posted on December 30, 2000 06:41:39 AM new
Now he wants a refund because it wasn't exactly what he expected. $10.00 item? No problem. $100.00 item? OK.
But this was an almost $800.00 item. I don't need to say that this really hurts. And even more so at this time of the year.
I had a pretty detailed description and at least 8 photos.
To me it's a clearcut case of buyer's remorse and I'll be damned if I'll refund his shipping $$ too. He gets his bid price back only.
posted on December 30, 2000 07:28:26 AM new
I don't get it. After the auction was over he wanted my phone number to ask some questions. Fine.
I could tell by his questions that he didn't carefully read and fully understand the description, so why would he even bid in the first place? Especially for a high amount like that.
And this bloke had the nerve to ask me to look for like items for him. Yeah, sure.
Sorry but I'm pi**ed.
posted on December 30, 2000 09:31:31 AM newWhy refund anyways?
Beyond the obvious ethical analysis, there's plenty of reasons why this makes sense.
1. Whenever the transaction starts heading off track, quickly reassuring buyer that the refund is available greatly reduces stress, and gets buyer to consider alternatives in a favorable context.
2. It wouldn't take much for buyer to break the thing and insist on a refund because it is broken.
3. Sellers with no-problem refund policies get higher bids (once they have some track record).
The ethical analysis (for me) goes something like this:
All the pictures and truthful text in the world cannot convey the exact description of the thing. In a real life store, buyer can see what she's buying. With mail order, she must rely on the description, and can be self-deceived if not misled. An ethical seller accepts responsibility not just for the accuracy of the description, but for the accuracy of the image created in buyer's mind.
posted on December 30, 2000 09:44:47 AM new
sg52 makes some excellent points.
Yes, you offer a refund policy because it's the right thing to do and it gives bidder confidence in you and your merchandise.
The only items I sell as-is (no returns) are for something that doesn't work (like an old radio) or something that is in less than great condition and advertised that way.
If a seller does his/her job he/she will seldom have to refund on an item. I think I've had to do only two or three refunds this year.
posted on December 30, 2000 09:47:22 AM new
Sorry to hear this one. It is a big, big hit.
Still, there are very few people here who will support you if don't refund, and certainly ebay won't back you up, even it is clearly not your fault. Nine times out of ten, it is just easier to return the money.
Have you seen the new USPS and UPS ads about instant return tags - "Now e-customers can return things faster than ever"? That is the mentality prevailing out there.
posted on December 30, 2000 09:47:38 AM new
I was in a similar situation last month for 750.00.The descrpition was very clear as to what the item was and that date.
It was even in the title that this was not an origional but a later rendition.
But the bidder ends up paying 750 for it.Pays for it etc then realises its not an origional.
So what do I do,its not my fault it was quite clear what it was.I refunded the total amount and called the deal off for the same reason that LOOSECANNON and sg52 mention.
I do not want a neg either and I do not run my business that way either.
If you are not happy you can get your money back for whatever the reason.
Though I do not state this in my descriptions that way it will not get abused by buyers.
As a result I get much repeat bidders.
So Loosecannon I understand its a pain but the way it goes.Its people like us that do keep the bidders keep coming back
posted on December 30, 2000 10:21:00 AM new
Ouch, LC! So sorry! Been there, done that...
I see no reason why you should have to refund shipping..it is that person's wish to return, not yours, obviously.
I once sold a piece of Moser for 1,200.00. Had been authanticated by Gary Baldwin, who writes the books on Moser and was interested in it, but did not make it back on time from a show to place bid.
Buyer returned it, saying it was a
"cheap piece of Venitian glass"...! And wanted to send it back COD, so I would pay shipping back from NY to Cal.........that part did not happen.
End of story, piece sold for far, far more, to a N.Y.. Auctioneer.. So, sometimes, these are blessings in disguise...
********************
...that part did not happen.
So, sometimes, these are blessings in disguise...