Reporting a Buyer is too limited

[downsizingxs]

After 22 years (and on top of the recent eBay bombs) I've just been scammed for the first time. I do realise I've been very lucky so far but I also now realise there's no way of complaining about it.

I sold a genuine Sony battery pack to a buyer who'd only just joined. It arrived today and I soon got a message saying not a Sony, together with a photo of a completely different battery pack.

I went to 'Report Seller' but there are only 3 options to choose from and none covered this scam. I knew arguing with him would not help, so just bit the bullet and refunded in full in the hope this will prevent a negative FB. Will be on tenterhooks for a while 😞

[thecrowmanuk]

What you worried about negative for?

I would hope for it and then answer: "Sorry you received a different item from the one I sent"

If they are a serial scammer, it warns other sellers.

I once sold a £50 digital camera and got a broken one back with a different serial number.

It is the risk you take though.

There are other options you can use to report a buyer once a case is open.

I once got a scam buyer kicked off eBay, so they do eventually listen.

[*vyolla*]

I would've asked if he's got you mixed up with another seller and purchase, only because the photo he's sent is not of the item you sold and sent him.

You can only report the buyer for sending back a different item if you accept a return and get something back.

As it was a low value item I can understand why you've just refunded, but this doesn't leave you in a position to take this further.

Don't forget to block them from buying from you again:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/resolving-buyer-issues/blocking-buyer-ebay?id=4082&st=3&pos=2&qu...

[downsizingxs]

He joined on the 1st & bought it on the 2nd. I don't think he's at all muddled up. I also don't think he'd have cooperated with a return and it wasn't worth it anyway. I blocked him within seconds of getting his message 🙂

[martmarg41]

By refunding without taking any other option you may have now just opened this up for the buyer to try again with another seller.

I would always recommend calling a buyer's bluff before even considering a refund (negative feedback or not)

[thecrowmanuk]

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@martmarg41 wrote:

By refunding without taking any other option you may have now just opened this up for the buyer to try again with another seller.

I would always recommend calling a buyer's bluff before even considering a refund (negative feedback or not)

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This.

[luka0001]

Changes to feedback removal

We value accurate seller feedback and are committed to ensuring it reflects true service quality. To better align with global regulation, we’re making two changes to our policy around feedback removal.

From 23 April, we’ll no longer automatically remove feedback in the following two return scenarios:

• The item was returned used or damaged, and the seller deducted an amount from the refund.
• The seller offers free returns, handled the return, and issued a refund.

We want to assure you that you’ll still be able to request a feedback review, as it may qualify for removal under the numerous scenarios outlined in our Feedback policy. 

[luka0001]

From 23 April, we’ll no longer automatically remove feedback in the following two return scenarios:

• The item was returned used or damaged, and the seller deducted an amount from the refund.
• The seller offers free returns, handled the return, and issued a refund.

The item was returned used or damaged. We’ll no longer automatically remove feedback. 

Simple delivery.

Of course, I knew that.

Item returned used or damaged. By Whom?

[missdollydaydream]

I think feedback, which is a joke anyway, is the least of anyones problems (including eBay) at present!

[luka0001]

I valued it  - the Feedback. But I see there is a potential for abuse.

Delivery by Evri or RM and throw in the back of the van. Least of the problems of course!. 

My listings are removed. Been and gone now.

[*vyolla*]

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@luka0001 wrote:

From 23 April, we’ll no longer automatically remove feedback in the following two return scenarios:

• The item was returned used or damaged, and the seller deducted an amount from the refund.
• The seller offers free returns, handled the return, and issued a refund.

The item was returned used or damaged. We’ll no longer automatically remove feedback. 

Simple delivery.

Of course, I knew that.

Item returned used or damaged. By Whom?

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You're only looking at half the scenario there.

It's not just if the item is returned used or damaged though, the second part of that sentence mentions the seller deducting an amount from the refund.

If the seller (who presumably would be a business seller in those circumstances) makes a partial refund then eBay will no longer automatically remove feedback.