Refunding buyers for item when they request a return

[jt_uk_hxbrkfnwgo]

I have recently experienced a buyer who purchased an expensive item from me which had description and photographs of the item for sale. On receipt of the item the buyer decided that it was not what he wanted so tried to find fault with the item. The buyer reported it to eBay as not as described or photographed so I had to pay for him to return the item to me. Reading all eBay’s information I was under the impression that when  I received the item back  I could deduct an amount from the refund. 
How wrong can I be. As a seller I have no rights what so ever if a buyer changes their mind but reports that the item does not fit the description or photos. Trying to report that there was a problem got me nowhere either as I still have no rights. I have only one option refund the full amount or eBay will do it for me and I get a black mark against me. How unfair can that be. 
So the buyer cost me both postage out and return postage.  
I will be so glad when I have sold all my items and can finally close eBay down for good. 
I am so sick of being ripped off by buyers and now by eBay. 

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

Only business sellers can make deductions.

[vintique*violet]

Did the buyer send you photos and compare your photos as to what is is not as described? Could you not use these to appeal? 

I have always thought this is unfair with ebay favouring buyers... it seems selling  (and buying) on here is more of a trust transaction. 

[signs_and_vintage]

When I was a business seller, the one time I made a deduction for an item returned in a horrendous state, which I obviously had a before and after photo of, the seller simply 'appealed' the 20% deduction and literally 5 minutes later it was reversed. The sole saving grace was that refurbishment of said items from a poor state to a saleable one is a core part of the business, so I was able to resell the item at a better price*. Its just that the damage is usually caused by 40 years of wear and tear not a customer owning it for all for 5 minutes!

*That also taught me a lesson in giving in to 'bleeding hearts' requests for reductions over and above what I'd usually feel comfortable with. They were clearly over-expectant and over-reaching what they could afford, looking for any excuse for a return upon receipt and not bothered about chucking it about in the meantime.

I no longer use eBay for my business.

[arkwebus]

The buyer is not under any obligation to supply photos or go further. EBay usually simply may say "we never see the item" and you are right that they normally find for the buyer.  The process is very largely automated with little - if any - input from human. 

Although private sellers are not required to accept returns [change of mind] it is prudent to do so.  By that means the buyer can return at his cost rather than being backed into a corner to "invent" a fault.

Apart from the massive disappointment you have really lost very little if you get it back in good condition. 

Hopefully karma will kick in and you'll get a better price ...

@jt_uk_hxbrkfnwgo 

[robbtyke132010]

"I no longer use eBay for my business."

Good boy! Every time I criticise an aspect of eBay they take my post down!

[signs_and_vintage]

It sort of tapered down so I was selling the B-grade or 'spares and repairs' stuff here, but frankly that was an even worse experience because even with 2000 photos and copious descriptions in details of any issues, it just attracted the something-for-nothing crowd EVEN MORE than the full price stuff. Which kind of makes sense from a sociological PoV, but definitely not a business one!!