Buyer wishes to return an expensive collected item via post through return request

[mitchiemasha]

Buyer collected an expensive item and has left + feedback. It's a synth keyboard, quite heavy and large. Now they claim defect and have opened a return request. I was very strict about collection only as if any issues did arise, a return would be easy. They want to post the item and made no contact about an issue prior. The item was fully tested, I used it regularly before sale, so they've liekyl swapped out parts... i'm not fussed about that. More so actually getting my item back.

I'd seriously apreciate any info, this is my highest value transaction on ebay, just under £1000.

[red_magpie]

I have eventually found the keyboard in your sales history, so we know it was sold on 21 June. We still don't know how the buyer paid for it. When asking questions here, do PLEASE provide this basic information.

In short, if the buyer paid by cash on collection, end of story. EBay's money back guarantee only applies if they paid by paypal.

If they paid by paypal, and collected it in person (no courier) it's still covered by eBay's 30 day MBG. They will almost certainly win if they open a case (eBay takes the buyer's word for faults). The item would have to be returned by post or courier to obtain proof of delivery.

What isn't clear from eBay's money back guarantee policy page is who pays for the return. When an item was delivered, the seller is required to send a prepaid return label. The same will probably apply even if the item is collected, which seems a bit unfair on the seller. After all, if you buy an item from a shop, you're expected to return it yourself if it's faulty. But as eBay won't accept return in person as proof of delivery, my guess is that they will make the seller responsible for the cost. If you get the item back with parts missing, join the club - sellers regularly complain that buyers have cannibalised items for spares, or even switched the item for another one.