something online and changed your mind and the item wasn't damaged then most companies would expect you to pay, this is no different.

Though you might think £1.50 is a small price to pay to avoid a negging.

Smickan

I would also only refund if you've already got the item returned too. (sorry if you have, it's not clear from the OP)

cyril82

I agree with what ste c says, by rights you should not refund him, it was his own assumption and there was nothing wrong with the item, you still have to pay the fees and cant get the money back that it cost to send.

But it just comes down to what is worse for you, losing £1.50 or getting a neg.

thePS3man

if your a business seller you have to refund in full regardless of reason - if you are a priveta seller then id be tempted to tell him to resell it on ebay himself.

cyberbob

Personally I would refund the whole amount. For the amount of money its not worth the hassle or the possibility of a Neg. I would then double check the detailson your listings if your selling similar stuff