Buyer Claimed Centering Was a Defect—eBay Refunded Without Return

[c.h-30]

I recently had an eBay case where the buyer was refunded without returning the item, despite my 14-day return policy requiring returns before refunds. The buyer claimed, "A few cards look different than was posted, like centering," but centering is a grading factor, not a defect.

I provided side-by-side comparisons showing no actual differences between my original listing photos and the buyer’s complaint images. Their dispute was entirely based on grading speculation, not misrepresentation. Yet, eBay ruled in their favour, allowing them to keep both the item and the refund.

Has anyone successfully appealed similar cases? Any advice on pushing eBay to reconsider? It seems unfair that sellers are held accountable for buyer grading expectations rather than actual listing errors.

I get that buyers want perfect cards, but centering is just how they come from packs. No one can guarantee it. Just feels unfair that eBay ruled against me when the item clearly matched the listing.

Thanks for any insights!

[thecrowmanuk]

But they would have refunded out of their own pockets and let you keep the sales money, if they didn't need it sending back?

Or did you refuse a return?

[buffster1963]

Not as described returns are all automated and you will not win so always best to send a prepaid label to get your item back in the time allowed otherwise the buyer gets refunded without having to return the item. You could try appealing, you may or may not get somewhere with it. 

[c.h-30]

The buyer opened a 'Not as Described' case, and I assumed I needed to wait for eBay’s decision before taking action. I wasn’t given the option to approve or deny a return. 

[c.h-30]

Thanks, yeah, I’m currently appealing it. Since these cases are automated, maybe pushing for a proper review is the better option. Just feels like sellers should have a fair chance when the item clearly matched the listing.

[buffster1963]

ebays excuse is that they dont see the item so they take the buyers side. 

[thecrowmanuk]

If they opened a 'Not As Described' case, then on the case details, there would have been an option to issue a return label. 

Your assumption was wrong. Once they decide, you can no longer take any action.

[c.h-30]

---

@buffster1963 wrote:

ebays excuse is that they dont see the item so they take the buyers side. 

---

The buyer claimed centering issues and provided images that were identical to my listing photos. yet eBay refunded without even reviewing the facts, they just sided with the buyer by default. 

It's frustrating because this is my first "item not described case" and I assumed I need to wait for them for them to review the case before approving or denying the return request. 

Hi,

We appreciate you trying to work things out with the buyer. They've asked us to step in and help resolve their return request, so we're going to take a look at the details of their case and decide what the next steps should be.

You can expect an update from us within 48 hours. There's nothing you need to do right now but, if you have questions, you can contact us. Thanks for your understanding.

---

[c.h-30]

Yeah, I should have been more proactive. That said, the buyer’s images matched my listing photos exactly. Centering isn’t grounds to open a 'Not as Described' case, as it’s not a misrepresentation of the item—it’s a variation, not something falsely or inaccurately described. I will be opening an appeal, as the decision is unjust. Hopefully, eBay will review the case and provide a fair resolution.

[thecrowmanuk]

I hope so, but don't count on it. ☹️

You have to remember that buyer is 👑

[c.h-30]

---

@thecrowmanuk wrote:

I hope so, but don't count on it. ☹️

You have to remember that buyer is 👑

---

seems like buyer is king, and sellers just have to deal with it.

[c.h-30]

Resolved. Thank you eBay for stepping up and doing the right thing!