posted on September 14, 2000 10:19:26 AM
I did a little research on a troublesome bidder who purchased items on-line, had her kid wear them, then wanted to return them with some imaginary flaw.
I have emails from at least 5 other sellers that she has pulled the same thing on within the last 2 weeks.
Everyone is going to report her to safeharbor. Do you think ebay will do anything if there are complaints from 5 sellers.
Ebay is losing money on this bidder, so it's in their best interest to suspend her.
posted on September 14, 2000 10:43:05 AM
"Do you think ebay will do anything if there are complaints from 5 sellers."
Judging by eBay's track record in turning a blind eye to known CRIMINAL ACTIVITY being conducted on their site, where they risk to lose a lot more than a few bidders, I wouldn't hold my breath.
posted on September 14, 2000 12:16:22 PM
You will get a letter from safeharbor saying "this bidder was warned against doing this again. after three additional warnings, this bidder will be suspended for 30 days."
Ebay's response is tantamount to saying "Stop or we'll say stop again."
posted on September 14, 2000 12:27:45 PMRainybear: sounds like an on-line version of something that people have been doing in RL for years. I've heard of women "buying a dress" for a special occasion, wearing it (being careful not to stain or dirty it), and then returning it to the store the day after the event & getting their money back.
posted on September 14, 2000 03:45:52 PM
I suspect that IF the sellers in question (a) file for FVFs when the item's returned and (b) neg this character for her lowdown scheme, ebay may make a move because it is losing fees as a result.
If the actual scenario is merely a bunch of sellers grousing about how they got stiffed and not backing up their irritation with any action other than contacting Safeharbor, I doubt they'd feel compelled to do anything.
What else can we do except file FVC fee and safeharbor.
I have requested she never bid again. But there is something wrong when she returns 100% of items and expects both ways shipping. The other sellers involved have feedbacks of over 500+ (some I have personally bought things from) with good reps.
The tricky thing here is this bidder initially tells you she likes item and even post + feedback for you. She changes her mind about a week later, which is why I think she has her kid wear the item so she can claim some imaginary or new flaw.
If you have any suggestions on how to deal with her so other sellers don't get burnt, I would like to know.
posted on September 14, 2000 05:20:09 PM
You are kidding right. I can't believe there are such losers doing that on eBay. I know there are many people who did that with Best Buy, Wal-Mart etc. That's why they started restocking fees.
A long time ago people would go to Best Buy & buy softwares, load them up & return them. The things that people do. I hope eBay can her rear end. Horrible for eBay & even worst for sellers. What can you do with used clothing if you are selling them as new.
posted on September 14, 2000 06:44:21 PM
Maybe I'm a little confused, but if a week goes by, after she's left you + FB, before she complains about some flaw, then why are you refunding her money?
The item has been in her possession for X amount of days, and you're being held responsible for "the dog chewed it but I'm gonna lie".. "I really need a new washing machine but it's cheaper to do things this way".. or .. in the case of VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc.. "My VCR ate it, but I'm gonna blame it on your tape instead" .. "my kid dragged it along the floor and now it doesn't work...... here you take it back".
Why, do you as a seller, and any other seller, fall for this?
I'm not meaning to belittle, or flame, or anything such as that... but there has to be strict return policies because there are people like this out in the world.
It is not unreasonable, to expect, a customer to inspect their item when it arrives or within a specific timeframe.. *such as 24-48 hours* If, after that time, they lodge some complaint about some flaw...... It's been in their hands, it's their responsibility. You should not take responsibility for whatever actions they may have taken, to damage an item.
Sellers, if you don't have a clear cut return policy, then, in the long run, you will run into people such as this. It's in your own best interest to have return policy written clearly out in your auction terms and restated on your invoice... and stick to it!
posted on September 15, 2000 03:20:22 AM
I was recently extorted by someone who knew of flaws before purchasing the item... you know the type, 20-30 questions before the auction ends and about 10 more after it does... Don't ever let anyone pin you down on anything. If you have provided a photo, leave it at that. Don't try to describe condition because all of those terms are very subjective and can be argued. I sell electronics mostly, I do offer a 30 day warranty. I don't have many complaints either, and the fact that I mention a warranty in my auctions actually drives bid prices up! (Better than saying I accept Paypal, which I don't anymore.)
My return policy is this, If they aren't happy with the item, they return it, at my expense even and I issue a full refund. I am confident enough in my merchandise to do this. If I never hear from these people again after asking them to return it, then I feel they really didn't have anything to complain about to begin with. If someone is happy overall with their purchase, they will not push it. If they do return it, however, then usually they are right, there was a legitimate problem. This isn't a foolproof method, but it has cut down on alot of unnecessary refunds and the rest I consider the cost of doing business.
Tip: Archive your auction photos on your hard drive or at some place on the web where they will always be available. When the condition of an item is disputed, especially the cosmetics of an item, you can email a copy of a photo of the item to them. This has stopped many complaints for me.
-Del
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty" -Winston Churchill
posted on September 15, 2000 04:44:07 AM
I rarely sell clothing but when I do, I make sure to list any flaws if there are any. Then I put that all sales are final. Clothing is the only thing I will put sales are final on because of the stories I have read here. I look the clothing I have over with a fine tooth comb before listing and know if there are any flaws or not.
If this woman waits a week and has left feedback before complaining and wanting her money back, I am assuming that all the sellers involved have already left feedback? If that is the case, they won't be able to leave negative feedback. The only thing you can do is file for fees and tell Safeharbor. I agree with others that she will probably get a warning and that is all. Good luck!
posted on September 15, 2000 07:10:46 AM
Agreed that you should refuse a refund, especially since the user already left positive feedback about how happy she is with the item. Filing for FVF is not an option, unless you're going to 1) lie about the fact that you were paid or 2) refund the money and be honest with Ebay about that (filing an NPB after refunding to a buyer doesn't put a black mark on their record).
Your best option is to collect complaints from as many sellers as you can find, and submit them ALL AT ONCE to Safe Harbor. This will be much more effective than each of you sending complaints seperately, and will give them a much better picture of the scope of her activity. This is fraud, and will be treated as such. It may take some time, but if you make your case, she will be disciplined.
