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hi, I have a slight headache with a buyer, they have bought a couple of books from me, both at beneath market value. They paid through paypal and have received the books. They emailed me to say that the books are virtually valueless as they do not have a set of loose prints that were originally in the back cover of the books. I made no mention of these prints in the listing, and the buyer does not seem to have any grievance with the books themselves. They are demanding a refund. Do I have to give them one ?, is it likely that paypal will find in their favour if a dispute is opened ? and will paypal automatically refund from my account without my consent if a dispute is decided against me ?. I thought the books were accepted on a as seen basis, and as I have made no mention of these prints, or have any knowledge of them I feel the buyer is messing me around
Any thoughts ? Thanks
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It depends entirely on how much value you place on a negative and the paypal hassle.

It is easier to give in sometimes, refund the money and put it down to experience. If you re-advertise it, then you may get your money back.
Cost - bit of hassle, but less then if you fight for it and get a negative and/or Paypal finds against you and refunds.

Alternatively, you simply write to him, point out it is an auction and it is "caveat emptor". As an example, I bought an old volume of Amateur photographer from 1903. No adverts - the thing was valueless to me - then I noticed, all the bound volumes had attracted no bids or just one - every one knew that when binding magazines, it was common practise to remove the ads. I know better now and don't bid.

You are quite within your rights to say - "sold as seen, accurate description as far as I knew, thats why the price reached was under the normal value for this title"

I know which route I'd take, but then, as others have told me on this board, I'm a coward!

I simply value my 100% positive reputation above a few $.

My advice. Refund quickly with a smile, say "sorry for the problem I was totally unaware of this!" Gnash your teeth in private, take better pictures of it, give a better description and put a reserve higher than you did last time!

Paul


OK, OK, I have this yellow streak, but I try always to avoid a scene and recover my pride by doing something else!
Its kind of a tough one, for me, it would depend on the buyers attitude and the amount of money exchanged.

On principle, you have done nothing wrong, so feel free to email them that the you had no knowledge of the prints and that they werent listed..so you havent done anything wrong.

I cant comment on what paypal will do as I have no experience with their disputes.

I would say I am 50/50 on refunds and *tuff turkeys* with my disgruntled buyers...I have refunded if I think I have made a error in the listing, or if someone has had a legitimate beef, but if they are just whining because the item wasnt quite what they expected its *too bad, so sad*.

If you do refund, you can claim your final value fee through ebay, so you shouldnt be too far out of pocket....but in your case I would be leaning towards no refund and copping the neg, or [do I dare say it] have you already left them feedback?? if not, hold out, they probably wont risk a negative from you.

Sorry - I probably wasnt much help Confused
hi, thanks for your points of view, buyer emailed me again, he had bought another book which I have not yet posted, so I refunded him for that. I said that I did not feel I was required to give a refund for the two that have been sent as they are both "as listed". I think the buyer is a book dealer and is basically bemoaning the fact they wont make the killing they thought they would as a result of the lack of loose prints. Guy said it was "like buying a car without wheels...you expect them to be there" which is pretty stupid logic to my mind. I don't like being blackmailed by negative feedback so I'll probably sit this one out. Paypal notes seem to suggest a refund is not forthcoming unless the item is significantly different than as stated, so I personally feel he's not in line for one. I see you are a super sniper, camera. Have you never had a negative then ?. I have a couple, I don't think I could take flack off people and not respond, how do you do it ?. Cheers and thanks for the help, much appreciated, will keep you posted
quote:
I see you are a super sniper, camera. Have you never had a negative then ?.
The titles/statuses on this forum are determined by the number of posts. They have nothing to do with how many snipes have been placed (I sure do wish AS would change those damn titles). For a list of the titles, click on “Go” (towards the top of the this page); position cursor on “My Space”; then click on “Karma”.

It’s been my experience that loose items (anything not bound into the book) need to be listed separately to be included in the transaction. If they ain’t listed, they ain’t included. A book dealer should know that, especially when they are dealing with someone on ebay. You may be right, in that they were hoping to get a steal.

The books I buy were originally shipped boxed and shrink-wrapped. Neither of those are considered bound-in. Unless the auction mentions the original box or shrink-wrap, then the buyer should not expect these to be included. Even the signature page, which is definitely bound in, typically is listed, and frequently pictured. Certificate of Authenticity, bookplates, or the original notes, which are all loose, must also be listed.

The buyer should have emailed you and specifically asked you. Of course, then the buyer risks the chance that you’ll revise your listing and they’ll have to pay the market price with the prints included.
I think I would offer them their money back as soon as the book is returned in like condition. I would tell them that I was not aware of any prints and am doing this as a courtesy. It is just part of good business. Books are something you must be very careful describing, including knowing all the facts. I do buy books and I probably would know this about this book and expect them to be there unless otherwise stated.
quote:
Guy said it was "like buying a car without wheels...you expect them to be there"
Wheels are somewhat standard equipment on cars. Prints are not standard in books.


quote:
Originally posted by Camera:
OK, OK, I have this yellow streak, but I try always to avoid a scene and recover my pride by doing something else!
Does that ever conflict with your feelings about bullies? Razz
hi, well he's emailed me again, I haven't told him yet that I rejected the parcel of books he returned via signed for, so he'll be getting them back. He suggests I have been ripped off so I should take the books and try and get my money back off the person I bought the books off. Think he's just trying to shift responsibility, so I'm going to stick to my guns. I relented a couple of times lately, replacement stuff etc, and its really bitten me in the ass. I have another hassle Frown but I'll post that seperately
thanks again

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