Facebook Marketplace Buyer Requesting Refund for 'Undisclosed Scratches and Scuffs' on Used E-Bike

Hi All

I recently sold an e‑bike on Facebook Marketplace. It was described as used but in good condition.

Before inspecting the bike, the buyer asked if it had any marks or dents. I replied, “No, the bike has been well looked after,” based on my own inspection, I didn’t notice any significant marks, and certainty no dents. The buyer came that evening, inspected the bike under bright garage lights, took it for a test ride, and paid cash.

The next evening, he messaged saying the bike has “a lot of scratches and scuff marks I didn’t disclose” and wants to return it for a refund. When I asked why this wasn’t raised during inspection, he said it was too dark to see everything (even though the bike was well lit). He had requested the evening inspection time.

I know private sales aren’t covered by the Australian Consumer Law, so I’m not obliged to refund, but I also don’t want to be unreasonable. I can’t know whether any damage occurred after the sale, and I suspect he might just have buyer’s remorse.

What would you do in my situation?

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Comments

  • Once a sale is made on FB and the buyer leaves, it's adios. You're not running a store, there is no warranty, exchanges or refunds. If they keep bothering, block and say bye bye

  • I'd tell the buyer no, I'd do what I can to keep it respectful. However the buyer has to take responsibility here.

    As others have mentioned, now that the bike has been in the new owners possession, it's hard to determine what damage is caused by them vs what's caused by yourself.

    I experienced a similar thing selling an external hdd on marketplace. I offered for the buyer to test upon pickup, he said that wasn't needed. Then all of sudden a couple of hours after buying ti from me he said i lied to him and it's a smaller drive in there than what i advertised….i'm not an idiot, i know he very clearly shucked & swapped out the internal drive and thought i would roll over (i test my drives after a buy them and before i sell them). So i told him a return and refund isn't happening, he tried putting up a stink and threatening to go to police etc….i encouraged him to go to the police and gave him the number for my local station, he didn't contact the police but after a big of nagging i just blocked him.

  • All Cash sales are final

  • I can't believe you accepted bank transfer.

    • +1

      I didn’t. Ultimately he paid cash.

  • I've had a guy once deciding to return a baby stroller after buying it because his wife didn't like it and I had already turned away other buyers.

    And another time someone bought an electronic devicea then said the cable wasn't working after a few days and wanted to return but not immediately.

    I didn't entertain any politely but it was a learning experience. Always remind them to check everything and that you will not accept any refunds… We are not Amazon. AND I usually assess who I'm dealing with before meeting, from the name and picture, profile. Doesn't give away much but an idea and I usually meet at public places now as we sell item of value.

    It's safe for both parties and any issues like this, if they get aggressive… Tough luck.

    Edit - try to not use PayID through mobile either, no bank transfer.

  • He inspected it and bought it. That's the end of this story.

  • tell him to jam it up his ass

    I hope you sold it to him in a public place ….not at your home or work place

  • +1

    Tell 'im he's dreamin'

  • I think you should ask Newman to deliberate over this matter.

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