• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Shipping / Refund Question

A

arkcom

Golden Member
I sold an item (heavy) to someone who has decided that it won't work for their needs. He asked if he could return it and I said "sure, I will refund your money minus the original shipping costs of $21.xx.

He responds "But the shipping was free."

My question is, should I refund his "free" shipping or not? I don't feel like I should have lose 20 bucks on a deal for something that is not my fault.
 
Shipping was free to him to get it there.
It arrived at his place undamaged and apparently in working condition.

Buyers remorse
You are nice enough to take the item back;
He is nice enough for cover the shipping costs because the item arrived as described.

He needs to return the item at his expense and you refund less the original shipping
 
arkcom said:
I sold an item (heavy) to someone who has decided that it won't work for their needs. He asked if he could return it and I said "sure, I will refund your money minus the original shipping costs of $21.xx.

He responds "But the shipping was free."

My question is, should I refund his "free" shipping or not? I don't feel like I should have lose 20 bucks on a deal for something that is not my fault.
Click to expand...

this is why you need to learn better wording. Shipping is included, not free.

The question you need to answer is if $20 is worth all the hassle? For me, nope. But maybe for you it would be.
 
rudeguy said:
this is why you need to learn better wording. Shipping is included, not free.

The question you need to answer is if $20 is worth all the hassle? For me, nope. But maybe for you it would be.
Click to expand...

This. You should have said shipping price was included with the listing (assuming this was ebay?). Since you said shipping was free, you can't ask him to eat your shipping cost.
 
dabuddha said:
This. You should have said shipping price was included with the listing (assuming this was ebay?). Since you said shipping was free, you can't ask him to eat your shipping cost.
Click to expand...

Yes Ebay. I don't technically have to let him return it at all, since it's as described.

Anyway, I will try to convince him to keep it or pay the shipping, but I'll cover it if he won't.
 
arkcom said:
Yes Ebay. I don't technically have to let him return it at all, since it's as described.

Anyway, I will try to convince him to keep it or pay the shipping, but I'll cover it if he won't.
Click to expand...

His choices should be to keep the item or pay return shipping. It's not your fault he changed his mind.
 
alkemyst said:
Free shipping doesn't cover shipping back or a return.

Everyone knows this.
Click to expand...

no i think the buyer wants to return the product and pay for return shipping. he still wants the full price he paid which was $60. Technically the item cost $60 as he was billed although in actuality it was $40 + $20 shipping.

I think it would be in the ops best interest not to accept a return at all.
 
M0oG0oGaiPan said:
no i think the buyer wants to return the product and pay for return shipping. he still wants the full price he paid which was $60. Technically the item cost $60 as he was billed although in actuality it was $40 + $20 shipping.

I think it would be in the ops best interest not to accept a return at all.
Click to expand...

No, I got it. Yes, I agree a seller most don't want to accept a return.

He is being compassionate and also why most retailers today chance restocking fees.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING BEFORE YOU BUY IT!

IMHO it's more than fair to refund the actual purchase price minus ACTUAL shipping costs.

In my auctions, I have 100% positive feedback out of 273 (I probably have had 500+ auctions since 1998), I state that I either am selling as-is (for items I know are broken and being sold as such) and selling with a 1 week return policy minus shipping costs both ways (for items that I know are fully working, I also document all serials and any seals to the chassis).

For NIB items I usually don't offer a return policy.
 
Sounds like you already know the drill. Tell them its absolutely not possible. Then when they bitch, offer to cover $10 of it or something. If they continue to bitch, cover it all.

And next time cover your butt man. Take 2 minutes and work out your wording and return policy in advance.
 
rudeguy said:
Sounds like you already know the drill. Tell them its absolutely not possible. Then when they bitch, offer to cover $10 of it or something. If they continue to bitch, cover it all.

And next time cover your butt man. Take 2 minutes and work out your wording and return policy in advance.
Click to expand...

Grumpy-Cat-Purina.jpg
 
rudeguy said:
Best I've seen you look in years
Click to expand...

LOL! Grumps.

I usually wear a face like this lately since as a man with 3 kids that aren't my biological kids, I get like 30x the profit as you. (please don't mention I am doing them. I am banned from the mods here posting anything about moms and me doing them)

o-face.jpg



stay angry, this is awesome shit you post.
 
I complain about you all the time.

In case you hadn't figured it out... I'm a "stab you in the face" not a "stab you in the back" kind of guy.
 
arkcom said:
I said "sure, I will refund your money minus the original shipping costs of $21.xx.

He responds "But the shipping was free."

My question is, should I refund his "free" shipping or not? I don't feel like I should have lose 20 bucks on a deal for something that is not my fault.
Click to expand...
Why should a customer have to pay for free shipping, as opposed to return shipping? Don't offer free shipping if you don't really mean it's free. But considering all the outlets that allow consumers to post complaints, you may find it more profitable in the long run to take the loss now and keep your reputation intact.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top