Where do I stand?

jaydenb

Hi all, i wonder if someone can help me. basically i sold a rather expensive bag on ebay, buyer has received item 2 days ago but has since emailed me twice saying that she doubts the authenticity of the bag. she also said she has a friend who works as a buyer of a well known department store, also doubts it. She insists i message her to 'let her know my thoughts' on this matter and demand to know where I got the bag from.

The bag was a present from my ex boyfriend, I know he wouldnt have got me a replica one but i did not ask him where he got it from. but how do I prove the bag is real? The buyer has also threatened to contact ebay for advice.

So, can someone tell me how to deal with this? obviously I do not want to go through the hassle of having to refund her and relist the item again etc.

Thanks in advance.

suited-aces

AFAIK for "fakes" the burden of proof is on the buyer.

Crowqueen

eBay disputes (as opposed to Paypal) now put that responsibility on to the seller, so it may be necessary to try and prove it.

George666

Hi OP explain that the bag was a present and that as far as you are aware that it is genuine.
Also add that if they are not happy they can return the bag for a refund if they wish to.
And then wait to see what they reply.
As crowqueen says an ebay dispute for fakes will put the burden of proof on you so I also would ask your ex if posible where he got it from and if he can prove it is genuine.

pinkclouds

George666 wrote: »

Hi OP explain that the bag was a present and that as far as you are aware that it is genuine.
Also add that if they are not happy they can return the bag for a refund if they wish to.
And then wait to see what they reply.
As crowqueen says an ebay dispute for fakes will put the burden of proof on you so I also would ask your ex if posible where he got it from and if he can prove it is genuine.

I would go with George666's route, quoted above.

I always think: "If I were the buyer, what would I expect the seller to do?" I would expect an explanation and/or apology and the opportunity of a return/refund. Tbh, if your email is sufficiently pleasant then your buyer may be perfectly happy with that and keep the purchase. The phrase "'let her know my thoughts" is neutral and non-aggressive and suggests she will be reasonable if you respond in a pleasant manner.

shellylovesshopping

I had a very similar experience last year when I sold a LV bag on ebay. The buyer emailed me and said it was a fake bag as her mum had the same bag and the code was different! The buyer obviously knew nothing about LV and that the code was a date stamp and not a serial/model number. She threatened to report it to ebay etc. I emailed her I politely offered her a refund upon return receipt. I did however, stress that I would not refund the postage costs as it was genuine and as described. I never heard anymore as I knew it was real having purchased it myself. Having been on the receipt of abusive emails from sellers when I had contacted them about problems with purchasers that has just annoyed me even more so stay nice is my advice !

lindos90

jaydenb wrote: »

she also said she has a friend who works as a buyer of a well known department store, also doubts it.

This may be made up, to make her case sound stronger, however I would be concerned that her friend may just use her position to write an 'official letterheadded' letter confirming its a fake:eek:. Especially if that store sells them, I wonder if ebay/paypal would class that as confirmation that its a fake?

She may genuinly belive its a fake, or she could know its genuine and be trying it on, the problem is, you can never tell can you.

Perhaps explining the situation to her would be the best thing initially, and then offering a refund on return if shes still not happy.

Its a minefield really, even if you could supply a reciept, how do you prove it was for that particular bag anyway?

Sparkle80

I would explain the situation and offer a refund on return of the goods as you can't 100% guarantee or prove that it is genuine (although I'm sure it is, as you yourself state).

You might find that you don't hear any more about it.

jasmineswhiskers

The only other thing she may be about to do is to actually return a fake to you and keep your original/authentic bag...(Obviously depending on whether the bag is a commonly 'copied' one.)

Loanranger

You cannot be absolutely certain that the bag is genuine as you did not purchase it yourself from a reputable shop.

I had same problem last year on Ebay where I sold a bag that I believed to be genuine was challenged by the buyer. Because I could not be 100% certain I refunded the buyer and the buyer returned the bag to me. I preferred to keep my 100% positive feedback rather than risk a neg. I paid the buyer's return, special delivery, postage.
Good customer service is what I expect as a buyer and I apply the same rule when I am selling.