Item Alledgedly Damaged in Shipping

[chelseasounder]

One of my buyers has opened a dispute against me claiming that the item was damaged upon receipt and asking for a partial refund (about 35% of the purchase price).

I really don't see how the item could have been damaged, it was packed carefully in the original packaging, surrounded in 2-3 inches of bubble-wrap on all sides, and taped into a new box. I really don't know what else I could have done to protect the item. That said, nothing is impossible.

First, what is my liability here? Assuming the item actually was damaged in shipping, how should I proceed?

Second, I really don't believe that the item has been damaged. I feel like I'm being scammed and I do not want to issue a refund. Assuming the buyer just wants some of their money back and nothing is wrong with the item, how should I proceed?

[claynshelly]

i am going thru this very same thing. do what i did, ask them to send you pictures of the damaged item and if they come up with some reason why they wont then ask them to send you the item back for a full refund. if they are scamming you then they wont send pictures and they wont send it back but also if they are trying to scam you they may dmg the item before sending it back to you also. did you offer insureance on the item or say it was available, i always do, that way it gives thema choice to pay extra for insurance or not

[BigKahuna97]

If you truly feel you are being scammed you can ask the buyer to pay shipping and return the item for a full refund.  Other than that it seems this situation is becoming all too common :(.

[chelseasounder]

Thanks, all for your help, the issue has been resolved (kind of, I ended up doing a smaller refund).

This seems like a relatively easy way to get a discount on your items. Just claim they were damaged and you should be able to get some money back. Too bad.

[BigKahuna97]

I am glad you came out ok in this transaction but I have to say this sort of thing is what forced me to stop selling on eBay.  Some situations are a no-win but at least you seem to have come out ok.

Take Care