Gross misuse of eBay’s returns system
Summary: stortvalley describes an issue with eBay's returns system where they were left with a used machine and financial losses after a buyer allegedly misused the returns process. They express concern about the vulnerability of sellers of expensive items on the platform. cobwebcottage shares their own experience with a similar issue, offering sympathy and understanding.
It seems that I have been swindled by a rogue buyer and yet eBay have refunded the buyer the full amount, leaving us with a 2nd hand machine that I cannot in all honesty sell on eBay or anywhere else as a new machine, not to mention about £300.00 worth of expenses. eBay are making a future problem for sellers of expensive machinery, if rogue buyers can "borrow machinery to do a paying job and then return by miss-using the returns system then eBay and future sellers are vulnerable.
The item was collected from the buyer and it goes DIRECTLY to the incorruptible manufacture, so that eBay does NOT have to decide whether to believe the buyer or the seller. I sent the manufacture's report directly to eBay.
I know that we were used as an involuntary FREE hire shop knowing that eBay nearly always backs rogue buyers. T
his whole episode was a misuse of eBay’s returns system.
How can honest sellers of very long stand on eBay protect themselves?
sml192
·3 weeks agoIf an item is returned in a different condition to what it was sold in then you do have the option of a reduced refund (up to 50%) or you can use the 'Report a problem' option in the return request which closes the original return and opens a case against the buyer instead (also report to 'Report Fraud if applicable).
Now that you have refunded though all you can do is report the buyer for abusing the Money Back Guarantee. If eBay determines that the buyer made a false claim then you will be protected against negative feedback and the return won't count against your service metrics.
cobwebcottage
·3 weeks agoThat's the problem with online selling. It happens in all categories although your items may be more prone to be used and sent back again.
I have an INAD at the moment. An old metal fishing/picnic chair. Item not as described as it wasn't as comfy as I was expecting it to be!
I feel for you. At least I can resell mine.
stortvalley
OP3 weeks agoThanks for your empathy