Ebay Delemma

Ok, i sold a 1936 mercury proof awhile back, and the buy was happy when he recieved it. Now, a month and a half later, he is asking for a refund, because he sent it into PCGS, and they said it was cleaned, and just MS FB. Now, my return policy states that it must be withen 7 day of reciept, no exeptions. What should i do? I have no way of refunding his money, because i have spent it since a month and a half has gone by. Most of you know im a YN, and have no way of aquiring $250.00 in a reasonable time frame. Any help is apprieciated.

 

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Have you left feedback yet? If I'm not mistaken after 30 days you can't post FB either. Also, how can a coin which has been cleaned be called MS by one of the top TPGs? Cody, stick to your guns and auction rules, they were very clear.

Good Luck Buddy
Ben

 

I agree with Bone. A month and a half is too long. He's going to have to eat that one!

 

I don't know what to really tell ya. You had a seven day return policy, but then again you did advertise it as a proof. But I think 2 months later is a little late to be wanting a return, I don't think grading takes quite that long, unless he held on to it for a month and a half. So I would say just tell him you had a return policy, and ask why did he take so long to notify you. Maybe you guys can work something out. But man, $250, that's gotta hurt! Best of luck man! :thumb:

Phoenix

 

cody:
Are you also saying that you stated it was a proof and it came back as an Unc?
Hard to see that one coming.

Still, 7 days is 7 days.
Unless, you stated that you'd wait for it to be certified, I'd say tough.
P.S. PM me the lot #.

 

I know that you're a YN and that the $250 is a big big deal to you BUT your integrity is your integrity. If he can furnish a copy of the PCGS documentation that shows that the coin was in fact cleaned and an MS vs proof strikel, I believe that you have to work something out with him. No documentation -- forget it. If he sent the coin to PCGS a week after he received it, I could see it taking quite a bit of time before he got it back.

I'm sure that you'll do your homework and then do the right thing. Have you talked this over with your folks? They may have some advice/help for you. Good luck on your problem.

 

Yes, it had a BEAUTIFUL strike for a unc coin. Also had proof-like toning, and mirror like fields. Frank, ill just post the link here since it wouldn't be self promotion anymore since the auction's over.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110166741966&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123

 

Cody:
From the picture I have to admit that it looks like an unc.
There should be a strong square rim all around the obverse & reverse.
It does seem to be squared off, but only the top part of the rim (obverse) and (strangely) the top of the reverse, however this may simply be the picture.

 

Cody,

Don't take this the wrong way, but what you did with the money has no bearing on the situation and please don't mention anything about not having the money to the buyer.

The question you need to ask yourself is "Was this a PF65 Proof coin?".

If your answer is that you are 100% sure that it was, stick to your policy and leave it at that.
If you are unsure and you were make an educated guess, then it's really up to your conscious whether you issue the refund (following receipt and verification of the returned dime)

Something to keep in mind, it's my understanding that if PCGS determines a coin has been cleaned, they do not render ANY opinion about the grade of a coin. Someone please correct me if that assumption is wrong.

 

I was positive at the time, and my dealer backed me up on it.

 

You are mistaken. It is 90 days and I have been able to leave feedback past 90. I have not gone over 100, so I don't know what happens at that point.

As to Cody's question, I see not contractual obligation, however...
How sure are you about your grade?
How much do you trust the seller?

I do not have the answer to those questions - you do.

 

Well, if PCGS says it was a business strike and cleaned. I would say that if I were the buyer I would expect a refund. Certainly not what was listed in the title of the auction. If it was a paypal listing your gonna loose this battle. Sorry.

 

I'm sorry but I don't think it was or is a proof. Who did you buy it from?
In times like this I would say that it doesn't matter how long it was....7 days don't count.
Yes $250 is a large ammount for you to get...but it might also be a large ammount for that guy to lose. You need to return this guys money and then seek info from the guy you bought the coin from.

Also when someone writes you an email while the auction is going on and tells you that it is an UNC I would have pulled untill I could prove 110%.

Don't worry about this too much---we all mess up and the best thing to do when that happens is to make it right at any cost.

Speedy

 

Rlm is correct, feedback is a 90 day thing

Ouch, it should have been obvious to you, your dealer that backed you up, and the buyer, this was not a proof coin and never was. ( Edit: Sorry Cory, you're a YN, maybe never have seen a proof Merc )

You're in a tough spot, rules vs concience.


As for the rules, you should be ok, your 7 day policy is solid, BUT, you did not deliver a PR-65 Merc, you just sold one. Big differance.



What do you think?

 

Looking at the coin in the auction, and also pics of the proofs for that year, I would say that coin is definetly not, and hasn't been a proof. Sorry man. But the rims aren't close too being right for a proof. But, I think the classic phrase for this situation would be live and learn. Like said earlier, $250 might be a good bit of money for this guy too. What I might suggest is too borrow the money from your parents, and then gradually pay them back, or sell some coins too come up with the money, but I think returning the money would be the most honest and honorable thing too do. Hope all goes well man.

Phoenix

 

Thing is, im in a bunch of debt already (thats great, 14, andim already gonna have loan sharks after me =P) I owe a total of 330 right now, not including this screw up, and have currently 0. I have no way of giving this guy a refund =(

 

I know your hearts in the right place, I see your problem.

How about this idea. Some of us here have more means and money than you.

I am willing to put up a 1921 Merc dime in AG-3 I have sitting around gathering dust. Anybody else with a coin they can spare? Lets put up an auction to bail Cory out, it will only cost each of the donors a small amount.

I or any other ebayer can run the auction. Get your buyer onto this thread so he knows whats goin on and understands the delay.

You then re-sell the 36 Merc and donate the $$$ to the ANA or any other approved YN club.

Thoughts?

 

Wow, Aj, thats really kind of you. That really suprises me that you would do that for a kid you have never even met.