An Ebay transaction first -soliciting opinions

[Jim65]

Howard, I would just refund. If he opens a "item not as described", he will win the case. Theres no such thing as "no refunds". Even if you state no returns, Ebay's policy is that sellers must accept returns for "items not as described". If Ebay forces you to initiate the return, it goes as a mark against you.

If the buyer asks for partial refund, that's grounds to have any negative feedback removed.

[buymycards]

You took a chance by selling an unopened 30 year old poster. The buyer took a chance when he purchased it.

I would refund the money, let the buyer keep the poster, (because you don't want a damaged, opened poster), and move on. You have had this poster laying around for 30 years, so you really aren't out anything except for the shipping.

[1880nonsports]

just to note this - eBay will cover a seller in transactions where buyer has returned an item for being not as described. Believe you need to be a power seller and have offered 30+ day returns and something else that I don't remember....

I honestly think the BUYER is responsible - similar situation with cracking a slab. One has CHANGED the item that was sold..... That said - for mental health and in the spirit of doing the moral thing - I would just refund the buyer. I would NOT let them keep the item and the money.....

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by 1880nonsports

just to note this - eBay will cover a seller in transactions where buyer has returned an item for being not as described. Believe you need to be a power seller and have offered 30+ day returns and something else that I don't remember....

I honestly think the BUYER is responsible - similar situation with cracking a slab. One has CHANGED the item that was sold..... That said - for mental health and in the spirit of doing the moral thing - I would just refund the buyer. I would NOT let them keep the item and the money.....

^^the bold parts^^ I think partial refunds are a HORRIBLE idea in any situation.

[packs]

How was the item described? Was it described as a "sealed poster" or something else? If you sold a buyer a sealed poster and shipped them a sealed poster, the item was as described.

[Case12]

Unless it is high dollar item with questionable circumstances, I would not hesitate to refund. It's the price (and respect) of doing business on eBay...

[hcv123]

I appreciate all the input and opinions. I asked this question preemptively. The buyer hasn't asked for anything yet (except for a replacement which he was willing to pay for and I do not have). He has not threatened negative feedback or opened a case.
While I couldn't have known about the condition of the poster, I feel bad that he didn't get what he thought he was getting.
The poster was described as "Brand new in package" - from 1989.
I can see reason in all opinions offered so far - still mulling over - more input is welcome.

[BruceinGa]

I would hope a seller would always want a buyer to be happy, giving positive feedback.
The only way where the buyer wouldn't be due a refund if the item would have been listed with some kind of description of an unknown condition. Most times I would think this wouldn't be offered, such as your case.

I'd start by offering a partial refund and allowing the buyer to keep the poster. Otherwise full refund upon return unless you just have no interest in the poster at all

[Edwolf1963]

Originally Posted by hcv123

I feel bad that he didn't get what he thought he was getting.

I think what you noted here above pretty much sums it up. I would just refund it and move on if he asks for one.