Unscrupulous ebay buyers


Beware if you sell on ebay. I’m probably stating something most already know, but anyhow, I listed a brand new cartridge there which was bought and shipped on time. Buyer receives It, opens it and installs it. He proceeds to play his records. He then messages me that the cartridge has muddy bass and poor channel separation. I advise him to check all alignment parameters, but he insists cartridge is defective, I highly doubt it. I do not accept returns as stated in the listing. He proceeds to pack it up, taking a photo, and states "on the way!"...I again told him that I do not accept returns for a cartridge that is now used...also said that just because you bought something you have never listened to and you are displeased with its sound or performance, does not give him the right to demand I accept a return. I reported him to ebay, as in my opinion he is pulling a fast one. He could very likely have damaged it while installing it. It was brand new pristine condition upon shipping it. I am standing my ground and will not accept a return. If it shows up at my door, too bad. At this point, I can care less if I receive negative feedback, it would be my first. Worse buyer I’ve encountered in 20 years of selling. Man I hate ebay. Honestly, to me it sounds like buyer remorse, not a defective cartridge, plus I am not the manufacturer....he can pound sand.

128x128audioguy85

The Buyer Protection is the precedent over all sellers wants.

The only safeguard for the Seller is a Bank Transfer or Cash on Collection Payment.

I only sell using this as the Payment Method, a buyer takes a longer time to come forward but I have never not sold.

What I don't do is encourage is the mis-use of the Buyer Protection Scheme that can be put in place.

The methods for a certain type of Buyer to create a mis-use seemingly grows daily.

I suspect from drawing on known of experiences others have had to endure, that your Cart' sent,  is not the one being returned, and the Buyer will be remunerated for their efforts along the way.

Ebay has a lot to answer for with this as the too regularly seen outcome of their Protection methods. 

The Protection Period strangely, covers period that will enable a Holiday or Refurbishment to take place, the method almost works as a Free Hire Period, or Free Parts Donor Model for a Buyer.

Only a Bank Transfer or Cash on Collection will protect the seller from such a intention for their goods.   

Years ago a friend of mine shipped a VCR on Ebay.  The buyer took pictures of a box with a brick in it.  Said he was ripped off by the seller.  Guess who got screwed? 

I never sell big $$ items on Ebay.  As an added negative their fees are just to crazy high anyway.

Another wise thing to do is that when you sell an item Google the address.  There are certain Hub addresses that scammers use.  I am not sure if they are psuedo PO boxes or what.  See here for one such explanation... 

 

 audioguy85, it would behoove to check out eBay's return policy for buyers. Reasons for return include "didn't like it", "changed my mind" and "found a cheaper price" among others. Doesn't matter how many times you say NO RETURNS, they can return it anyway. I have 2000+ transactions and experienced your situation more than once. I have received returns of VG albums where I shipped a near mint one, I now 'mark' my product for identification purposes. eBay doesn't care. There is a way to amend the value of the returned item, you may possibly recoup some of your loss. However, you agree to these terms to be able to sell there. They do expect sellers to be a business, I was told "like Target or Walmart". Stop fighting it, it's a losing cause. I accept their policies for the ability to sell to their world-wide audience. Put on a nice relaxing LP, pour a libation and let it go. That will be the end result anyway. AB    

Well, this has come to a close. The buyer opened a case today, and Ebay took very little time to review it. They decided to close the case and issue the buyer a full refund. However, I was not impacted whatsoever, as no money was removed from my account and I got the cartridge back. So, in essence I keep the money and can relist the cartridge, albeit as slightly used.