posted on January 11, 2002 12:57:50 PM new
Chargebacks are not automatically accepted by a credit card company (or PayPal). Your irate buyer can file one, but that doesn't mean you're automatically on the hook for the full amount...or anything at all. You'll be asked to respond to the complaint and that's when you have a chance to tell your side of the story.
That said, if somebody is mad enough and persistent enough, he or she can make your life a living hell by initiating a chargeback or suing you in small claims court or otherwise harassing you. Wise sellers know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em. Even if you are in the right 100% sometimes it doesn't pay to stand on principle.
I might add that in over 800 transactions, I think I've only been asked for a refund once, which I made immediately. It was a low-dollar amount (about $5 I think), and the first email from the buyer was so aggressive and rude that I knew it was easier to just send them the money rather than get in a p*ssing contest.
I don't specifically mention refunds one way or the other in my auctions, but I do have a statement about working with buyers to give them a satisfactory experience. That seems to cover it, without making any promises, and I've never had any complaints.
posted on January 11, 2002 01:25:31 PM new
The question is why the buyer is not satisfied. Was the item as described? I've had a couple of occasions where it was not (I sell collectibles, sometimes there are problems that I have missed) - On things like this, I would definitely refund.
If the item is as described, and the buyer changed their mind, then it is up to you. As for me, I offer an unconditional refund policy. However, if it is something that they just didn't want or expect, they I won't refund postage. If it is an error on my part, then I will refund postage.
posted on January 11, 2002 01:37:11 PM new
Most of the time the buyer is stuck unless fraud or deception is involved, which can be difficult to prove.
If a seller's listing says, "delicious cookies" and you taste it and the taste is awful, nothing the buyer can do because it involves opinion. On the otherhand, if the seller sends you brownies rather than cookies, obviously the seller is by law required to refund or deliver the right item as promised.
posted on January 11, 2002 09:01:43 PM new
the thing here is that i have noticed that ebay's billpoint will only allow you to use credit cards, i guess that with the reasoning that the cc will have to negotiate if there are problems leaving ebay off the hook. ebay's rules are that they can only refund if a cc chargeback has been denied, but they only accept claims that are not older than 60 days (as many of you know, in 60 days most cc wont make a decision on the chargeback), then again leaving ebay with no liabilities (all of ebay rules i think are there to create a sense of trust for the buyer, but i know that the buyer wont be protected by ebay).
another ebay rule is that the seller must be in good standing, then again if you are ripped off by a crook, he aint likely to be in good standing by the time a claim is filed.
i am just amazed at how easy it would be to rip off a bunch of people and get away with it.
i buy and sell on ebay all the time, i love ebay and i will continue using it.
posted on January 11, 2002 09:32:18 PM new
i think it is possible to rip people off in small amount on ebay,with large amount,buyer will use whatver means to pursue his case.
but i am not sure it is worth it,as ebay is a good place to sell .
there was a dealer from ARKNASAS a few years ago who sold jewelry for a few hundred dollars and he sold for 6 months up to xmas where he has his own website.
well,after zmas he skipped town,left the state with all the money ebayers sent him,is that a lot of money??is it really worth it??
he knows what he is doing on ebay,he would have done well just selling ,no need to skip town.
the jewelry he sold is semi precious and low quality precious stone rings,etc which he can source in wholesale district ,he can easily use the proceeds from ebay sales and buy more from wholesaler,no need to skip town and go into hiding,that was a few years ago- the good old days where almost everything gets bid (s).
posted on January 11, 2002 09:33:29 PM new
I believe that a lot of problems can be avoided by being very accurate with your item descriptions. I try to proint out all imperfections. I even sell some items as is and state it the first sentence of the description.
posted on January 12, 2002 10:53:59 AM new
Can't relate to the "refuse refund" problem because we accept returns for any reason up to 3 days after receipt. Only one return so far and this was made because of our error. Refunded in full and buyer subsequently gave superb feedback.
I treat buyers as I would want to be treated. Not recommended for everyone but sure works for us.
posted on January 12, 2002 01:50:58 PM new
I bought a pair of new men's sport shoes, size 9.5, on eBay. They didn't fit my husband, turned out they were ladies size 9.5.
I emailed the seller & he said send them back, I will take care of it. I did, & he refunded including postage both ways.
He later sold the shoes for more than I paid & recovered even more than he lost on the return postage.
More proof that doing "The Right Thing" usually pays off.
Treat your customers as you would like to be treated.
posted on January 12, 2002 06:32:38 PM new
I agree. Good Descriptions and pictures are what makes a good seller. Also your refund policy should be stated somewhere. I use the About Me page. Even if the seller requests no insurance I will send payment back if they are not satisfied. Insurance has no bearing on how you describe your item.
Good Luck
