Sold a game on eBay that arrived damaged, advice?

M0RGAN on 11/11/2015 - 21:10
Last edited 11/11/2015 - 22:58

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I recently sold a game on eBay that arrived with damage to the case and despite the game working, the buyer is threatening to leave negative feedback because it wasn't padded. I've sent games this way for years and this is the first time this has happened. I sent her a politely worded reply pointing out that:

  1. It was sold used with free regular postage, not a padded satchel (which I would have been happy to include on request)
  2. Significant force must have been applied to cause the damage she described, and a little padding is unlikely to have made a difference
  3. Australia Post has guarantees regarding damaged post… I've made claims before
  4. eBay policy is very strict regarding the use of negative feedback (usually reserved for scams, items not delivered, falsely advertised etc.)

She hasn't replied yet, but any advice on what I should do?

EDIT: Good news, she agreed with my points and decided not leave negative feedback. I guess I'll just have to advertise optional padded satchel postage in the future.

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Comments

  • nocure on 11/11/2015 - 21:20
    +1

    despite the game working

    If you have that⬆ in writing from the buyer and with the game being sold as used, I wouldn't worry.

    USED.An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.

    • scrimshaw on 11/11/2015 - 21:57

      But it says:

      Please see the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.

      So unless OP has gazed into the future and predicted that the game will arrive with a broken box, it's not possible for him to have mentioned the condition of the item during the auction.

      The official word from ebay is this:

      Remember, the seller is responsible for the item until it's in the buyer's possession. eBay Money Back Guarantee protects buyers if items arrive damaged, and sellers should consider insuring their items to protect themselves against damage or loss.

      In any case if the item works as intended and the game is readable in a console / PC then I don't see why the buyer has to make a fuss.

      If they threaten to leave a -ve feedback, you have a couple of options

      a) attempt to negotiate, but do not emphasize that it is the buyer's fault for not paying padded postage. It'll only make them mad and they will neg you in revenge. Requires good persuasion skills.

      b) [BRIBE] them with a partial refund of a couple of bucks. This is the option with the highest success

      c) Or…. you can do nothing and cop the neg feedback. eBay is on the buyer's side.

  • nebula9 on 11/11/2015 - 23:10
    +1

    Note: I misread the original post and thought you were the buyer, not the seller. I'll leave the comment as is as I guess it offers some insight from the buyers perspective. I'd recommend offering a partial refund and using padded bags in future - they're crazy cheap (~25c).

    Original Comment:

    Contact the seller, and if you don't get the response you want then take it to eBay support.

    I think it's unreasonable to receive a game with a smashed in case.

    Only leave negative feedback if you have a bad experience when contacting the seller. It's really not his fault that AusPost dropped the ball on this.

  • sparkles on 11/11/2015 - 23:37
    +1

    Out of interest, can you PM me their user name? As a seller I recently had a similar thing happen with allegation of damage to a well packed game and demand of full refund. You know when your gut says you're being duped? It's like a well-oiled machine, it's as if they know the things to say in order to dud you.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/11/2015 - 09:50

      While most buyers are trustworthy, I too have noticed a growing trend for buyers to make small "claims" regarding items bought… and in the fear of negative feedback I'll usually offer a small refund even though I'm certain these people are cheating me.

      To give some examples, phone sold, buyer claims battery doesn't hold charge (I know this isn't the case), gameboy sold, buyer claims left shoulder button doesn't work (once again, unit has been thoroughly tested) even though I'm certain these people are abusing the system, as a seller, you don't have many safeguards…. you either hold your ground and have negative feedback on your account or offer a partial refund, both instances you lose.

      • fenetic on 12/11/2015 - 13:39
        +1

        which is why I've stopped selling on eBay.

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