posted on June 28, 2011 08:01:49 AM new
Summertime brings out the worst in buyers.
I have a buyer purchased a piece of clothing from me. They sent me an email that claims that the item is a fake because there apparently is a misprint on the size tag. They included a photo of the misprint. I can clearly see the issue.
Here is where it gets odd... instead of asking to return it for a refund, they asked for a discount along with an explanation. Why would someone want a discount on an item they claim is fake?
I don't sell fakes, and when I went to check on all of my other items, none of them have this misprint. My experience with clothing is that misprints happen in batches, so this is quite odd. I took a photo of the remaining items showing there are no misprints and emailed the photo to him. I also explained that am totally baffled how one item has a misprint on a tag, especially if I haven't received the item back to see it for myself. I asked him to return the item for a full refund.
Now he emails me with this:
"Ok, I will just send the item to someone else to verify and then back to you. I am thinking you will pay for the return shipping... Like I said, you can clearly see in the pic I sent you and you just tell me nothing but that others are ok. I would like to get this taken care as easy as possible. I will return your item as soon as I receive a replacement. You already have all my contact info, so its not like I am trying to get over on you. You can see from the pic, exactly what I mean. I would love to do future business and loved the quick service..."
So, he is going to send it to someone else, and then send it to me... AFTER he receives a replacement???
I have sent all of my messages through eBay's system, while this guy sends me direct emails... never through eBay.
I have no issues standing behind my products and will gladly issue a refund, but I am really perplexed by the messages I have received so far. I sent him a response reiterating that I would gladly issue a refund, but also requested he return the item within 3 days.
I am really wondering if this is one of those "switcharoo" jobs... but I won't know unless I see the item myself.
Am I losing my mind, or is this riddled with red flags???
posted on June 28, 2011 02:31:24 PM new
He can easily get the email from Paypal.
I almost forgot to mention... his first email also included these two sentences:
"I would appreciate an explanation and possible discount. I may also forward this to EBay if necessary."
Sounds like someone who is walking the thin line of extortion, doesn't it?
It is pretty rare for me to have problems with buyers, especially considering how much I sell. I just share them here to get input when they do happen.
Most people are very happy with their products. Both of my accounts are Power Seller/TRS accounts with DSRs averaging 4.9-5.0. That doesn't just happen by accident... eBay would never let it. lol.
posted on June 28, 2011 03:32:17 PM new
How much is the item?
This is nothing new,they like the item but they want a discount.
They made up terms hard for you to comply so it forces you to give them a discount.
This case is kind of mild !
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on June 28, 2011 04:08:56 PM new
It is just under $50.
I no longer do partial refunds unless I made an error and offer it myself. This generally applies to someone that I may have shipped the wrong item or another problem that was within my control. It rarely happens, but I will make things right. A quality issue is not my fault, but I always offer exchanges. If I am out of the item or size, I will offer a full refund. It really isn't rocket science though it is odd, and almost obsessive about a small problem. The whole thing smells fishy.
posted on June 28, 2011 08:09:14 PM new
I've learned my lesson and do not give partial refunds. What? Why would the buyer want it if it's a fake? I also wouldn't refund or send a replacement unless I have the item back. Can you imagine walking in a store and asking for an exchange or refund without bringing the item you want to return? I'm just saying...
I'm a seller, but also buy my fair share of items on the internet. Most transactions go very well. When there is a problem I have no issues contacting the seller... but I am not one to drop a hint or threat of getting eBay or Amazon or anyone else involved.
I've done everything I can for this buyer to make it right. It is up to them if they want to make it any more difficult for themselves.
I think people jump to conclusions way to easily (I am guilty of it myself sometimes) and assume the worst.
Several months ago we sold an amazing pair of cowboy boots. When they arrived the buyer sent me an email claiming they were not as described. I asked them to return the boots to us with the labels still on them (as they were listed and shown in the photos) and I would issue a full refund. Their next step wasn't to return the item, but to open an INAD dispute claiming I was being difficult (because I required the labels to be on the item) and demanded that I issue an immediate refund. I called eBay, the CSR reviewed the messages and closed the dispute immediately because the buyer was clearly unreasonable.
During this period, I started checking their buying history for any red flags. What I discovered was very interesting. By the looks of her purchases (certain clothing, porn videos, etc), she was probably a stripper and used the boots for a performance. lol.
