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Help - Amazon marketplace buyer ordered wrong item and wants full refund (incl costs)

I sold a brand new Lexmark printer cartridge - accurately described and with photo to someone.

After it had been delivered, they emailed back to say that they had an Epson printer and had ordered the wrong cartridge and wanted to return it for a full refund.

I responded saying I'd be happy to do that, but they would need to enclose the cost of P&P (at cost - about £1.20) when they returned the item and I could issue a ful refund (on Amazon if you issue a partial refund they keep the fees - if you issue a full refund the fees are cancelled). I thought that was fair as the item wasnt faulty - it was buyer error.

They then complained to Amazon AtoZ guarantee saying I had sent the wrong item and that I hadn't replied to '3' emails. I sent copies of the email, my response, and transaction details to Amazon and haven't heard anything.

I then resent my original email (and tracked it this time) it was received.

The buyer has now returned the item to me, but hasn't included the postage costs.

I'm reluctant to issue a full refund as it's not fair that I should be out of pocket. If I only issue a partial refund (and keep my costs) Amazon will keep their fees and the buyer will be out around £4.50. I also run the risk of negative feedback.

Any suggestions as to what I should do ?

Thanks

Comments

  • Tojo_Ralph
    Tojo_Ralph Posts: 8,373 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Swattie wrote:
    They then complained to Amazon AtoZ guarantee saying I had sent the wrong item and that I hadn't replied to '3' emails.

    I know nothing about Amazon, however, I do know about buying and selling and dealing with r-soles :p and as I see it, their actions above warrant them not getting a refund at all!! :mad: That said, as you now have the item, I'd refund partially less ALL costs, (I don't know if thats possible) , postage, fees, etc, every last penny. :cool:
    The MSE Dictionary
    Loophole - A word used to entice people to read clearly written Terms and Conditions.
    Rip Off - Clearly written Terms and Conditions.
    Terms and Conditions - Otherwise known as a loophole or a rip off.
  • squeaky
    squeaky Posts: 14,129 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Swattie wrote:
    I sold a brand new Lexmark printer cartridge - accurately described and with photo to someone.

    After it had been delivered, they emailed back to say that they had an Epson printer and had ordered the wrong cartridge and wanted to return it for a full refund.
    Thanks
    It's their fault. They made the error. I've never sold, but as a buyer (well we all are) if I'd made such a blunder I would indeed ask (depending here on your good will and kindness) if I could possibly return it. I would also accept that since it was MY mistake I'd have to cover all postage and packing costs etc.

    If this person is being such a pain... I'd just tell them tough. Caveat emptor. Invite them either to stick their head somewhere dark and smelly... or whatever you like :)
    Hi, I'm a Board Guide on the Old Style and the Consumer Rights boards which means I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly and can move and merge posts there. Board guides are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an inappropriate or illegal post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. It is not part of my role to deal with reportable posts. Any views are mine and are not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
    Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence.
    DTFAC: Y.T.D = £5.20 Apr £0.50
  • bleugh
    bleugh Posts: 1,796 Forumite
    personally i'd say 'stuff them'

    hold the cart ransom till they send postage!, OR, just send back the amount, LESS THE POSTAGE, and a restocking fee (15% is reasonable)

    under any distance selling act, the purchaser is responsible for postage costs, etc

    does amazon allow comments on feedback?, if so, make some comments aboutr the guy, and bad feedback him!

    you're prolly guarenteed bad feedback anyway, so why loose money over it?
    money saving my @rse.
    I've spent 10x as much as I would if I had never discovered this website :-)
    :: No Links in signatures please - FM ::
  • katiepops_2
    katiepops_2 Posts: 359 Forumite
    I seem to remember being told by someone that under the distance selling regulations you can't charge a restocking fee.

    Otherwise I'd agree with a partial refund - minus the postage charges and your Amazon fees.
  • Lillibet_2
    Lillibet_2 Posts: 3,364 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I sell on Amazon and have had a couple of buyer mistakes to deal with. Under the circumstances I would issue a partial refund. In my expereince most people don't even know there is a feedback section on Amazon, far less actually take any notice of it but I would be tempted to leave a middling feedback for the buyer regardless for wasting my time.
    Post Natal Depression is the worst part of giving birth:p

    In England we have Mothering Sunday & Father Christmas, Mothers day & Santa Clause are American merchandising tricks:mad: Demonstrate pride in your heirtage by getting it right please people!
  • Swattie
    Swattie Posts: 729 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Thanks for all your suggestions
  • pug_in_a_bed
    pug_in_a_bed Posts: 1,975 Forumite
    Lillibet wrote:
    I sell on Amazon and have had a couple of buyer mistakes to deal with. Under the circumstances I would issue a partial refund. In my expereince most people don't even know there is a feedback section on Amazon, far less actually take any notice of it but I would be tempted to leave a middling feedback for the buyer regardless for wasting my time.



    good point, most people just look at the feedback star rating, rarely, in my experience, go and look at the comments. just make sure you leave something for them - be brave!
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