ebay problem - help please

[revrob]

I have been listing like crazy on ebay. I just got an e-mail from a lady that purchased 2 items and she is not happy with one of the items. She paid $9.99 for each item. She is saying that the item in question was not respresented accurately in the auction. I did not represent the item in any way as being new, but I did not state specifically that it was used. So, what do I do? She has not said what she wants to happen to solve the resolution, and I don't particularly feel that I should have to refund her money, but I don't want to deal with a big hassle either.

 

[floridagirrl2]

IMO, it's very important to state whether an item is new or used and to disclose any flaws. I would go ahead and have her return the item with the assurance that you will refund her purchase price plus postage once you receive the return. Consider it a relatively inexpensive learning experience.

 

[zurgswife]

Without reading what you specifically wrote...I'd have to agree with the above poster...

 

[revrob]

I e-mailed and apologized for the fact that she was unhappy with her purchase, and I did not intend to mislead in any way in the listing. The listing DID NOT in any way say that the item was new, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt (the item started at $7.99, usually sells for $20+ new. You would think someone would understand that.)
I offered to reimburse her half of her final bid ($5.00).
She e-mailed me back and said that she thinks I should reconsider because the item is in such bad condition (DON'T THINK SO!) and besides I charged $15 for shipping the two items, and how much I ripped her off on shipping.
She knew up front what the shipping was - she even e-mailed me before she bid to find out what the combined shipping would be.
She wanted to know how much it cost to mail that package after all.
So now I'm just MAD!
It's one thing to be disappointed, but then to basically accuse me of ripping her off, that's another.
In actuality, it cost $10.65 just to ship the box + $1.31 to accept her paypal payment + $.35 to list the item + $.52 final fee to ebay = $12.83 before cost for box, packing, tape, and my time. Just don't think this is unreasonable.
So, what should I do?
I really don't want to have to pay for her to ship the item back to me (that would cost more than to just give the thing to her). At the same time, I don't think that I should just give her all of her money back and let her keep the thing.

 

[DianeV]

When you are listing on ebay you have to remember that the people looking can only see a picture. They have to go by what you say in your description so its very important to give as much info as you can.

Saying whether something is new or not is probably one of the most basic things to mention. When you start saying that you didnt specifically say it was "new" however you didnt say it was "used" then you are getting into a situation where something like this can happen. Bidders dont care if the price is lower then it would cost new. For many that is why they use ebay.

IF you dont want to refund the shipping back then I would just give a refund of the original price and eat the loss of the item.

 

[ceecee]

One of the first buying experiences I had.....I received very used items (not gently as stated). Since then I only purchase new things or occassionally if it says appears new, etc. Maybe she was expecting new?????? If you did not say either way, it was her mistake by "assuming". Then you have your feedback to consider. I sold a cell phone case (new in package) thinking it was leather for (9.99 orignal tag said $24.00) he complained it wasn't really leather, so I refunded him half rather than get bad feedback. Since the shipping was so high, I doubt you want to have it returned at your expense either.

 

[mrskay9]

In actuality, it cost $10.65 just to ship the box + $1.31 to accept her paypal payment + $.35 to list the item + $.52 final fee to ebay = $12.83 before cost for box, packing, tape, and my time. Just don't think this is unreasonable.

Although some of these costs ultimately get passed on to the consumer, such as listings, I think that is the cost of doing business. Its not her fault it costs you $1.31 to accept paypal.

I understand you're totalling up everything this costs you, but if I paid $15 shipping and the box said $10 on it, I'd think twice.

So, I think I'd nicely but firmly tell her that you'd be happy to refund half her money. Yeah, call it an education.

I hope it gets worked out for you. Don't let it get under your skin too much because in the end, its not worth all your stress.