buyer does want item they won now.

pink.1970

Hi all,

A freind recently sold an item on Ebay. Winning bid was just under £85. plus postage costs via courier.

Buyer now says they dont want the item after receiving it and want to return it, stating *its not what they thought it was*

Friend has stated that they do not accept returns but will make the exception in this case but will only refund the winning bid amount not the postage. Buyer wants to deliver item to freinds house and collect refund in cash plus the postage amount not in a cheque which is how they were paid.

Personally I would only refund the winning bid amount by cheque.

What would you do?

Auzelia

i personally would not refund as I assume that your friend had posted pictures.

and if the buyer does get a refund then it would be without p&p and it would also be in the form of a cheque...

the buyer will probably cancel their cheque and get double the money back!

And I certainly wouldnt want them coming to my house.

LilDevil

Personally speaking, I would do the same - after all, most companies only refund by the same method that is paid. I also don't see why you should refund postage as the item was posted to him, so he's had that service, it's not your fault he's changed his mind.

pink.1970

Thanks.
yes there are pictures of the listing.

Buyers cheque has already cleared, I checked with my friend, item was sent as soon as cheque had cleared so I dont think they could cancel it now.

I also said if buyer had bought in a shop and had to return it the shop wouldn't refund petrol money would they.

I also said that I wouldnt want them at my house either.

moneypooh

I would only give a cheque back and without postage.

I presume that your friend has cashed the cheque and received the funds OK. I would be very wary of giving any cah refund, no traceability.

If they bought by mistake and not because faulty then postage would still be valid. Most mail ordr companies do the same. They should not be out of pocket because of their error, don't forget they will have lost ebay fees unless they sort this out with ebay as well.

Premier_2

a) Ensure the initial cheque has cleared at least 6 working days after depositing it (to ensure it is honoured) How you then repay is up to you.

b) Only agree date/time to return once cheque has cleared (as above) and agreement is reached over whether initial postage is included in refund. I'd be tempted to stick to the initial offer to refuse postage refund since you have already gone beyond your responsibilities so far(assuming you are not a business seller) in offering any refund for a simple change of mind by the buyer.

c) If in doubt, make sure you are not alone at the time the agreed to return the item.

Sssssss

tough if they don't want it, tell them to resale on ebay

Premier_2

Oh, btw, make sure the returned item is the same item as was originally sold and that it is in as sold condition before giving any refund. This can be quite stressful if the original buyer is towering over you demanding their money back at the time.

A big scam (involving things like DVD players, computers, etc) is to return a different, faulty item than that originally sold. (or one with parts removed). Check serial numbers if you knew these, or at least check the one on the box matches the one on the item. Check it still works.

Or things like dresses /suits may have been worn for that special night out, and now that has passed the seller wants to return them for a full refund.

dollydoodah

What was the item, by the way?

StaffsSW

Strictly speaking, any refund should be issued in the same manner the payment was made. Anything else is technically money-laundering!

me4bargains

I personally wouldn't refund them. As Sssssss said let them resell it.
The only downside to longer giving in to buyer's diva demands is the ridiculous feedback policey rolled out by those jokers at the top.
But I would tell them to whistle for their refund.