posted on March 4, 2001 11:01:49 PM new
in the earthquake we had in Seattle! Item closed for 40.00, and I emailed the bidder and he sent me payment by paypal, but when I picked up the item to pack, I realized it got damaged from the earthquake! What should I do? I can send the payment back to the bidder, but is that OK?
The main question is, can I collect FVF on this? Would I get into trouble from Ebays for selling a item that got damaged due to natural disaster (It wasnt damaged when I put it up for auction last week)? Any advise would help. thank you!
posted on March 4, 2001 11:07:54 PM new
No problem if you have a buyer with any sense!!!
I had this happen a few months ago...damage was not caused by an earthquake, but by my own clumsiness!!! I sent the buyer a polite e-mail explaining what had happened, and that the refund was on the way (this was "pre PayPal). He was very understanding...
I then filed FVF as "Buyer and Seller agreed not to complete transaction" (or along those lines..it is on the list of choices on FVF form)
You MAY want to let the buyer know that they will be recieving a notice from eBay concerning the FVF, and that in this situation, it will not damage their "record".
On the "downside"...ya gotta wait 10 days to file!
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on March 4, 2001 11:09:28 PM new
I'd contact the buyer, explain the damage (send a pic if necessary) and offer a full refund.
You can always offer the item to the buyer for a reduced price if the damage hasn't destroyed the value of the item.....
Regardless, post positive feedback for the buyers prompt payment, pay the FVF, and chalk it up to the costs of selling...
Stuff happens...
If you sell as a business on eBay, I would consider it an inventory casualty loss and take the appropriate deduction on your Scedule C...consult your tax advisor, especially if you have other items damaged by the quake...
posted on March 4, 2001 11:10:42 PM new
I would start by emailing the high bidder & explaining what happened, and that you will gladly refund the money.
Before you can file for a FVF, you have to file a NPB form, wait 7 days then file for the FVF. You could explain this to the high bidder & just tell them to ignore the NPB email that eBay will be sending them.
Then, when you get to the FVF process, there will be several choices for why you are requesting the FVF, just make sure to check off the appropriate one.
I think there's something along the lines of "both parties mutually decided not to complete the transaction".
posted on March 5, 2001 12:05:33 AM new
I have had this happen to me as a buyer. If I receive an email saying, "Sorry, your widget was damaged, I'll send your money back", my first thought will be that the seller just changed their mind about selling the item. I know, but I'm a suspicious person. My advise would be to email the person and ask them what they would like to do. Perhaps give them the option of a full refund, or the item with some of the money back, or simply ask how they would like to handle it. JMHO.
posted on March 5, 2001 04:47:09 AM new
I once had sold a set of 8 espresso cups and saucers and when I was getting them ready to ship, I dropped and broke one of the saucers. I took out my digital camera and made a copy of the mutulated saucer and attached it to my e-mail which gave three options of how to solve the problem.
If I remember correctly, one was to call the whole deal off. The second was to divide the final selling price by 16 (total pieces) and refund the amount for one item. The third was to divide the final selling price by 8 (total sets) and refund that amount.
The buyer chose #3, I shipped and glowing feedback was left by both parties. I didn't worry about the FVF in this case.
