Avoiding Negative Feedback from eBay Buyer

[Deactivated] on 10/11/2016 - 22:53

I sold an item on ebay. The buyer cannot get a very simple item working, and does not seem capable of following instructions or understanding explanations at all. Their communication is stating information they claim I included in my ad which I did not. They seem upset that I have deceived them, which i didn't - they just can't figure out a basic detail, or it seems understand my ad. I have offered to refund (well actually they demanded it, claiming my item is not fit for purpose), but they still seem upset. I'm thinking i've got my first negative feedback on it's way, and wondering if there is any way to avoid it? Or do I just have take the feedback?

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Comments

  • cwongtech on 10/11/2016 - 23:13
    +1

    I have offered to refund (well actually they demanded it, claiming my item is not fit for purpose), but they still seem upset.

    If you refund it usually they will be peaceful.. looks like they're twisting your arm. :|

    wondering if there is any way to avoid it? Or do I just have take the feedback?

    Nope, just reply politely, if they do leave negative feedback, and make sure they look a bit funny to potential buyers.
    One negative feedback is nothing in the grand scheme of things.
    I only stop buying from a seller if their negative feedback is lower than 95%, even then, you have to take into account whether the negative feedback left on them is appropriate or not.
    Buyers who ONLY buy from 100% feedback sellers.. are probably buyers that are troublesome anyway or new to ebay.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 07:14

      Thanks. Yes have been very polite. 1 negative feedback will hardly reduce my %, but I do think there are quite a lot of buyers who do look for 100% sellers.

      • Slippery Fish on 11/11/2016 - 08:06

        Report to eBay if it's not appropriate feedback, they will fix it. Also consumer laws for "fit for purpose" don't apply to auctions.

  • Savas on 10/11/2016 - 23:31

    I only worry about low feedback rates from overseas sellers because there is more that can go wrong. As long as you have lots of positive feedback you should be fine.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 07:18
      +1

      Ill still be above 99%, but just like my 100%!

  • blitz on 11/11/2016 - 00:18
    +2

    What kind of item is it, and did you photograph any serial numbers if present?

    • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 07:17

      Yes item can be identified. I don't think they are trying to switch, just genuinely can't comprehend instructions, but blame me and item.

      • bobbified on 11/11/2016 - 09:37
        +1

        The buyer cannot get a very simple item working, and does not seem capable of following instructions or understanding explanations at all.

        Also keep in mind that what might seem simple to you may not be simple to them.

        The range of intelligence levels out there still shocks me sometimes.

        • cwongtech on 11/11/2016 - 11:54

          The range of intelligence levels out there still shocks me sometimes.

          When designing a product, you need to cater for the completely stupid, the clueless and the vegetables.

        • bobbified on 11/11/2016 - 13:26
          +1

          @cwongtech:

          There's only so much they can do with their designs.

  • foxmulder on 11/11/2016 - 01:55

    If the buyer threatens for negative feedback in return of refund you can actually report the buyer to customer service.

    If the buyer seems very difficult don't waste time arguing with them, if item is not that expensive you can inform them you are willing to do full refund and even pay for return shipping. Most buyer gets much softer the soonest they hear refund.

    Hey what is the listing ID if you don't mind sharing.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 07:22

      Not threatened negative, but seems clear that's the way its going. Yes I'm seriously reconsidering the level of effort I put into helping buyers. Send about 5 detailed emails to him, and still couldn't resolve very simple issue.

      Prefer not to share item.

      • foxmulder on 11/11/2016 - 07:59

        A customer can get annoyed if after 1-2 support respond and he/she still can't do anything with the item. If you sense aan annoying customer from the very first 1-2 responses, you need to go through the return process and preferrable you pay for return as well.

        I mentioned the full refund route in my message, did you offer this?

        • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 08:27

          I offered full refund, but didn't mention paying return postage. After their rude and completely incorrect communication I didn't feel like offering so much on a perfectly functioning item. Maybe I just need to get over it, and offer full return plus postage earlier. I want to help them have a good experience, but maybe when they are having this much difficulty I just stop with assistance much earlier.

        • foxmulder on 11/11/2016 - 08:30

          @Gofast: For difficult customer you need to give more priority even it's very annoying and you just want to get a breather away from them. Let them know that you're sorry that the product is not workign out for them (don't point out it's their fault) then offer the full refund and return. Apologize again at the end. Hope this helps. Let us know how you go with that customer?

  • garetz on 11/11/2016 - 03:47

    This is the nature of ebay, occasionally, beyond your control, you get a moron who has no idea what they are doing, or are just plain stupid.

    Once they put negative feedback, you can reply to the negative feedback with an explanation.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 07:26

      Thanks, agree. I think i need tactics to approach this type of buyer. They use so much time and get nowhere.

  • cupcake on 11/11/2016 - 07:56

    I wouldn't worry about it. The negative feedback disappears after 12 months.

  • Baebs on 11/11/2016 - 09:25

    There is an option to revise negative feedback if you've settled things with the buyer, also eBay deletes spiteful feedback.

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