posted on February 5, 2001 10:21:22 PM new
Let's say you've sold a pair of kid's shoes. Size 13. Mom wins the bid, you send her the shoes, and they don't fit her kid.
Her problem, or mine? (totally hypothetical situation, just trying to decide if my "all sales are final" rule would apply in this case).
I make exceptions for (what I would call) reasonable situations, but this past month, someone is returning an item to me because she simply "didn't like it". I didn't put up a fuss (didn't have "all sales final" on my auction page at that time) but it's really irritating me that she *expected* a refund (I am not refunding shipping either way since my auction stated all information correctly).
She DID ask me questions before the auction ended, and then used BIN to purchase the item. Never once was a "return policy" discussed. She receives the item and then decides it's not "big enough" for her. My auction page described the item VERY well, I even re-measured it for her for email and gave her every small detail I could think of.
I hate to have "All Sales Final" on my auction page, but if I don't state it, then where do I draw the line when someone wants to return something "just because" they feel like it?
I have enough paperwork and money involved without all this backtracking and refunding (of course, this is the first refund I've been asked to give in probably the past year.... so I'm probably just irritated and overreacting! LOL But, it feels good to get it out of my system!! LOL)
posted on February 5, 2001 10:44:06 PM new
If you are against returns, maybe you shouldn't be selling clothing. It's really difficult to tell from an auction description whether a piece of clothing is going to fit.
Also, people who would buy used clothing on eBay (or anywhere else) have got to be a little goofy to begin with, so you're going to have some problem buyers. It goes with the territory.
posted on February 5, 2001 10:53:07 PM new
to clarify...
None of the clothing I sell is used. I've never had anyone request a refund because an item hasn't fit... just wondering how I would handle the situation if it were to arise. I once ordered a new shirt from ebay and it didn't fit. I didn't think once about asking for a refund... figured that was the chance I took ordering it off the auction site.
And, the item I the lady is returning is not a clothing item. (Sorry, I know I made that really confusing). It was a purse. Brand new, with tags, perfect condition. She asked for dimensions (which were on the page), what would/could fit. I was blatantly honest about the size, and what it could hold.
She then emails me saying it's not good for long trips. Well, duh! LOL I specifically told her it was good for short trips, and would hold the basic necessities... not a ton of "extras".
Hopefully I've cleared that up a little bit. Thanks!
posted on February 5, 2001 11:06:13 PM new
My return policy is stated in all my auctions. I give full refunds including shipping both ways if the item in question was not as described (for example if the buyer gets their book & discovers a page missing that I didn't notice when writing the description, or if I goof up and send the wrong item). I clearly state that I will accept returns for any other reason but that shipping will be at the customer's expense.
My policy applies to all merchandise, including clothes. (I don't sell too many clothing items anyway.) But they know it before they bid, so there are no surprises later.
If I were dealing with your customer I'd grit my teeth and refund her, minus shipping, but that is my policy. It's your call how to deal with her since your policy wasn't so clearly stated in the auction. Either way, how annoying!
BTW, I've never once had anyone want to return anything. I know I will sooner or later, but it hasn't happened yet.
posted on February 5, 2001 11:18:36 PM new
I agree with CARgrl
If its not a big deal, just accept it less shhipping.
I've had this happen to me only once. I sold quite a lot of vintage clothes & bags on ebay last year.
The woman was rude & I just swallowed it all up as i had a satisfaction guaranteed policy. She said it didnt fit her.
Anyhow she returned the fur coat to me smelling of smoke.
I just counted it as a loss..Ohh well, she was just one unhappy customers out of 100s Ive had...
By the way, I dont believe that ALL PEOPLE WHO buy USE clothing on eBay or anywhwhere else as the person about said are "a liitle goofy."
I've sold lots of used clothing in the past & have had very classy people who had bid & won my USED clothing items . And paid 100s for these clothes!I sell used high end designer items so my market is different.
Anyhow,, you shld check out this one seller on eBay & she sells mostly USED DESIGNER CLOTHES (very high end)..ANyhow, I love her auctions & LOVE watching the stuff she sells out of her closet...LAST DEcember alone she sold over $40,000 on her USED clothing auctions on eBAy.
I wouldn't mind having all those "goofy" people bidding on my auctions!
Thanks!