Hmm..Got a claim from an eBayer via Paypal

[thirdlegstump]

So I sold a used but perfectly good working Samsung LCD display for a laptop on feabay and the buyer tells me it doesn't work...

Here's what I had:

I had an older Thinkpad A22 with a display inverter that failed. I replaced the inverter and bam, works fine. No dead pixels, no white spots, almost perfect. Since I wanted to make decent coin on this, I parted out the laptop into the following parts: Chassis, LCD, LCD flex cable, CD/DVD, floppy and AC. I wanted to keep the 2.5" hard drive for my little external case so everything but the HDD was sold.

My basic eBay seller terms:

No returns, no refunds, US states only, Paypal only, payment due immediately when purchased, shipping separate.

Sounds a bit risky for any buyer of course but I don't sell untested or damaged goods unless notified up front and usually pack things up pretty darn solidly with this being no exception. Even if it were dropped from the second floor, it would be fine.

I've asked the guy what his testing methods were. His responce was pretty decent in that he replaced his inverter with a new one yet it still doesn't work and that his old screen partially works. He says he will give me until Monday for me to respond to his claim before he files claims with Paypal and Visa as well as possible negative feedback.

I replied back on the same day which is Friday, 3 days before his deadline asking him what model inverter he used and in what laptop and he never responds back but instead files a claim without a single warning. Now I have a claim sitting in my Paypal account waiting for a responce. I've never done this before and wish to carefully proceed.

This guy has pretty good feedback rating in that he has over 50 positives but also has 2 negatives over some minor issue and another one similar to my situation in that he didn't give the seller a chance to negotiate. I have over 150 positives with no negatives not that it matters or anything.

Normally me being a pretty nice guy I would ask for the unit back and would provide a refund after some testing but he's not giving me a chance to do it in a civilized manner.

What should I do? Refuse the claim saying that his testing methods were undetailed enough to warrant a refund? For all I know, he could've damaged the LCD somehow or may be using the wrong inverter type or that he's not an experienced enough tech to work on such parts.

 

[imported_Ed]

quote your policies.

 

[imported_Ed]

and your tracking number.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Here's the thing, I don't think the preferences and policies that I've set for the auction actually show on the auction itself. This is bad because it doesn't show the buyer what my policies are from what I've set when posting the auction. Isn't this considered a problem with eBay's system?

For example when you create a new auction, you have a bunch of check boxes to set the auction terms such as returns allowed or not, reserve prices etc. Some of those items that I've check do not show up in the auction... well I don't think so anyway.

I'm tempted to deny the claim as I am 150% sure that the LCD worked before. The mail tracking number would be in my Paypal account and would be emailed to the buyer the moment I create the shipping label so he has it and it's in the Paypal system. I don't think I should rehash it at the moment.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Friday night and he expects a response AND to have the problem corrected in its entirety over the weekend with no to minimal communication?

Buyer has unrealistic expectations.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
Friday night and he expects a response AND to have the problem corrected in its entirety over the weekend with no to minimal communication?

Buyer has unrealistic expectations.

Yes. Should I refute his claim? By all means, if it is indeed DOA, I would pay him back but somehow this guy's attitude leads me to believe he sorta busted it himself.

 

[dude8604]

Doesn't the buyer have to make a "reasonable effort" to resolve issues with the seller?

 

[KK]

should of have taken a picture of the screen working, holding a newspaper of course.

 

[imported_Ed]

Do you have a tracking number? Yes?
Was it as advertised? Yes?

Then respond to the claim with a tracking number and be done with it.

 

[Mojoed]

Link to the auction?

 

[thirdlegstump]

Originally posted by: jasoned
Do you have a tracking number? Yes?
Was it as advertised? Yes?

Then respond to the claim with a tracking number and be done with it.

What good is a tracking number if the item is obviously delivered but claimed as not working?

Also.....

WTF, I just noticed he has left me positive feedback for this item awhile ago.

I prefer not to post the auction link as I'd rather keep this anonymous, unless it's making me look as the suspicious one of course.

 

[thirdlegstump]

b

 

[SunnyD]

The only thing Paypal really cares about is that the item as stated was delivered. That's why you have been told to provide the tracking number. Also, did you insure the item? If so, you're in the clear since it had to had been damaged in shipment... insurance will pay for it (eventually).

Note to you before you get too far though, CLEAR your Paypal account out now. They can and will do an automatic chargeback if they decide they want to. At least if you sweep your account and they take money out, you can have the bank or credit card stop payment.

 

[PingSpike]

It seems pretty foolhardy on his part to file that claim so early. He's really not giving you much incentive to try and work with him here.

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
It seems pretty foolhardy on his part to file that claim so early. He's really not giving you much incentive to try and work with him here.

I agree - it makes him look suspicious. I'd be very careful here, assume it's a scam unless he can prove otherwise.

 

[thirdlegstump]

How do you 'clear' your paypal account? If I tried to remove my debit card info or checking account info, it doesn't let me do it as they say there's a pending transaction.

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: deathkoba
How do you 'clear' your paypal account? If I tried to remove my debit card info or checking account info, it doesn't let me do it as they say there's a pending transaction.

He means take all the money out of the account, so Paypal can't grab it.

 

[thirdlegstump]

Oh yea I never keep money in there but that doesn't mean they can't deduct from my checking/debit or is that not allowed on their end?

 

[alkemyst]

hopefully you are not the one that had the LCD at the post office this past weekend shipping it to new york.

The guy slid it without padding into a priority mail box then put the foot and cables unwrapped into the box along with it.

When he asked for insurance the clerk said they won't honor insurance on that kind of packaging...so he said fine no insurance. When the clerk asked is it working, who is expecting it the guy said it sold cheap on ebay, it's working but not my problem if it's broke in the mail.

WTF????

 

[thirdlegstump]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
hopefully you are not the one that had the LCD at the post office this past weekend shipping it to new york.

The guy slid it without padding into a priority mail box then put the foot and cables unwrapped into the box along with it.

When he asked for insurance the clerk said they won't honor insurance on that kind of packaging...so he said fine no insurance. When the clerk asked is it working, who is expecting it the guy said it sold cheap on ebay, it's working but not my problem if it's broke in the mail.

WTF????

No, I'm the seller and I'm shipping FROM New York. It's also a laptop LCD and not a desktop type.

 

[s0ssos]

as long as you don't have money in paypal, i don't think you really have to worry. i don't think they charge your account, or debit money (if anyone knows differently, let it be known).

as far as dealing with him, i'm assuming you didn't say "as-is"? or, you just want to be a good seller?
paypal is harder to deal with him for him than you. so, you're pretty safe (but paypal sucks both ways)