Ebay return querie, any advice gratefully received

Barbapapa_2

If anyone has any ideas on how I should proceed, I'd be really glad of some advice:
I sold a purse via auction, the buyer bid fairly early on and paid promptly. I sent the purse out (as photographed, new and still had tags on as per the listing) but a few days later received a return request from the buyer with the reason given as 'I've changed my mind'. I declined the request, I'm not a business and the aggro of packaging up and getting to the PO isn't something I do for fun. Ebay closed the reurn request case as I have no obligation to accept the return.
Today I recieved the purse back with a written note stating 'you need refund me'. Charming. I assume that the buyer has obtained my address from the internet as I include just a postcode and number on the outward packaging in case of a problem with Royal Mail.
I'm annoyed and don't want to refund, more on principal than anything else, I've been walked all over by a few buyers now.
I'd welcome any suggestions, Thank you.

tomfun

How was the purse returned ?

Barbapapa_2

It was by post tomfun. Not registered or recorded, just receipted I'd guess (no stamps, post office paid sticker).
Thanks.

Queenriderbrekke

Personally I would email explaining that as you won the case you have no obligation to refund but that you are willing to return the item to them if they will pay the postage.

The worst that can happen is you get a neg?

Barbapapa_2

Thanks Queenriderbrekke, that's certainly something to consider. In fact, I'd be happy to do that but this buyer seems very keen to pursue a refund and despite declining the request (I also sent a very polite message with my decision to decline) has hunted down my address (I find that fairly aggressive) and basically ignored the procedure. I suspect that they'll raise a dispute and as eBay/Paypal always side with the buyer I'll end up being forced to refund.
Could I return the item to the buyer marked 'return to sender', or should I pay a second lot of outward postage and have it sent back on a 'signed for' service?
Although I'm really hacked off, I'd rather pay a couple of quid more to have it sent back if I need to, it really is because of the attitude and behaviour of the buyer that I really don't want to refund.
Thanks for taking the time to read and reply, I'm really stumped with this one!

soolin

They haven't hunted down your address though you put iron the parcel as a return adds according to your OP.

All you need of an address is the post code and house number, if RM can find you so can anyone else, online you can use the RM address finder. If you are not online then you can phone RM give them the postcode and they can tell you the full address and all the numbers that can be associated with it.

Barbapapa_2

I include only a postcode and house number. The package was addressed to my full postal address. I realise that anyone can find the details if they want to, but I had declined the return request (very politely, and sent a gently apologetic personal message with the case closure). I would have provided a return address for the buyer if I wanted them to return/have the address. The bullishness to plough on ahead anyway tracking down my address is not acceptable.

flashg67

I might be out of order here, but the buyer's been daft in returning it untracked. If you weren't such a nice person, you could deny all knowledge about ever having received the purse back at all........?

Barbapapa_2

Thanks flashg67, I suspect that they hold proof of posting. If a dispute is opened I suspect that that'd be enough to satisfy Paypal (even though if it was a seller with just proof of posting they wouldn't have a leg to stand on!).

kev225

I wouldn't message them since that would be 'acknowledging receipt'.

It depends how much you value escaping a negative feedback, as that's really all the buyer has to cling on to right now.

Stand by your principals, this buyer has ignored you and tried to force a refund at your cost. I say tough s**t to them.

soolin

Barbapapa wrote: »

I include only a postcode and house number. The package was addressed to my full postal address. I realise that anyone can find the details if they want to, but I had declined the return request (very politely, and sent a gently apologetic personal message with the case closure). I would have provided a return address for the buyer if I wanted them to return/have the address. The bullishness to plough on ahead anyway tracking down my address is not acceptable.

As per my post, all anyone needs is sort code and house number and rm will give them the rest, it is not underhand or dodgy in any way nor does it take any 'tracking down'

http://www.royalmail.com/postcode-finder/