Sold GPU on eBay - Buyer Initiated Return Saying It Doesn't Work - Interested on Advice

Lgenericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 20:39
Last edited 10/04/2024 - 22:11 by 1 other user

After reading all the forums etc I know I'm an idiot now selling on eBay and will never do so again, but just wanted to get advice on recourse below.

I sold a GPU which ended just before the long weekend, couldn't post anything until after as Post Office was closed but still within time limit.

Literally the day it was delivered the buyer initiated a return saying it doesn't work, providing a photo of a computer monitor showing 'no signal' and a shot of the case with a card with same 'brand' visible (RGB all lit up - I know having fans/RGB working doesn't mean the card doesn't).

I am 99.9% sure the card worked before sending, only doubt is that after confirming card worked I put it back in the box and left it for a few weeks (safe in a closet) as selling stuff is a pain in the ****. Also didn't make a video etc so definitely don't have 100% proof if required to provide it which is stupid I know now (not that I'll ever sell via eBay again anyway).

The buyer also said they are a GPU reseller and have sold hundreds upon hundreds of cards and are a business, yet their eBay account (generic numbers etc) has less than 50 positive feedback (and since late 2022 - I have had an account for 20+ years also 100% feedback). The price it sold for as well is maybe 5% off max you could possibly hope for, so no idea how they expect to turn a profit. It all screams scam, and now I'm worried that if I return I'll either get a card where they have removed the heatsink/shroud etc and replaced with a defect one, or they actually did stuff it up when installing and bricked it and just trying to game the system.

Ebay have already paid out so I literally have the cash in my bank account, and I did list no returns (I know eBay 'say' they override this). Can eBay try to 'direct debit' my account to recoup the refund if I refuse? I have no overdraft so what if I have no money in it? I'm more than happy to fight this in small claims against this person as I suspect they are a scammer, but does anyone know what recourse eBay have to screw me over? As in will they send debt collectors after me or put a mark against my credit file?

Any info would be great, and yes I know, naive and stupid I'm already angry at myself. Cash in hand or giving away to friends/family/charity in the future then dealing with eBay.

Thanks all.

Update: So the seller returned the card. I installed it tonight, and …. it works perfectly. While I am incredibly happy the card works and wasn't swapped out or anything, I'm still super p***ed they abused the INAD function but I'll take it as a lesson learnt. It's clear they didn't read the description where I flagged that the back of the card had multiple scratches, including a big distinct scratch that was included in the last photo, which they probably didn't look at either, and that I flagged the physical appearance of the card was 'average' (I bought it second hand originally from what I suspect was a miner, which I included in the description - the original owner had tried to engrave a name/something else on the back then scratched it out). The buyer indicated they were a re-seller so they obviously realised they over paid and wouldn't be able to re-sell so abused the return function. From what I can gather the buyer owns a computer business in Sydney and probably hoped to put it in a system or something to on-sell (it was sent to a business address, and quick googling found the ABN/owner/business name).

I will refund them the full amount, minus the postage and have included reasoning in the return comment as well as provided photo and video evidence (time stamped as best I could via the News). Not sure if eBay will then try and screw me out of the seller fees for not refunding the postage but couldn't care at this stage.

Lesson to all from this post. Don't sell anything on eBay.

Thanks everyone for the advice, appreciate it.

Computing Computer Component Video Card

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Comments

  • jv on 04/04/2024 - 20:42

    cash only
    pickup only

  • Hybroid on 04/04/2024 - 20:46
    +5

    Not sure what to tell you. eBay generally side with the buyer and will try to recoup the refund costs from you.

    You'll need to make sure there's no linked card, bank account or Paypal account to your eBay account.

    Expect account to get restricted and them to keep chasing for payment. No idea if they'll take it to debt collectors.

    • CyberMurning on 04/04/2024 - 20:51
      +2

      Big amount yes they will get debt collector come knocking.
      Try to speak with eBay, not chat, and explain you have good feedbacks vs them the buyers and you believe buyer is trying to scam you

      • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 20:57

        Thanks! Yeh it's about $900 odd, will find their number and ring tomorrow.

  • mooseca on 04/04/2024 - 20:50
    +2

    I had same thing happen about 8 years ago, received the return plugged it in and it worked. Ended up selling it in person to a mate.

    • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 20:55

      Thanks, yeh I half suspect it might be a 'changed my mind' but using the 'item not as described/working' scam to get a refund. Just worried they did cook it somehow, leaning towards just biting the bullet and taking it as a life lesson then delete my eBay account and never look back. Trash service, barely use it anyway so annoyed.

      • foxmulder on 04/04/2024 - 21:07
        +4

        Do you have a record of the serial number? At least be sure you get yours back.

        • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 21:17

          Yeh all good on that front at least thank god. Just know if it's cooked I'm cooked due to eBay policies, oh well life lesson and back to tyre kickers on Facebook Marketplace, at least I can tell them to **** off…

  • RED27APPLE on 04/04/2024 - 20:58
    +7

    Sorry to hear about your pain, my concern for you is that they might be doing a simple "Switch-A-Roo" on you. Their card has failed, they buy the same one on eBay, then claim the one they bought "Doesn't Work", and then return their old card. Always add a serial number of the product you are selling in the photos & listing. All the best

    • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 21:20

      Thanks mate, yeh have the box serial number (stupidly forgot the actual card), will just have to figure out where it's stuck on the actual card but hopefully should be fine on that front.

  • Drakesy on 04/04/2024 - 22:21
    +3

    I wonder if they've subbed it out for a failing card.

    definitely check the serial number of the card matches the box when it comes back.

    • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 23:34

      Thanks, yeh will definitely be checking that, it's what I thought especially as the return request happened literally an hour after AusPost confirmed delivery…

  • garetz on 04/04/2024 - 22:24
    +4

    If its a scam, they are giving you back a faulty card and keeping the one they got from you and also getting a refund.

    That's why you cant trust ebay.

    • pegaxs on 04/04/2024 - 22:46
      +5

      100% this. Came here to say the same thing.

      This was when I stopped selling on eBay when a buyer pulled this shit. I even had the serial number of the phone I sold to prove it wasn’t the one they sent back, eBay still sided with buyer…

    • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 23:32

      Thanks mate, yeh what I'm suspecting, taking it as a life lesson to never sell on eBay again even if it sucks.

    • genericaccountname1 on 04/04/2024 - 23:36

      Thanks, yeh guessing this is the case, hopefully works out well and if not expensive mistake, sad the platform has basically just turned into an even dodgier AliBaba.

    • JimmyF on 05/04/2024 - 10:09
      +1

      If its a scam, they are giving you back a faulty card and keeping the one they got from you and also getting a refund.

      Guess this is the case, as the OP claimed the buyer deals with cards all the time and the OP got a decent price for it.

      So the buyer was just buying a working card on a dummy account to 'return'

      • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:25

        Thanks mate, yeh I priced the card at the start like 40% below what a max price for a good unit was, basically didn't want to scam or mislead someone (which happened to me originally - I probably should have, and would have been in the right to initiate a return originally for this card that I had bought which was originally second hand, but my old one died and just wanted to game haha), was super stoked when the price finished how it was just put it down to GPU shortages and AI demands what not. At least it worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

  • eccaz on 04/04/2024 - 23:50
    +2

    I regularly sell things including computers and components on eBay, marketplace and gumtree, the only scammers I’ve encountered are a few sellers on eBay (who never had the item at all), most people have ended up being honest even when I’ve had my doubts.

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:24

      Thanks mate, yeh worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

  • The Value on 05/04/2024 - 00:20
    +1

    Well, at least it's only postage cost and fees.

    You'll get the item back.

    It's a scam if they send you a different one. Has happened to me but different item.

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:24

      Thanks mate, yeh worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

  • JimmyF on 05/04/2024 - 08:42
    +1

    Any info would be great

    Sadly not much that will help you. You need to accept the ebay return, have them ship the card back to you.

    If you don't, ebay will 99% side with the buyer and refund them in full and lump you with the bill and oh they'll get to keep the product too.

    So just be aware of trying to fight it, as once that happens, thats it. You're out the card, postage and the cost of the item!

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:24

      Thanks mate, yeh worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

  • Bignudge on 05/04/2024 - 09:23
    +1

    Either you'll be out of your working card, money, or both. I reckon the dude has done a switcharoo.

    At least you have his address and name right? Heaven forbid it was sent to a PO box lol

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:24

      Thanks mate, yeh have the full name and found the business as well :)

  • Sleeqb7 on 05/04/2024 - 10:27
    +1

    You're in the process of being scammed.
    Ebay is a terrible platform who will refund the buyer in full, even if they don't send you the (correct) item back.

    Good luck.

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:24

      Thanks mate, yeh worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

  • b0rnwithabeard on 05/04/2024 - 10:31
    +1

    only thing to add to this that others haven't is that while it could be a scam, don't look at just the generic username as proof of a scam.

    Years ago an old mate of mine sold lots of pop culture memorabilia on eBay, and he had a couple of other accounts that he used to buy things - he'd often rely on finding stuff where people either didn't realise the value, was after specific pieces, or those who just advertised it poorly (crappy photos), then he'd clean it up, advertise it better and make a profit. But obviously didn't want other people knowing his methods, so he had secondary buying accounts

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:24
      +1

      Thanks mate, yeh worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

  • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2024 - 13:04
    +4

    If you're getting the same item back and it works, then it'd have just been a waste of your time, relist and move on, don't waste any more energy on the buyer much as it may be frustrating.

    If you're getting a different item back or it doesn't work, speak with eBay, there's an option to sign a stat dec as part of seller protection, they'll cover you for the item in full.

    It's a pretty easy process that'll take a few short days. Depending on the value of the item it may need to be escalated.

    I'm in the process of doing one right now, sold something ($1,100) with a minor imperfection which I didn't notice at the time which was my fault and agreed to the return, it got damaged during transit, took a bit of back and forth, the amount was charged out of my bank, and the case just finalised resulting in buyer and myself getting a full refund, and I get to keep the item.

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:25

      Thanks mate, glad it worked out as well for you in the end.

  • asdfaddffmnh on 05/04/2024 - 14:11
    +2

    Initiate the return, and if he sends you a dodgy card, contact eBay support and see what they say. eBay will most likely side with the buyer, though.

    I sold a dashcam on eBay some years back, and the buyer said it wasn’t working. I told him it’s because he’s using an incompatible SD card, but he initiated a return anyways. When I received it, it was working fine but it was missing some parts, so I requested to only give a partial refund. However, eBay sided with the buyer, and I was on the hook for the full refund plus shipping. I simply closed my bank account because they didn’t let me unlink it from my eBay account, unlinked and blocked my cards, changed my name, address, and phone number to something bogus.

    They did send me to debt collectors over $20 for something else one time, which I eventually paid because they would call me every day. But since I changed all my details, I haven’t heard a peep since, and nothing happened to my credit rating. (profanity) eBay.

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:25

      Thanks mate, sorry to hear about your case but yeh worked out well (or as well as could be in the end).

    • Windows7forever on 13/04/2024 - 18:35

      Wow that's farked. You went to drastic lengths to cover your ass. It's the only way with that scam site.

  • DemocracyManifest on 09/04/2024 - 16:59
    +1

    The no return thing doesn’t work when they claim it’s faulty. I had someone break 5 fan fins once to get a refund, eBay sided with the buyer. I got the card back with a couple of bent fins in addition, I think they must have dropped it. It worked still, I got a new fan off Ali express and resold it. But annoying af

    • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 22:25

      Thanks mate, sorry to hear but glad it worked out 'semi well' in the end for you.

  • genericaccountname1 on 10/04/2024 - 20:25
    +4

    Update: So the seller returned the card. I installed it tonight, and …. it works perfectly. While I am incredibly happy the card works and wasn't swapped out or anything, I'm still super p***ed they abused the INAD function but I'll take it as a lesson learnt. It's clear they didn't read the description where I flagged that the back of the card had multiple scratches, including a big distinct scratch that was included in the last photo, which they probably didn't look at either, and that I flagged the physical appearance of the card was 'average' (I bought it second hand originally from what I suspect was a miner, which I included in the description - the original owner had tried to engrave a name/something else on the back then scratched it out). The buyer indicated they were a re-seller so they obviously realised they over paid and wouldn't be able to re-sell so abused the return function. From what I can gather the buyer owns a computer business in Sydney and probably hoped to put it in a system or something to on-sell (it was sent to a business address, and quick googling found the ABN/owner/business name).

    I will refund them the full amount, minus the postage and have included reasoning in the return comment as well as provided photo and video evidence (time stamped as best I could via the News). Not sure if eBay will then try and screw me out of the seller fees for not refunding the postage but couldn't care at this stage.

    Lesson to all from this post. Don't sell anything on eBay.

    Thanks everyone for the advice, appreciate it.

    • povogamer on 11/04/2024 - 07:09
      +1

      Just do gumtree or fb marketplace, you even get to save on ebay fees that way.

      (I've met nicer people off gumtree than marketplace when selling computer hardware)

      • [Deactivated] on 11/04/2024 - 11:11
        +1

        Much as we get shafted on eBay it's still a brilliant way to sell things unless it's bulky or pissy value. A single sale can cover for annual fees many times over for the high value stuffs.

        I still do Gumtree/FBM in an attempt to reach local attention alas it's infuriating beyond rational patience.

        • eccaz on 11/04/2024 - 20:50

          Completely agree, especially when eBay have their variable fee free sales I much prefer a quick post office drop off than waiting around for someone and chewing up time.

    • CereaL on 02/06/2024 - 00:58

      @genericaccountname1 ..
      I have spoken to eBay on numerous occassions when dealing with our work account … and they have told me that just like a buyer can report a seller … Sellers can also report buyers back! Especially if they are abusing the returns policy. And while eBay does seem to side with the buyer .. they also side with the seller when people are abusing the system. They will then go back through that sellers history and investigate to see if they do it often.. and that can lead to their account being suspended/shutdown.

      The fact you have proof the return worked … along with the original photos in the post showing the previous damage … that will go in your favour. Worst case scenario .. they do nothing ..

      For everyone else … if someone is on a brand new or very new account (you can tell from purchase history) .. and you experience any issues … report them! It's more than likely a spam/fraud account .. and eBay takes it pretty seriously.

      If you're selling, it also helps with your seller rating .. because sometimes I have seen cases close almost instantly .. so I will then request a review on that report, which means that someone has to actually look at it instead of just been an automatic rule which closes / actions the case.

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