Buyer returned ring in terrible condition

notjustamum

I sold a gents sterling silver ring to a lady a few weeks ago. The lady put a complaint in to eBay (never contacting me first) saying in her opinion it is not sterling silver. I pointed out that the ring is clearly stamped, I sent the description from when I bought it and also the online reviews for the exact ring. I was told to pay £3.05 for a return label for her to send it back (original postage was £1.68) and to refund her in full including original P+P on receipt. The ring arrived today in a massive A4 size envelope and I was devastated when I opened it. The ring had been cut through jaggedly at the bottom leaving burn marks on it and someone had attempted to fix it by applying a massive blob of solder on the inside of the ring. I can’t re-sell it. I’ve put a complaint in to eBay but they keep emailing me to refund in full now I have received it back. It’s obvious the lady purchased the wrong size and has tried to enlarge it herself but made a mess of it and come up with an excuse to return it saying it’s not sterling silver. eBay haven’t asked for photos and I’m sure they would be shocked if they saw it. What do I do?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

notjustamum wrote: »

What do I do?

You can take photos of the ring and upload to the return, wait for eBay to refund the buyer and then appeal.

If eBay aren't of any help (likely) send a letter before action to the buyer and if the value is significant enough file through small claims if the letter doesn't do the job.

theonlywayisup

Sadly the above post is correct.

You will have to appeal the case - I suggest you do it by telephone AND by uploading your evidence.

Fingers crossed for you, it's gutting and it would be helpful to others to know your final outcome, which I hope is a better one than currently given.

notjustamum

I wish I knew how to post the before and after pics. It is truly shocking.

Snap-ant

https://postimages.org/

notjustamum

https://postimg.cc/gallery/3apcqfqim/


Hope this link works. These are the 2 ‘after’ pics. The middle pic is the ‘before’ - as you can see ring was one solid piece

carly

That is truly shocking !

theonlywayisup

notjustamum wrote: »

https://postimg.cc/gallery/3apcqfqim/


Hope this link works. These are the 2 ‘after’ pics. The middle pic is the ‘before’ - as you can see ring was one solid piece

Have you spoken to ebay yet? Have you tackled the buyer direct though ebay messaging?

bris

Unfortunately it's the pitfalls of selling on Ebay, buyers can be liars and cheats.


I used to sell a lot on Ebay but haven't for a long time now due to this type of thing.


if I ever do sell on Ebay again I just have to realise it's at my risk as it can happen to anyone.

pinkshoes

notjustamum wrote: »

https://postimg.cc/gallery/3apcqfqim/


Hope this link works. These are the 2 ‘after’ pics. The middle pic is the ‘before’ - as you can see ring was one solid piece

That is horrendous.

I would reply stating that the buyer has not returned the same ring, and that you will not be issuing a refund until the original ring is returned .

If eBay refund, You have the buyers address, so I would send them a letter before action giving them 14 days to either return the correct ring, or pay £X for the cost of the ring and to have it returned to them.

RFW

pinkshoes wrote: »

That is horrendous.

I would reply stating that the buyer has not returned the same ring, and that you will not be issuing a refund until the original ring is returned .

If eBay refund, You have the buyers address, so I would send them a letter before action giving them 14 days to either return the correct ring, or pay £X for the cost of the ring and to have it returned to them.

I'm guessing from the postage paid either way that the value is not that high. Anyone who can return a ring in such a state is not going to pay up either from a letter before action or through court. Court would seem a costly option with an uncertain chance of getting any money back.
Personally I'd pursue Ebay, by the direct route or via social media. Tweet them with a picture attached. The most powerful picture would be of the ring as it was sold and then the return and ask why they're forcing you to refund a customer who obviously damaged your item.