Item returned as defective but it worked fine

[andoherty28]

Hi,

I sold a large, fragile overhead projector (OHP) recently having tested it rigorously before packaging it very carefully. I don't accept returns. The buyer started the returns process within a few days of receiving the item, stating that it was defective. When repeatedly pressed for further details, they only said that it didn't work and that they weren't a technician. It seems I had no alternative but to accept the return and hope the item didn't get damaged / further damaged on the way back to me.

First question - was this my only option? eBay made it appear this way.

The item was delivered back to me today and works perfectly. So I think the real reason for the return was a change of mind rather than an actual defective item. It's good that I can relist the item and hopefully sell it again but I'm out of pocket for the return delivery costs. I reported an issue when processing the refund and uploaded a photo of the working OHP but had no way of escalating to eBay or getting my return delivery costs deducted from the total refund amount.

Second question - in the circumstances, was my only option to process the full refund?

If so, it seems grossly unfair. Why are eBay charging buyers a Buyer Protection Fee when I've ultimately ended up out of pocket here?

[tobiasd4]

Some buyers will say item not as described, to get a free return.

Ebay never dispute this, so you have to issue label & refund in full on return.

You can report buyer, if they do this often ebay may take action.

Only business sellers are allowed to make part refunds.

BPF protects sellers if item is damaged in transit, ebay refund buyer.

But otherwise, it does not benefit sellers.

[papso22]

The BPF is entirely different to the protection buyers get from the money back guarantee. 

Simple delivery gives sellers protection from items lost or damaged in transit.