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How do you handle a buyer that states an item is broken and seller is trying to get their money back?

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How do you handle a buyer that states an item is broken and seller is trying to get their money back?
Nov 25, 2012 08:35 AM

A buyer has stated an item was broken upon receiving. I packed the item very well in bubble wrap, paper and box.. This was a durable plastic and I cannot believe this item would break even my husband could not believe it. When I offer for the buyer to send the item back, they e-mailed me and said they used duct tape and sealant to fix. Why would someone want to keep a fountain and duct tape it and seal it, instead of sending back for refund? I believe they are misusing ebay and trying to make their money back. What can I do?

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(1 of 3)
How do you handle a buyer that states an item is broken and seller is trying to get their money back?
Nov 25, 2012 08:35 AM

A buyer has stated an item was broken upon receiving. I packed the item very well in bubble wrap, paper and box.. This was a durable plastic and I cannot believe this item would break even my husband could not believe it. When I offer for the buyer to send the item back, they e-mailed me and said they used duct tape and sealant to fix. Why would someone want to keep a fountain and duct tape it and seal it, instead of sending back for refund? I believe they are misusing ebay and trying to make their money back. What can I do?

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(2 of 3)
Re: How do you handle a buyer that states an item is broken and seller is trying to get their money back?
Nov 25, 2012 08:56 AM

< What can I do? >

 

Well... don't do anything.  Apparently the buyer is going to keep the fountain.

 

 

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(3 of 3)
Re: How do you handle a buyer that states an item is broken and seller is trying to get their money back?
Nov 25, 2012 08:57 AM

Sounds like the item is expensive to ship back and rather than lose money to ship it back they chose to fix it and live with the repair they made. You would not have to accept it back if they repaired it. On the other hand if they repaired it then it means despite your good packing it was handled roughly and arrived broken. So the good packing wasn't good enough in this case.  I would ask for a picture of the repair or the damage and offer a partial refund upon receipt of the proof of damage.  You aren't obligated to do that but since eBay began to offer partial refunds for minor damage or missing parts the buyer may think he's entitled to a partial refund instead of sending it back. 

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