Item |I was about to despatch is now broken! Help!

nobile

Hi, I was selling a laptop on behalf of a friend who doesnt have an ebay account.

She's phoned me this morning to say that her daughter has broken the screen!!! I havent seen the laptop yet but she assures me its unsellable.

Not sure how I break this news to the buyer. I have a 100% rating & never been negatively rated in over a decade of ebaying (not a prolific seller, mostly a buyer)

Any advice?

cootuk

If it was an auction then the buyer may think you didn't get the price you wanted.
If BIN then I would be miffed.
Either way the buyer could neg you...but that's not the point. You now have to do what's right for the buyer.

I would refund straight away with an apology so at least the buyer can bid on others with money ready.

alx2013

Just come clean and hope you have an understanding buyer - perhaps get a photo of the damage to send to the buyer as well.

nobile

cootuk wrote: »

If it was an auction then the buyer may think you didn't get the price you wanted.

I hadnt thought of that factor. I will explain , and obviously refund in full. Its not even my item!! Last time I offer to help out someone without an ebay account

alx2013

I often have relatives who ask me to sell something for them. Trouble is their idea of 'good condition' is not mine! and their expectations are always too high.
I just say no now...

daydream_believer

alx2013 wrote: »

Just come clean and hope you have an understanding buyer - perhaps get a photo of the damage to send to the buyer as well.

I agree with this.
I had some boots listed as a 3, when i came to package them up i noticed they were only a 2 :eek:.
I took photos and sent them to the buyer as proof that i wansst just hoping for a better price. The buyer was great about it and we did a mutual cancellation.

RainbowDrops

alx2013 wrote: »

- perhaps get a photo of the damage to send to the buyer as well.

'

I would do this to show that you aren't bluffing.
And next time, get your friends to set up their own ebay accounts rather than having to deal with their problems.

nobile

Thanks for all your advice. Its really embarrasing having to send a message informing the buyer of what has happened.


I think I am expecting to be rated negatively but thats the last time I ever list an item for anyone else.

I hope the buyer can sort out an alternative soon.

Again, thanks for your advice.

theonlywayisup

Sounds like your friend is having you over, perhaps they were not happy with the price.

Moral - don't sell for friends.

Ralph-y

If its an expensive laptop then an offer of a repair may possibly help

Ralph

ballisticbrian

Moral - don't sell for friends.

Agreed - people who don't have a computer often don't realise how painfull listing things actually is, and how much the fees are and have heard eBay is some sort of panecea.