Reading mode: Light Dark

Advice wanted on an ebay transaction (Nikon lens)

Go to last post
S

skylon

Leading Member
Messages
602
Reaction score
5
Location
Landing, NJ, US
I just sold a lens on Ebay, in what I think was in excellent condition. I think I descibed the lens as it is. Now, the seller is demanding a refund, saying the lens has lens creep, visible oil inside, and was dirty. I have an excellent rating on Ebay, and think I described the lens correctly regarding it's condition (I never experienced the lens creep, and honestly didn't see any oil. And I cleaned the front of the lens before I shipped.)

How would you guys handle this situation?

--
Just Shoot It.
 
Although I have limited experience with ebay, I think
that you should just take the lens back & give a refund.
That is just good business. Be sure you get the same
lens back though.

Sounds like the 18-200VR?

--
Lou

http://loutent.smugmug.com/
 
I am what's know as a "Power Seller" on ebay and I have a very simple rule. If the buyer is not trying to cheat you, then accept the item back and give a refund. You will sell the lens again and have got positive feedback from the happy ex-buyer. If you get negative feedback - then it will be very difficult to sell the lens next time.
 
Why don't you ask the buyer to send you some photos of the lens that show the problem. That way you can make sure they didn't damage it. If you give a refund, you should wait until you have the lens back in your possession.

Personally, if the person was nice about it, I would probably take the lens back, but if they were a jerk I would tell them the lens is theirs. I don't trust people if the behave in a way online that is different than what would be OK behavior in person.

Good luck!
--
Thanks,
Mark
 
Maybe you did not notice the oil and some dirt. Maybe there were these problems indeed, although not very evident, and you unfortunately found a particularly pick buyer, probably a different buyer would have accepted the lens.

This is what I would do, although I am not saying that it is the best way to handle this, that's just me. I would tell the buyer that although you did not see any of these problems with the lens, you will respect his judgement on the product and will issue a refund when you get the item back from him (shipping fees at his expense). I would then check for the problems he indicate, and depending on what you find either relist the item as it was or maybe adjust slightly the description to better represent the item.

A successful transaction is only one in which both parties are happy at the end. If the buyer feel robbed (although he might be wrong) there is nothing good to be expected as an outcome.

Anyway I understand the hassle, sorry about this situation.

Best-Ackab
skylon said:
I just sold a lens on Ebay, in what I think was in excellent
condition. I think I descibed the lens as it is. Now, the seller
is demanding a refund, saying the lens has lens creep, visible oil
inside, and was dirty. I have an excellent rating on Ebay, and
think I described the lens correctly regarding it's condition (I
never experienced the lens creep, and honestly didn't see any oil.
And I cleaned the front of the lens before I shipped.)

How would you guys handle this situation?

--
Just Shoot It.
Click to expand...
--
Panasonic Lumix shots gallery:
http://cellbiol.com/cellbiol_photos/

Fuji F30 shots gallery:
http://cellbiol.com/photography/gallery/fuji_f30/

Nikon D200 gallery:
http://cellbiol.com/photography/gallery/nikon_D200/
 
I sell on EBay, too, and generally issue a unconditional return guarantee. Although in a situation like this, I think the buyer should pay for the return shipping. But I always spell that out in the auction.

No point in risking bad feedback. Make the person happy and relist the item. EBay will refund your fees associated with this transaction, or at least let you relist for free and refund your sales charges from this transaction.
 
If you did not specifically check the lens for the listed problems, I say give full refund, once you get the lens. Even mail him a postage paid label with insurance.

Some folks' tollerance of dust INSIDE the lens is lower than others - he might be talking about inside dirt which is normal in used lenses, to a degree.

I always take very detailed photos that show the aperture blades, front element, rear element, lens mount and any specific areas of concern if there are scratches etc. Also take photos of the packing so that I can use them in case of shipping damage claims. Pain to do but worth it.

You made a mistake of not checking the lens carefully so you have no way to tell if he is right or not. Do not however settle for a partial refund. This lens is not worth more than a couple of hundred bucks (the D version even) so try to preserve you positive feedback by making it easy for the buyer to get his money back fast.
skylon said:
I just sold a lens on Ebay, in what I think was in excellent
condition. I think I descibed the lens as it is. Now, the seller
is demanding a refund, saying the lens has lens creep, visible oil
inside, and was dirty. I have an excellent rating on Ebay, and
think I described the lens correctly regarding it's condition (I
never experienced the lens creep, and honestly didn't see any oil.
And I cleaned the front of the lens before I shipped.)

How would you guys handle this situation?

--
Just Shoot It.
Click to expand...
--
Regards,
Mihail
http://www.pbase.com/kocho/favorites
 
I agree. I'm a powerseller myself, and your feedback is worth more than the money you'll save by not refunding it. I'd pay for shipping, too. It only costs $8 bucks or so, and it will ensure that the buyer is happy. You don't want to give him the refund, and have him leave negative feedback based on the $8 shipping charge.

Besides, he can always file a SNAD claim with PayPal, and you're out the entire amount, AND have negative feedback. Worst of both worlds.

--
http://www.bradraple.smugmug.com

http://www.bradraple.blogspot.com
 
On several occassions I've had to return lenses that were not as described. There are conventions for rating and describing lenses. Granted they are open to variations and interpretations, but it should be in the ballpark. In the cases when I though the description was innacurat enough to take the time for a refund I've always ended up paying the return shipping. Except for one case when a $2000 lens had a substantial flaw (which was declared, but declared as not affecting the image which it did very much). In that case the seller insisted on a full refund and provided his Fedex number for the return.

I'd do this...
A: Ask for images that show the problems.

B: If your sure you did describe the lens accurately, offer to accept the lens back minus your shipping and eBay costs. And the buyer pays shipping costs back to you.
C: If the buyer refuses offer a full refund, but have him pay return shipping.
D: Worst case offer full refund including return shipping.

But if he does convince you that the lens could have been described better than give the full refund and pay the return shipping. Even if you weren't trying to cheat anyone it's very disappointing (and all to common) to buy something on ebay that's been hyped or simply poorly described. I generally only bid on auctions with very good descriptions, high res well it pics, and I generally ask the seller if he will take returns if I find the description inaccurate or misleading.

Good luck and keep it professional and polite, even if the buyer doesn't.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top