eBay item arrived to buyer damaged in post - refund immediately?

msteer

Hi, 

Recently sold a vintage dinner set on eBay, which has been damaged in the post. The buyer has been great in sending through photos, with the apology letter from the courier. I've never had an item be damaged in the post before, so not entirely sure of the process. I have raised a claim with the courier. Should I be fine to issue the refund to the seller now? I don't want the dinner set back - as its very much ruined now with its damaged pieces (not all pieces are damaged). Postage is also hefty, puts demands on the buyer and risks further damage by the courier... 

soolin

msteer said:

Hi, 

Recently sold a vintage dinner set on eBay, which has been damaged in the post. The buyer has been great in sending through photos, with the apology letter from the courier. I've never had an item be damaged in the post before, so not entirely sure of the process. I have raised a claim with the courier. Should I be fine to issue the refund to the seller now? I don't want the dinner set back - as its very much ruined now with its damaged pieces (not all pieces are damaged). Postage is also hefty, puts demands on the buyer and risks further damage by the courier... 

You gain nothing by delaying the refund to the buyer, they need a refund regardless of whether you get a refund from the courier. You will need to check though with courier whether they are going to want all the damaged goods and packaging before they even consider the claim, if so you will need to arrange a label to get the package back . Many couriers require proof that items were adequately packed . 

Also, before you possibly spend more money getting the china back make sure your courier covers breakables, many couriers don’t cover china .Evri for instance don’t cover any china or glass items. 

GrubbyGirl_2

I'd bet the courier won't pay because they will no doubt say that ceramics aren't covered - most couriers don't cover ceramics or glass

tightauldgit

Regardless of whether the courier pays out or not you will still owe the buyer the refund so yes, you should refund immediately (ensuring it goes through the Ebay process). As others have said, I suspect the courier will not cover you for breakages for such a fragile item but you can only make the claim and see what happens.