Ebay issue...advice please!

I recently sold a partial V-Nickel set in a Whitman folder on ebay. The folder included the following 11 coins: 1892, 1893, 1897, 1899, 1900, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1911 (2), 1912. The folder sold for $26 plus $4 shipping. In the pictures, I put the extra 1911 in the 1912S slot but I specifically mentioned that this was the case in the description.

Here is the link to the ebay sale (please make note of the description):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111244666790?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1559.l2649

The seller contacted me today with the following message:

I had a feeling that this would happen. I could not see all the dates on the coins in the photo so I had to go with what is printed in the book. Unfortunately for both of us, the coin in the 1912 S slot is actually a 1911. BIG difference! I also hope that was not intentional. I could return them, or am open to suggestions. (Returns are such a hassle, and cost buyer and seller $$)
As you see from the link, the description clearly says that the 1911 is in the 1912S slot. Should I even consider a refund? A partial refund? I feel that I was honest and upfront with what the buyer would receive. I am afraid that this buyer will be my first negative feedback that I have received in my ebay career.

Before I respond to him, please let me know what you think I should do. Thank you.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

offer a full refund upon return. that is what i would do. plain and simple

 

I would consider buying set if you get it back. Hope that helps.Hugh

 

Agreed.

 

Remember this about eBay... the BUYER is always right. However, the buyer cannot initiate a request for a partial refund; only the seller can do that. Also remember a buyer can return an item for any reason, and the seller must refund, regardless of his return policy.
I agree with bkozak in this case... your buyer should return the item (with tracking), and once you receive it, refund the full amount.
One other thing... too many buyers only look at the pictures and fail to read the description. If you sell this item again, take the 1911 out of the '12-s slot.

 

I agree, a full refund is the best way to end this. Not to play buyer's advocate, but it's kind of odd that the 1911 cent was in the wrong slot. This seems like an issue simple enough to fix that should have been addressed prior to sale.

 

It's unfortunate that you the seller has to hand hold every little seller who doesn't take the time to read thoroughly the eBay listing.

Since eBay and PayPal are prejudiced against sellers in this situation, save yourself the headache, and tell the buyer that upon receiving the folder back, with ALL the coins that were in it when you shipped it, you will issue a refund.

And maybe mention to the buyer that next time READ THE AUCTION AND BIN LISTINGS COMPLETELY as you did state in your description what the deal was with the 1911.

 

I agree it stinks that people don't take the time to actually read the description, but eBay will side with the buyer, I'd issue a refund after receiving the item , don't offer a partial.

 

I'd simply state that if you would of read of read the description we wouldn't be having this conversation. If your unhappy with it, return it for a full refund

 

Heh, good thing you did not put the extra one in the 1913 slot.

 

Don't let the little SOB extort you as it seems that's what he's angling for. Tell him to send the set back and you'll refund him his money........

 

+1

 

I agree and not for one second do I believe that he didn't read the description or just happened to miss it; he's angling. Refund in full and block him.

It should also be said that the OP opened himself up to such a thing by putting a very low value coin in a pricey slot, especially when there were others open, but this does not excuse the games this buyer is trying to play.

 

+2

 

The guy might not have paid close attention to the listing. I saw a coin once listed no reserve at $1 with no bids and bid on it. Later after winning the coin eBay said I owed $30. The guy had listed the coin at $1 but had a $30 shipping and handling charge that was there but I didn't see until afterwords. Who charges $30 for shipping a $5-10 coin? I looked back and the guy said he wanted to have a true no reserve auction and that was why he set the s&h at $30.

I told the guy to cancel the sale and he did but was really pissed off. Sometimes when you sell something and you are not using standard selling techniques these issues can occur. Just my opinion. I would give the guy his money back after he returned the coins

 

Even if the guy figured there actually thought there was a 1912-S, wouldn't he have been suspicious that there wasn't a bidding war bringing it well over $30?

 

you put all the necessary details in the description. i would offer a full refund upon receiving the coins back. don't let him scam you. i have a perfect seller rating on eBay except for ONE GUY who pulled a partial refund scam on me. i was so concerned about getting a negative i just gave in, and the SOB still gave me the negative. and eBay refused to remove it. i despise eBay and the scammers they enable.

 

Thanks for all the replies/advice. I have contacted the seller and offered a full refund if he returns the original folder plus coins to me. He said that he will send it to me as soon as possible. We'll see if and when it turns up. Thank you.

 

As a veteran of several hundred ebay sales,
I would have put the extra 1911 in a marked coin holder and shipped it that way.

I once listed a 100 lb item as "local pick up only", the top two bidders expected me to mail it to them.