Hi everyone,

Just wanted to get your thoughts on this scenario..... I'll try to keep it short as I can!

I recently sold a pair of boots on eBay. They were too small for me and I'd only worn them a couple of times for maybe a few minutes, until I realised they were never going to stretch. They are made by Jane Debster, a pretty upmarket brand, and cost me nearly $300. Nearly broke my heart when they sold for $16!!!

The boots were in perfect condition - I could have passed them off as new if I'd wanted to, but was honest in my listing about the limited wear they'd had. They were posted about 3 weeks ago and there was no contact from the buyer when she received them.

SO fast forward to yesterday, the buyer messages me to tell me that the first time the boots were worn, they pretty much fell apart! (Well, some stitching split and a heel fell off.) She didn't actually say what she wanted - just said she was very disappointed and wanted a reply - but I assume she was looking for some sort of compensation.

My reply basically consisted of the following points, put forward as nicely as I could:
- the boots were described honestly
- I assume they were in good order when they arrived or I would have heard from the buyer before now
- the damage must therefore have been caused by them being worn, which (though unfortunate) is a manufacturing quality issue
- as such, the boots were sold and received in good faith and (especially considering they were 2nd hand) I can't be responsible for what happens when they are put to use.

I should add that the buyer has an unblemished feedback record, as do I.

What do you think? Am I in the right? If not, what else could I have done?

All help appreciated..... I'm still stewing over it a bit!

Don't stress you are not to blame for something that happens while she is wearing them.

Grrrrrr buyer just messaged again saying "if that's all I can do" (still not saying what she wants) she's leaving neg feedback!

She admits she didn't actually check the boots, gave them to someone else who also apparently didn't check them before putting them on, yet maintains it's "obvious" they must have been in that shape when she got them.

I sent a (slightly less nice) reply, reiterating my position.

Did you say she paid $16??

Is she for real?

I think you are in the right, and it's cruel of her to leave negative feedback!! It's not like she paid $300 for them!

Have you left her feedback as yet? If not I would also tell her that you plan on leaving her negative feedback also.

If you have already left feedback and you wont to avoid her leaving you negative feedback I would offer a refund however I would not refund her the money until you have receivedt he boots back. I have had a few returns in the past and I never refund the money until the item has been returned.

Liz

I too would expect the boots to be returned if she is looking for a refund, however I think she is being totally unreasonable for $16 .

If the boots were in poor condition - SOMEONE would have noticed before they fell apart.

What was the time difference between you sending the boots and her sending the complaint?

What is her feedback rating?

I would not refund her - $16 - pfft!

Ask her for a picture of the boots.

When a product I had sent ended up being damaged (by Australia post), the Ebay'er sent the picture through - so I wouldn't expect any less from anyone making such a claim.

Mel xx