Yet another eBay question: This time buyer is pushing it

[Curlypaul]

OK, so I buy MegaDrives, switch them out and sell them on. After all the parts and whatever I usually make just a few quid on each one (plus whatever games happened to be bundled with it when I bought it).

I shipped one lately, and after about a month of no response from the buyer he comes back with a complaint that he didn't get the instructions (a word doc on how to use the switches), the reset button was too stiff (I replaced the switch for a new one that was clickier than the original rubber topped one) and I never mentioned that the white plastic around the power LED was slightly yellow. I did describe the console as being a bit beat up, with numerous small scuffs and scratches, that didn't look nearly as bad in real life as they do in the photo.

I explain about the switch, offer to email him the word doc, and apologize about the yellow plastic. I give him the choice of £5 off the price or a full refund, although I don't refund postage - which is what ebay recommends although everybody seems to moan about it.

The guy then asks for £8 off the price as the switches are across the back and he's had to ditch his PB Convertor and buy a proper Master System instead. The pic in the auction clearly showed where the switches are so I don't really accept that as reasonable argument.

I'm bit furious for him asking tbh, but do you guys think this is reasonable of him or should I stick to my offer of a fiver?

[BRIK]

I don't think you should even offer the 5 pounds. Not for some slightly yellowed plastic and an easily emailed Word Doc. Even more so since it took him a month to respond.

[Curlypaul]

Yeah I won't even get my ebay fees refunded after so long. Been there before.

I was pretty pissed that the he was moaning about the reset switch feeling different - its brand new of course if feels different.

I keep ending up here with ebay, trying to sell things, running into idiot buyers, getting burned, forgetting about ebay for a couple of months and then starting the whole cycle again. I really ought to learn

[BRIK]

I guess you gotta go where the audience is...

[foxhound1022]

I just had a similar problem about 2 weeks ago. I sold a Virtual Boy on Ebay, not mint; but in solid, working shape. I sold it as is; no returns. Anyway, after the guy pays, he e-mails, and asks me to send it Priority; which I informed him would be more. He agrees, and sends me the difference in shipping, and I sent the item. He recieves it 2 days later, and I hear nothing. After 2 weeks of no reply, I just figure he's another dickbag who doesn't leave feedback, so whatever. The guy received the item on Dec. 8th. I get an e-mail Dec 29th saying that the left LCD display is scrambled, and that he wants a refund. I informed him that the item was sold as-is, and that the item was in full working condition when I sent it. Next, I get a message saying that I ruined his kids Christmas, etc. and he threatened me with going to Ebay. First off, who the hell gets a kid a Virtual Boy for Christmas?
Secondly, I told him go ahead. The guy waits 3 weeks to complain, and guess what: Ebay decides in HIS favor. Some fucking schmuck with 11 feedbacks to my 330+? Total idiocy. Then the guy waits a week after the case was decided to send it back. I get it back, it smells like burnt plastic, and there is an obvious rattle inside. So I appeal the case, and thankfully they overturned it, and returned my money; minus their fees, mind you. In my opinion, the concession you made is more than ample, if he doesn't like it, he can just jog the fuck on. Also, you may wanna check their feedback, and see if this buyer has a history of this.

[ja_le_co]

First off, who the hell gets a kid a Virtual Boy for Christmas

Despite your angry tone that makes me want to hugz you, I agree; curlypaul fell on the sword for the customer, no need to do more.

[o.pwuaioc]

I guess you gotta go where the audience is...

Here?

Seriously, unless people need cash now, things do move here. Slowly, but they do move. Better to work with people you know that strangers who want to screw you.

[Curlypaul]

I would happily sell here but as the people here are mostly in the US, the shipping costs make it too expensive.

I messaged him and said that £5 is my final offer for a piece of 20 year old plastic that had gone a slightly yellow. Lets see what he says.

@foxhound1022 that guy sounds like a moron, what kind of kid wants a Virtual Boy for christmas? One thats old enough to not let a fault with it spoil christmas thats for sure

[BurningDoom]

I completely disagree with everyone here. It doesn't matter how small you think the detail is, if you made modifications to the console, every single last one of the changes you made should have been listed. A modded console is a lot different than an original model, and that applies to anything, not just gaming. I would have wanted a refund as well.

[sbk]

This is why I don't use Ebay. Did it once and I never wanted to again.