Just when I thought I had seen it all - buyer asking for a refund without returning

[karij1980]

Been selling on ebay on and off for 20 years.  I thought nothing would surprise me, til I got the attached conversation!  Honestly!  Some people!  

[karij1980]

Hmmm, doesn't seem to load the pic, but - 

Buyer - Item arrived missing parts and damaged refund

Me - Hi, I'm sorry to read this. Could you send pictures please?

Buyer - I’ve discarded it now as it was ripped

Me - I'm sorry, without the pictures or the item being returned to me, I cannot help you.

[*vyolla*]

I can see the pic.

God loves a trier, I don't!

You've dealt with them correctly, I can't see where they can go with this now.

[karij1980]

Just the first message astounded me - so rude!

[wyntersemporium]

The old I’ve thrown It away - more likely they’ve kept it and want a refund. 

[jma2815]

I’ve had this a couple of times in five years. Messaging that the item is not working/broken/damaged and they’ve thrown it away but want a refund. 

Only one of these has ever left a neg, which was removed as it quoted parts of private messaging (where I was clearly trying to help!) and started ‘WARNING - DO NOT BUY FROM THIS SELLER’.  

That was the one that taught me not to engage at all beyond telling them ‘No refund without return of the item.’  I would never encourage contact by asking for photos. 

Don’t forget to add the buyer to your Blocked Buyer List. 

[eastern-lights]

I had something similar with a collectable alarm clock I sold. Tested working.

"I would like a refund. I gave it to my mother who says it didn't work and she threw it away. I thought I'd see what your response was before I left feedback."

Me, politely: "Sorry, I would be happy to refund but I need the item back."

"I already told you my mother threw it away."

She left negative feedback. Ebay removed it (I claimed both feedback extortion and refusal to return the item).