Ebay collected item- buyer now claiming it is faulty.

neet87

I very rarely sell on ebay, probably every couple of years when having a clear out so would appreciate advice from someone more experienced.

I recently sold a collection only item, an exercise bike. It was fully working and tested before the sale.The buyer came to collect it, they tested it and saw it working, paid by cash and took it away. A few days later I have been contacted and told that they are not happy, item is not as described in the auction and the electronic display is not working properly despite testing this upon collection.

I am inclined to believe they may have changed their mind or broken it during transit. They did not ingratiate themselves with me for being 45 minutes late with no apology.

I have replied to their email stating that we both saw it working and have they checked the connections after moving it. Consensus in the ebay forums is that they inspected it and accepted it, thus they have no come back and as it was a cash purchase ebay will not intervene. Has anyone been in this unfortunate position before and what do you advise doing next?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

originaladidas

I've seen these collection only sales create a minefield of replies and discussion.

I'm not sure how this is affected by the fact that they paid cash and not through paypal.

People have spoken about how people can claim to have never received the goods, how they attempt to swap their broken one for "your" matching working one, probably many more...

I've never had a problem with collection sales but can see how it can open a can of worms.

Has any feedback been left? How long after they "bought" it did they report a fault? Has anything been lodged with ebay regarding the "faulty" goods?

It could be that it actually has become faulty but as far as I'm aware anything sold as used comes with no g'tee? maybe worng there.. so you pay your money and take your chance? used car syndrome?

No doubt one of the "Legends" on here will have more of a definitive answer for you..

Put me off offering it as a service tbh!

Contains_Mild_Peril

If you're a private seller and they paid cash, the worst that's likely to happen is bad feedback.

neet87

So to update:

The buyer has opened a case against the sale. I have replied to the case, sticking firmly to not offering a refund or return as the buyer inspected and tested it before paying and taking it away. Cue excuses as to why they weren't able to test it properly!

I will update you as to the outcome for other peoples future reference.

lindseykim13

They paid cash=tough luck.

Like above worst that can happen is bad feedback and without meaning to scare you they could turn up at your door although unlikely.

Quinny_2

It's like buying something via the local rag in this case. They turn up, they try it, they're happy they buy it and take it away. Buyer beware.

Second hand=no guarantee unless offered.

SharkyGeorge

Agreed that there's not much eBay can do as they paid cash. If having any further communication just make sure to be very polite and rational in the knowledge that eBay can look at your messages. I would stand firm and if they give you a negative feedback call eBay, explain the situation and they may agree to remove it.

slimthinker

As a seller/buyer on Ebay for the last 11 years I know how frustrating things can be...Just stand your ground and be polite..Really there is nothing they can do...Would have been totally different if the paid via Paypal as Ebay almost always takes the buyers side ;-))

You can 'chat live' to them by following this link...Good luck -)


http://ocs.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ContactCS&ref=1&topicrelid=5007290130&sid=5347070868&convId=0&ContactCsResultsPage=true

neet87

Update: Eventually the buyer escalated it to ebay and they found in my (the sellers) favour.

Or I think they did anyway...

In the resolution centre it is saying that ebay found in my favour ('You were not found at fault.') but in the email they sent me it 'This case was decided in the buyer's favour. Although you won't have to reimburse your buyer for this transaction, the case will still be counted when determining your seller standing.'.