Buying and Selling on eBay: Tips, Tricks, Problems & Questions

Brianpore · Aug 1, 2012

barrelntrigger said:
Quote: "Good condition but sold as is, where is." hence you need to come take it apart.

ledude said:

Hi, all. I've just been directed here from the Thrift Bragging thread. I have an issue with an eBay customer, and I'd like some advice from those who have been around the block, if you don't mind.

I sold a pair of thrifted shoes, stamped size 9E. Shipped, received, fine. I get a message in my eBay inbox today saying that the condition is satisfactory and as advertised, and that the shoe does indeed bear a stamp saying size 9E, but that the owner owns several similar shoes and these ones are too small and too narrow. They're not 9E, he says, even though that's how they're marked.

How shall I handle this? Shall I ask for a return** and then refund the money? Can/should I say tough tacos, dude, you should've asked for measurements before bidding if you were unsure about size variation? Shall I ask him to take pictures of the shoes next to the ones he's comparing them to, in order to verify that this isn't just buyer's remorse with an excuse tacked on? The guy has a 150+ rating at 100%, if that matters.

Thanks, all, I'm fairly new to this game and I want to handle this well -- I don't want to screw with customer goodwill but I don't want to screw myself over, either.

**My return policy on the listing is this:

After receiving the item, contact seller within

Refund will be given as

Return shipping
14 days

Money back

Buyer pays return shipping

Return policy details
I am confident that the quality of this item is as described, but if after winning the item you feel that it has been truly misrepresented, please contact me so we can resolve the situation. I do my best to point out any flaws in words or in photos, but this item is used and is not guaranteed to otherwise be in pristine condition — in other words, I may miss something even though I do look very closely. I will be happy to reply to any questions, but please ask before bidding. I can't accept returns solely because the item turned out to be the wrong size.

Click to expand...

I would accept a return, with the understanding (make sure he agrees) that you are not going to refund the shipping portion. You should really include this along with a restocking fee in your "return policy details". Something like; Original shipping is not refunded as this is a fixed cost. Restocking fee of 15%.

HansderHund · Aug 1, 2012

ledude said:
Hi, all. I've just been directed here from the Thrift Bragging thread. I have an issue with an eBay customer, and I'd like some advice from those who have been around the block, if you don't mind.

I sold a pair of thrifted shoes, stamped size 9E. Shipped, received, fine. I get a message in my eBay inbox today saying that the condition is satisfactory and as advertised, and that the shoe does indeed bear a stamp saying size 9E, but that the owner owns several similar shoes and these ones are too small and too narrow. They're not 9E, he says, even though that's how they're marked.

How shall I handle this? Shall I ask for a return** and then refund the money? Can/should I say tough tacos, dude, you should've asked for measurements before bidding if you were unsure about size variation? Shall I ask him to take pictures of the shoes next to the ones he's comparing them to, in order to verify that this isn't just buyer's remorse with an excuse tacked on? The guy has a 150+ rating at 100%, if that matters.

Thanks, all, I'm fairly new to this game and I want to handle this well -- I don't want to screw with customer goodwill but I don't want to screw myself over, either.

**My return policy on the listing is this:

[TR]
After receiving the item, contact seller within

Refund will be given as

Return shipping
[/TR] [TR]
14 days

Money back

Buyer pays return shipping
[/TR]
[TR]
Return policy details
[/TR] [TR] I am confident that the quality of this item is as described, but if after winning the item you feel that it has been truly misrepresented, please contact me so we can resolve the situation. I do my best to point out any flaws in words or in photos, but this item is used and is not guaranteed to otherwise be in pristine condition — in other words, I may miss something even though I do look very closely. I will be happy to reply to any questions, but please ask before bidding. I can't accept returns solely because the item turned out to be the wrong size. [/TR]

bytor13 said:
I'm fairly new to eBay myself . . . with that said, here's my thoughts: I'd guess he's just not familiar with this particular brand/last and messed up on what his size should be. Since you offer returns, I'd suggest you just take them back. At least that seems the best possible outcome for all involved. Just make sure you receive the item back (w/ tracking along the way) BEFORE you refund his money. IF you want to fight it, however, he doesn't particularly have a leg to stand on, as I see it. Comparing a 9E in one brand to another (or often within one brand) is often meaningless. He stated that the item was as described and didn't ask you for measurements prior to purchase, so he just needs to suck it up. That being said, I'd still let him return them.

I'll agree with this stance. When I buy things on eBay, I know I'm not buying it from a department store. Therefore, if I mess up sizing, it's on me. However, that's not the case with most people out there and unfortunately it's part of the deal when you sell. He's being honest with you, which is refreshing I have to say, so that also lends him some credibility. Are you going to be able to resell them? I would say something like this: I'm sorry they didn't work out for you as they are great shoes. It's important to know shoe sizes as they can vary within a brand. My policy is that I don't accept returns for sizing issues, but I'd like to be fair with you. I can refund you XX% (100%- whatever fees you have) upon return of the shoes. That way my fees are covered for the transaction. I shoot for customer satisfaction under the idea that it breeds a better eBay. It keeps people buying on eBay and a larger market is better for sellers, no matter what the product is. I'm also more likely to reward honesty as it's a lot better to hear than the mysterious complains that often seem concocted (though these are few and far between). Edited to add that Brian was faster and easier with his response.

VLSI · Aug 1, 2012

Do you get FV fees refunded for returns?

Brianpore · Aug 1, 2012

VLSI said:
Do you get FV fees refunded for returns?

Yes, you need to open a "cancel transaction" and list it under "buyer returning item" The buyer has 7? (I didnt go back to check, from memory) days to respond and either agree or not agree to cancel the transaction. If he does not respond, after 7? days you can close the case and get the fees back. I have had issues where a stupid buyer declined to cancel the transaction for whatever stupid reason and if you call ebay, explain the situation (in this case the item was returned, heres the tracking info, etc etc) they will manually refund you the FV fee no problem.

capnwes · Aug 1, 2012

Brianpore said:
Yes, you need to open a "cancel transaction" and list it under "buyer returning item" The buyer has 7? (I didnt go back to check, from memory) days to respond and either agree or not agree to cancel the transaction. If he does not respond, after 7? days you can close the case and get the fees back. I have had issues where a stupid buyer declined to cancel the transaction for whatever stupid reason and if you call ebay, explain the situation (in this case the item was returned, heres the tracking info, etc etc) they will manually refund you the FV fee no problem.

+1

chiron · Aug 1, 2012

VLSI said:
Fold them. Put them in one of these.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GHUI8A
Pants will pretty much never be under 13oz though

Also just got this message when trying to relist a tie.

Thanks...

I also got that message trying to list a Boss tie.

chiron · Aug 1, 2012

Brianpore said:
I use USPS Legal Flat Rate Envelopes https://store.usps.com/LegalFlatRateEnvelope

Always the same price, no issue with weight and you can usually get 2 pair in if you REALLY need to.

WOW... Thank you so much!!!

I have been playing pant origami for days... (no pun intended)

ruben · Aug 1, 2012

I've had problems shipping to Brazil and Thailand via USPS first class.

Does ebay's new price+shipping guarantee override all other factors?

My situation:
-Sold a couple items to a guy, he wants to return (nothing wrong with them just changed mind).
-I agree to a return as per my return policy (buyer eats original shipping and pays return shipping if no problems with the item).
-Item comes back fine, I refund the original purchase price.
-buyer complains about not getting return shipping refunded, I explain the situation.
-buyer now claims that when he bid the item was listed as "free shipping" so I should refund him for this anyways. It was certainly not listed as such, and doesn't show any free shipping whn looking at the archive listing.
-I call ebay, the guy is very helpful, he checks, says there's no free shipping listed and that if the buyer thinks there was that he needs to contact ebay, I've done all I need to do.
-Buyer opens a case, ebay holds funds from my paypal, we both present our cases (i cite my conversation and give the reference #)
-ebay then tells me they've found in my favor, but refund the guy the rest anyways.

HansderHund · Aug 2, 2012

ruben said:
I've had problems shipping to Brazil and Thailand via USPS first class.
Does ebay's new price+shipping guarantee override all other factors?
My situation:
-Sold a couple items to a guy, he wants to return (nothing wrong with them just changed mind).
-I agree to a return as per my return policy (buyer eats original shipping and pays return shipping if no problems with the item).
-Item comes back fine, I refund the original purchase price.
-buyer complains about not getting return shipping refunded, I explain the situation.
-buyer now claims that when he bid the item was listed as "free shipping" so I should refund him for this anyways. It was certainly not listed as such, and doesn't show any free shipping whn looking at the archive listing.
-I call ebay, the guy is very helpful, he checks, says there's no free shipping listed and that if the buyer thinks there was that he needs to contact ebay, I've done all I need to do.
-Buyer opens a case, ebay holds funds from my paypal, we both present our cases (i cite my conversation and give the reference #)
-ebay then tells me they've found in my favor, but refund the guy the rest anyways.

So eBay found in your favor, but they refunded him the full amount, including shipping both ways?

rs232 · Aug 2, 2012

^ About 1 in 10 paypal transactions turn out bad for me. Simply because everyone knows that you can sometimes get away with this behaviour, it tends to attract chiselling, etc. And half of all disputes are made exceptionally painful by paypal even after both parties come to an agreement (funds frozen for certain time periods, etc, "you must responds within 24 hrs or we will rule in the other party's favour...).

As an incentive, I generally offer free shipping if paying by methods other than paypal, and require insurance and tracking on all paypal transactions, to insure against the stress and waste of time of dealing with paypal. Note that you can't specify the "free shipping" option in the listing parameters if you do this, only in the title and description of your listing.

For non-US users of Ebay, if you can accept USD payments, all the bells and whistles on the listing parameters are generally cheaper (eg scheduled start times are $0.10 USD on ebay.com, but $0.40 on ebay.com.au, and these currencies are currently at parity)

Also, you can't ship shoes to Greece and Italy.

SpooPoker · Aug 2, 2012

Someone I bought something from in the Netherlands told me that they don't release the funds in their account until feedback is left, or something like that - is that true? I paid instantly, he shipped the item, I received it, and then he told me to leave him feedback so they can release the funds...

HansderHund · Aug 2, 2012

SpooPoker said:
Someone I bought something from in the Netherlands told me that they don't release the funds in their account until feedback is left, or something like that - is that true? I paid instantly, he shipped the item, I received it, and then he told me to leave him feedback so they can release the funds...

It's possible for newer users or users that haven't been active in awhile. When you sell certain brands, they put caps and restrictions on you. eBay/PayPal wants to make sure you're selling legit items and relies on feedback to prove that you're not scamming. However, if you don't leave feedback, he'll still get the money eventually. I think the first transactions take a few weeks to get the money, much sooner if you leave feedback.

capnwes · Aug 2, 2012

rs232 said:
Also, you can't ship shoes to Greece and Italy.

+1, No footwear, as well as anything made of leather, or that was sewn. Basically everything in my store. It's really o.k. with me, as the packages have a habit of disappearing in Italy anyway.

Jettison · Aug 2, 2012

SpooPoker said:
Someone I bought something from in the Netherlands told me that they don't release the funds in their account until feedback is left, or something like that - is that true? I paid instantly, he shipped the item, I received it, and then he told me to leave him feedback so they can release the funds...

True, if Paypal decrees your account can't be trusted. This has just happened to me.

Paypal will hold the funds for 21 days, unless feedback is received, on any ebay sales. I'm not in immediate need of the money, but for someone with cashflow issues it would be an absolute nightmare.

They don't state the exact reason why, but it's clearly because I've had a recent upswing in the amount of stuff listed, and prices too. (But we're still only talking 70 items, max price of £75).

Jettison · Aug 2, 2012

capnwes said:
+1, No footwear, as well as anything made of leather, or that was sewn. Basically everything in my store. It's really o.k. with me, as the packages have a habit of disappearing in Italy anyway.

Huh, I've recently sent both a suit and tie to Italy with no problems.

Is this only for those outside of the EU? I'd imagine it would constitute a barrier to free movement of goods and thus be outlawed within the EU.

Buying and Selling on eBay: Tips, Tricks, Problems & Questions

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