Should I find this rude?

[slj84]

So I sold something on eBay. Because I was sick with the flu, and got a few days behind on shipping (I was 4 days late) I even sent the seller a shipping refund with the apology of being so late on shipping.

Instead of contacting me directly to tell me they were not happy with the item (which the complaint can be seen in the picture).  They automatically opened a case against me. Too boot my listing also states I accept returns.

Does anyone else find this really rude for a buyer to open a case before even contacting the seller to work out the issue?

[MikeysGrrrl]

I do feel that it's rude to do so, however is it possible that they selected the option to contact you because they were unhappy and ebay auto opened a case? I've heard other members say that has happened to them.

In any event, whatever the reason, I'm sorry that this happened I hope this gets resolved for you soon

[slj84]

The buyers not being rude in their messages.  I just thought they jumped the gun a bit as I'm happy to issue a full refund upon the return because they felt I didn't describe it accurately. I also offered a partial refund so we will see what they decide.  It was only a $10 item so it's not worth the hassle of fighting over it.

I was really sick with the flu when I listed it so maybe I did miss stuff. Ehh it's eBay at least they paid!  I've had a horrid time with non payers.

[Sunshine]

Something my mother shipped (well, I shipped for her) arrived damaged to her buyer... they didn't even contact her - they opened a case against her for it without a message or anything. Oddly enough, they were completely nice during the case-messages back and forth and not at all rude... maybe some people just... really think that's the best way to do it because that is how eBay is set up? Maybe they're a bit afraid of... "message to message" confrontation?

That's my only guess... I don't know why people open cases immediately. - in short though, yes, I do think it is kinda rude... Not wrong, but... yeah.

[bluerose9978]

Actually, eBay has a new policy where if you contact a buyer, a case is immediately opened if you choose any option other than "other." So in short, I would not consider it rude. I would only consider it rude if they didn't communicate and were impolite and demanding.

[tulagirl]

I also wanted to add that a lot of buyers don't understand that you don't do things like this.  Ebay has failed to explain the system and how it works.  A lot of buyers have no idea the problems they cause sellers by doing this.  Ebay has made it so easy for a buyer to get their money back that its not a fair system anymore.  When buyers don't understand how this affects a seller, can so easily open a case without even knowing it, don't have any buying etiquette this is what we all get.  I would try to be nice and explain to them the proper way to handle a problem in addition to pointing out the photos.  Sadly, you have to state what is wrong with something, not just provide a photo.  Ebay will side with the buyer most likely, if all you had was a photo with problem.  I know it is irritating, but its not a fair system for sellers.

[Ringlets]

I do feel that it's rude to do so, however is it possible that they selected the option to contact you because they were unhappy and ebay auto opened a case? I've heard other members say that has happened to them.

This is what I think too. Its always best to try and work things out with the seller if you're unhappy- before opening a case- but a lot of buyers dont understand how ebay works these days and can easily open a case by mistake. If the person is being polite in thier messages ,then thats probably what happened.

The buyers not being rude in their messages.  I just thought they jumped the gun a bit as I'm happy to issue a full refund upon the return because they felt I didn't describe it accurately. I also offered a partial refund so we will see what they decide.  It was only a $10 item so it's not worth the hassle of fighting over it.

You've handled it well and done everything you can to work things out with your buyer , so dont worry about it. Even if you did make a mistake or miss something (not saying that you did, but everyone accidently makes  mistakes at one time or another), there is no need for your buyer to get upset or to be worried since you've already offered a few solutions and the case should be closed soon without any bad feedback or hassle

[lovesbabysquirmy]

*pony hugs*

[Stormy31685]

I feel it is very rude.  However, most sellers on eBay anymore are big companies, so eBay seems to have gone with the more formal approach and now buyers just open cases when they are dissatisfied.

It saddens me that we have zoomed so far past the good old days of smiling faces and human interaction.

Welcome to corporate he11...

[Baby Mischief]

Actually, eBay has a new policy where if you contact a buyer, a case is immediately opened if you choose any option other than "other." So in short, I would not consider it rude. I would only consider it rude if they didn't communicate and were impolite and demanding.

This. Once I was going to ask a seller about when she had shipped my item and I discovered a case was opened against her when I sent my message. And I was just asking her a question! So now I always choose "other" when communicating with sellers, but Im not sure all buyers are aware of this.. I know I wasnt..