ebay - What would YOU do?

[mikelan6]

When I got home from my ABD trip last week, I found that the poweline adapter I use at home did not work. I thought of just trashing it, but I thought someone might find use for it by repairing it and tried to sell it on ebay. My starting price was $10 plus shipping. Much to my surprise, the item sold at a very good price, but the buyer then complained that the remote unit turned on, but did not work and now wants a refund. I thought I was very clear in my description that it did not work and that I would not issue a refund. I've copied the listing below so that you can read it for yourself. I asked him to contact the manufacturer to see if they can tell him how to fix it. It seems he "chatted" with them, but they could not help.

Personally, I don't think I am wrong. I wrote that the item needed fixing. Should I issue a refund and try to resell it? Or is this a buyer beware and he should have known what he was getting and if he doesn't know how to fix it, it's his problem?

For sale is a used powerline adapter. The main unit does NOT turn on when plugged in. The unit was working fine until about a week ago. I do not know what happened to it. I got back from vacation and it was not working. The remote stills turns on. Maybe you can fix the main unit or use it for parts.

The power cords are included. Ethernet cords are NOT included.

US sales only. Paypal ok. No refunds. Thanks.

What do you think???

 

[safetymom]

I think you were very clear on your description.

 

[MatthewT212]

Your ad was VERY clear and to the point. I think he changed his mind (or read it wrong to begin with) and now wants his money back. It all depends on how far you want to go or if you want a negative mark on your ebay record. If it were my choice I would not give him the money back and point out the ad to him that should still be on ebay to view.

Good luck!

 

[topolino]

You said the unit didn't work and that you'd issue no refunds.

He bought it based on that, and is now complaining that it doesn't work and wants a refund.

It seems clear to me that you are not obligated to issue the refund.

 

[angelmav]

I would think that based on your description that if the buyer opens a dispute, based on your item description you will prevail in this case. I think the buyer probably didnt read the listing before bidding.

 

[mytripsandraces]

I've never sold anything on ebay, so I'm not sure how that works. Is there someone at ebay who can guide you? It seems to me that your description is accurate and his complaint is exactly what you described in the ad. He may leave negative feedback for you, but you can also leave negative feedback for him. I don't know if there's a way to have unjustified negative feedback removed. He may also go to paypal for a refund (if he paid that way), but I believe they would back your sale.

 

[Splat25]

You were clear in the description and do not apprear to have violated any eBay rukles, so I'd say you are good. Let teh bidder know that it was clear in the description it did not work and that they are on their own. If they do leave negative feedback, then you can add an a comment on it as well explaining it. Good luck.

 

[mikelan6]

I told the buyer I was not going to offer him a refund. He has escalated it to the ebay "Resolution Center." I'm hoping they side with me, as you all seem to have as well.

 

[catycatcat4]

I told the buyer I was not going to offer him a refund. He has escalated it to the ebay "Resolution Center." I'm hoping they side with me, as you all seem to have as well.

Don't see how they couldn't its pretty clear in the auction.

 

[simmons_m]

Description looks good to me. I do not see eBay validating the claim.

Have you ever seen the postings where the seller is selling a box. I.e. A wii box, or a MSFT kinect.

 

[pal-mickey]

Good luck, but I think you are in the right. The description was very clear

 

[itsmuggsie]

Michael you were very clear in your description, that should suffice.

Just a tip, when I sell an item that may not work or is damaged in some way, I always put in the description in bold letters ITEM SOLD AS IS, it's best to do it at the top.

I'm curious if you had "used" or "not working" in your title? If not the buyer may have relied on your title. I have been guilty myself of just skimming through a description. Sounds like that is what this seller did and now has buyer's remorse.

I told the buyer I was not going to offer him a refund. He has escalated it to the eBay "Resolution Center." I'm hoping they side with me, as you all seem to have as well.

Make sure you respond to the escalation when you are prompted, I think you are given 7 to 10 days to respond, a non response will result in eBay siding with the buyer. Same goes for the buyer if he does not respond.

 

[mikelan6]

Michael you were very clear in your description, that should suffice.

Just a tip, when I sell an item that may not work or is damaged in some way, I always put in the description in bold letters ITEM SOLD AS IS, it's best to do it at the top.

I'm curious if you had "used" or "not working" in your title? If not the buyer may have relied on your title. I have been guilty myself of just skimming through a description. Sounds like that is what this seller did and now has buyer's remorse.



Make sure you respond to the escalation when you are prompted, I think you are given 7 to 10 days to respond, a non response will result in eBay siding with the buyer. Same goes for the buyer if he does not respond.

Thanks Muggsie. Yes, the item was listed as used. I at no time tried to mislead anyone. What can you expect if my starting price was $10?

I already replied to the resolution desk. I do want to resolve this, one way or another.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I think you made it totally clear that it did not work. Please keep us updated as to what the resolution is.

 

[Cherinva]

Mike, your ad sounds very clear to me. I hope this works out in your favor. I wouldn't refund his money either.

 

[Sugardimples]

You were VERY clear. Please let us know how this plays out.

 

[Lewisc]

You were clear. The purchaser probably assumed the unit wasn't really broken (you didn't know what you were doing/it only needed to reset) or thought he could fix it for cheap.

Just me but some things should be thrown out and not sold.

You didn't really do anything wrong but the unit didn't really have any value.

Sorry, you asked what I would do. I never would have sold it on ebay. Some people would issue a refund to avoid negative feedback. That's a judgment you have to make, assuming ebay sides with you.

 

[SamSam]

Mike, your ad was very clear, I don't think you will have any problems with Ebay resolutions. As sad as it is, there are people who do this deliberately, thinking you will refund their money and not require them to send the item back. Good Luck!

 

[stitchlover]

My dear ABD husband-I think your add was 100% clear and hopefully eBay will find in your favor. Please keep us posted about the decision.

 

[Disneyrsh]

ah.