Buyer Bought Bait Ponies & Wants a Refund

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Sorry to sound like a jerk but given that they waited a month before even inspecting the package,  I would string them along with reiterating Ebay policy and stand strong as long as possible to avoid the return unless they paid by CC and you're sure to lose the money.  Also, that's what reading the description is for. 

I would call Ebay immediately and see what they can do to get the notes correct for your side of the case.   

Thanks for warning us about this buyer though! 

[Cinnabar]

I agree with lovesbabysquirmy  that  it might be worth giving ebay a call. Especially to see if you can get the defect removed that this return is going to create on your account. 

[LadyMoondancer]

I've heard that on eBay's mobile app the item descriptions don't show up. I don't know if that's true . . . If so, it seems stupid.

Anyway, adding that buyer to my blocked bidder list.

[jrr74]

Like others have said, definitely contact eBay.  Your ad clearly point out the flaws in these ponies.  You have nothing to lose, only gain.  I am sorry your score is tarnished at this time.  This probably won't make any difference to you, but If I really like an item, a few bad reviews is not going to deter me from bidding for the very reason you stated-buyer error.  Good luck with your outcome.

Post Merge: December 28, 2015, 09:51:55 AM

The other thing that I have seen sellers do is reply to the negative feedback.  So if people do go so far as to read the negative reviews, you can put in your two cents.

[lunar_scythe]

I would say buyer remorse, too; they were the first bidder, so even if they bid again last second, I don't think they have any excuse for not reading the description!

I've heard that on eBay's mobile app the item descriptions don't show up. I don't know if that's true . . . If so, it seems stupid.

Anyway, adding that buyer to my blocked bidder list.

There's a listing for 'Item Description', and when you tap it, you see the full description.  I guess people were complaining about how some of the html ones were running up their data use or something like that?

[LittleSpiffy]

Sorry to sound like a jerk but given that they waited a month before even inspecting the package,  I would string them along with reiterating Ebay policy and stand strong as long as possible to avoid the return unless they paid by CC and you're sure to lose the money.  Also, that's what reading the description is for. 

I would call Ebay immediately and see what they can do to get the notes correct for your side of the case.   

Thanks for warning us about this buyer though! 

Theory:
I did a little bit of internet sleuthing earlier and I believe that I am dealing with the daughter of the actual account owner.  The name I shipped to was different from the registered account name.  Also, they don't normally buy ponies.  Their feedback history shows transactions from 6+ months ago and then suddenly three transactions (including mine) recently.  Selling history is from over a year ago includes electronics and a few articles of women's clothing.  Just a theory.

I'm not worried about the defect rate.  I'm basing everything on the new metrics that are being implemented in February.  I don't see that this would count against me.

I already agreed to issue a refund as long as they send the ponies back.  eBay, at this point, isn't able to do much.  If I had refused to issue a refund in the first place and waited for eBay to step in, then I could have explained my side to an eBay rep. 

I just wanted to share this transaction with everyone in case you want to add the buyer to your Blocked Bidders list.


Post Merge: December 28, 2015, 03:33:24 PM

I did end up calling eBay just to get some clarification on the return policy.  I was wondering why was this person allowed to file a claim after my 14 day return period?

Apparently there's an option under return settings where I can automatically approve returns under $750.  The default option is to have this turned on, which it was.  The rep helped me turn it off.

https://www.ebay.com/rtn/Return/SellerRules?null

Post Merge: December 28, 2015, 03:35:35 PM

Oh, and the rep also stated that they are investigating this as it is obviously buyer's remorse and the item was as described.  I didn't even have to ask - apparently they do that automatically?  Or...maybe she submitted the request for me?  At any rate, I feel better about eBay's policies at the moment

[bluerose9978]

I'm so glad eBay is helping you out! I find that calling them is always the best option! And good to know about the default option. Going to find it and turn it off!

[Snapdragon]

Good for eBay! I can understand not understanding what "bait" means, but I opened that picture, and YIKES! I think it was a case of not reading the description/looking closely enough at the photo! Sorry you have to deal with this!

[Ringlets]

I'm really glad that you called ebay and they are being helpful . That is what I would have suggested too. This buyer is being ridiculous waiting for so long before opening the parcel -then complaining about something that is clearly listed as well as pictured
Please let us know how it goes. I hope that ebay doesn't let this buyer get away with it

[Leave a Whisper]

Glad to hear it

[LittleSpiffy]

I am so confused by eBay's return set up.  On one page it says that the buyer has been informed to send the ponies back to me by Jan 5th. 

On another page it's telling me I must send the buyer a label by 12/31.

On my listing it's saying buyer pays return shipping.

In an email eBay sent me it tells me that the seller pays return shipping.

I am just going to sit back and let the automatic process take place.  I mean, I was told by the eBay rep they were looking into it.  Worse case scenario is that I'm charged $2.35 and have to call eBay again.

[kitkatvintage]

Post Merge: December 28, 2015, 03:33:24 PM

I did end up calling eBay just to get some clarification on the return policy.  I was wondering why was this person allowed to file a claim after my 14 day return period?

Apparently there's an option under return settings where I can automatically approve returns under $750.  The default option is to have this turned on, which it was.  The rep helped me turn it off.

https://www.ebay.com/rtn/Return/SellerRules?null

Post Merge: December 28, 2015, 03:35:35 PM

Thank you so much for sharing this info about the default returns setting!! I recently had a buyer that initiated a return (non-pony) on an item received a month ago. The buyer eventually dropped the case before eBay stepped in to decide (there were lots of shady details in their communication). I just went to the return settings page and set my returns for items $0.01 or less. I figure if it's going to be a default setting, maybe the best thing to do would be set it as low as possible rather than take a chance on forgetting to turn it off each time, lol. Again, thank you so much for sharing this!!

I hope this buyer mess gets resolved as painlessly as possible.

[ClosetAvalanche]

I'm dealing with this right now. Buyer purchased items then proceeds to list all the faults that were described and shown in photos. Plus the items is no longer in her hands, given as a gift. If it was so bad, why did she gift it. I have no idea what's happened to the pony since leaving her hands.

[Shadoweon]

I am guessing the buyer wasn't a collector and didn't know what 'bait' meant but you were clear about the condition. It's really not your fault at all.

[Ringlets]

I'm dealing with this right now. Buyer purchased items then proceeds to list all the faults that were described and shown in photos. Plus the items is no longer in her hands, given as a gift. If it was so bad, why did she gift it. I have no idea what's happened to the pony since leaving her hands.

Is the buyer asking for a refund? how long ago did they buy your pony?  have they left you feedback? this sounds like a very dodgy buyer