Belt Auction

Should I refund the buyer of my Ebay auction?

I had an Ebay auction for $40 online codes. A person purchased it and I emailed her the code. A short time later she emails me back and said that my auction was deceiving and that she wanted a refund. She also promised never to use the codes I just sent her. Should I refund her? My auction had in BIG bold RED letters that you need to use the retailer's credit card to pay for your purchase. It stated that TWICE. The auction title also had in bold letters "ONLINE". She said she thought it was a standard paper gift card because it did have gift card in the title. I frankly dont want to refund her based on principle. If she said something like "Im sorry, I read the auction wrong. Can I get a refund?". I would be much more sympathetic. But when she tried to accuse that my auction is deceptive, Id rather NOT refund. I have 300+ 100% positive feedback and am willing to risk it on principle alone. Not on that but I paid the high Ebay/Paypal fees in addition to her having the unique codes. I would like to clarify that I used "gift card" because it was an online gift card. My auction mirrors many other auctions and I have not had a problem before with similar auctions. Wanted to keep this private, but why not, here is the auction listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170088494965 Ooops it was a different, but identical, auction that is in dispute. I simply used the "sell similar" item option and listed another lot I had. That second lot is the one under dispute. But you get the idea.

Public Comments

1. It is the purchasers responsibility to read the auction and bid accordingly. I would not refund her. People need to learn to read things thoroughly before they bid. If she decides to leave you a negative, people understand that you can't make 100% of the people happy 100% of the time.
2. I would not refund the money because your ad was clear. If she disputes the payment (did she pay via paypal?) just explain the situation as you have here. You also cannot guarentee that she has NOT used the codes, even if she sends them back to you, and you try to resell them assuming they are valid. The best thing for her to do is list them for sale herself on ebay. I've bid on things before that I misread, and I was stuck. I hope this works out for you.
3. Buyer beware....you posted all the relevant information, and disclaimers in Bold and Red?? Too many people try to scam you on Ebay.....they can go scratch. You got paid and provided the advertised item as described, buyers remorse is not your problem. As a fellow 100% feedback Ebay user, tell your buyer sorry no refunds, they got what you advertised and it can not be returned. If they post a negative, all you can do is post a follow up and return the favor.
4. I agree w/ you 100%. Had she been nice about it it would have been very gracious of you to return her money but since shes being nasty I don't think you should refund it. Also - I think you should tell her she should read item descriptions more carefully before she bids & if she does make a mistake again remind her she'll catch more bee's with honey.
5. Why would you put "gift card" in the title if you're selling a code? And then you have to PAY for your purchases? I think your description was purposefully confusing.
6. I wouldn't refund her. It her fault she didnt read it right and then got mad at you. Before I bid on stuff on ebay I read the seller information for payment and shippment method.
7. I do not think you should give her a refund. However I would make copies of all correspondence with her, and copies of the original listing. If she decides to pursue this further, these records could save you a huge hassle.
8. I believe it's ebay's policy that the bidder should make sure that they read all of the auctions details to make sure they understand what they are bidding on. I can understand that the bidder originally thought they were bidding on a physical gift card. But since you had specail details about the items usage in big bold red letters, the bidder was wrong in not paying attention. I wouldn't refund the bidders money. I would send her a copy of ebays biding policy & a copy (print screen pasted on word doc) of your auction. & if your proficient at using word, use the auto shape feature to call out the big bold red specifics. If she gives you bad feedback you can always counter her with bad bidder feedback & put an explanation up on your own feedback page. People understand that there will always be folks who will blame their mistake on others.
9. Can you resell these codes? If not I would not refund. If your conscience bothers you refund her anything left after your ebay and paypal fees. But I wouldn't blame you if you didn't. Some people just don't take time to read. You may keep in mind some people get really defensive when they think they are getting took. Even if it is there fault for not paying attention. Good luck!
10. I am also an ebayer, and I would not refund the money if I were you because you were clear in the description, but If the buyer has a big problem with this item then you may want to give a 50% or 25% refund, NOT 100%, obviously then you would lose money. Also If the buyer has a bad feedback refund then just dont refund anything.
11. You are right, but I would give her a refund anyway. You don't want your wonderful record tarnished. Just write it off as a business expense, its the cost you pay to do business.