2021 Topps X Mickey Mantle 1952 (eBay buyer requests refund due to painter's tape)

[eastbayak]

I received a return request from an eBay buyer claiming that what they received had "arrived damaged".

(1) The amount to be refunded isn't an issue as it's minimal.
(2) I have no problem refunding individuals when I'm at fault. Shoot, I've even refunded individuals who simply changed their minds (because, although not ideal, they were honest about it).

What irks me about this specific situation is that the buyer is exaggerating their complaint and I want to fight it out of principle. It's annoying that such buyers exist on eBay.

Here's what happened:

A buyer hit the $27.49 BIN on my listing (details shown below). For raw cards, I generally take pictures of cards in a sleeve and toploader (but that might change going forward depending on verdict).

I packaged the card carefully (card => plastic sleeve => toploader => blue painter's tape on toploader => stack of cards on both sides => sandwiched by two cardboard pieces).

A few days after it was delivered, the buyer opened a claim stating that "It showed up with blue tape all over it tried to remove it but everything was sticky". First, I wasn't selling the plastic sleeve or toploader, I was selling the card only (which the listing details are all about). Second, everything wasn't sticky, only the toploader would potentially be sticky (and blue painter's tape barely leaves any adhesive residue).

Do I have a shot at fighting this case or will eBay automatically side with the buyer?

If you want to block anyone involved (myself or buyer), here's the eBay usernames:

- Buyer: bectar.1jpdjt
- Me: EastBayAk

Here's the pictures that the buyer uploaded into the return request:




Here's the return request details:



Here's the listing:

As a reminder, the amount isn't an issue. And, if it were a real issue, I'd happily accept the return. But to me, this return request is a little BS.

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9/9/22 update: After receiving some feedback from the BO community, I called eBay yesterday to discuss the issue. The representative reassured me that I did what I needed to do and that I'll be protected (I just need to escalate the case once the option becomes available). We'll see what actually happens but it does give me hope that eBay doesn't always side with bad buyers.

Also, the buyer sent me a message. How are these individuals not blocked from eBay?

Lastly, the buyer is a she (first name is Rebecca).



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[B]9/12/22 update: eBay sided with the buyer for the return case. Pretty strange when the eBay representative reassured me that I'd be taken care of. Pretty annoying experience overall, hopefully the buyer actually ships back the card I sent them and doesn't try to steal it from me like an earlier feedback (of theirs) stated.

[rngrdanny22]

Thanks for the username. Blocking immediately.

What an idiot.

[Goldie]

It's exactly as you said. You're selling the card, not the materials you used to safely and securely ship the item. Are bubbles in a bubble mailer grounds for a return because they weren't in the picture? He can take the card out of the top loader and put it in whatever holder he wants, but the card isn't damaged and that's what you sold. I'd ignore his requests until it's time to talk to ebay directly - if he wants to escalate it then you can save your breath for then.

[rngrdanny22]

Originally Posted by eastbayak

As a reminder, the amount isn't an issue. And, if it were a real issue, I'd happily accept the return. But to me, this return request is a little BS.

Also wanted to add a couple points:

1. It sounds like he just wants "a refund". As in, he wants his money back, but intends to keep the card.

2. Remember, this cheap degenerate psycho likely has your home address now (unless you use a PO Box).

[pete2345]

Deny the request ridiculous excuse

[oldgoldy97]

I never did like you.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by rngrdanny22

Thanks for the username. Blocking immediately.

What an idiot.

No problem at all.

Originally Posted by Goldie

It's exactly as you said. You're selling the card, not the materials you used to safely and securely ship the item. Are bubbles in a bubble mailer grounds for a return because they weren't in the picture? He can take the card out of the top loader and put it in whatever holder he wants, but the card isn't damaged and that's what you sold. I'd ignore his requests until it's time to talk to ebay directly - if he wants to escalate it then you can save your breath for then.

Sounds good, I'll ignore the request and reach out to eBay too.

Originally Posted by rngrdanny22

Also wanted to add a couple points:

1. It sounds like he just wants "a refund". As in, he wants his money back, but intends to keep the card.

2. Remember, this cheap degenerate psycho likely has your home address now (unless you use a PO Box).

Yeah, there's the possibility of that too. Fortunately, I didn't use my home address. Unfortunately, I used my parent's address (it's tied to my eBay account).

Going forward, I'll need to update it to my address because I don't want my parents to have to deal with weirdos (directly or indirectly).

Originally Posted by pete2345

Deny the request ridiculous excuse

Appreciate it, will definitely do.

[AwesomeBrian]

Item Specifics are impressive

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by oldgoldy97

I never did like you.

Haha, I'm not even sure how I should respond to this comment. Sorry for whatever I did to you though.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by AwesomeBrian

Item Specifics are impressive

I can't take credit for it, I did the "sell similar" option. But I'll definitely pay much closer attention to such details too.

Basically, any loophole that a problematic buyer might use, I'll try to minimize.

[oldgoldy97]

Originally Posted by eastbayak

Haha, I'm not even sure how I should respond to this comment. Sorry for whatever I did to you though.

Just with a laugh. Trying to lighten the mood

You’re one of my must read posters, as it turns out.

[eastbayak]

Originally Posted by oldgoldy97

Just with a laugh. Trying to lighten the mood

You’re one of my must read posters, as it turns out.

Hahaha, I see. I'm pretty gullible.

Initially, I thought it might've been a joke. Then I thought I probably annoyed you sometime in the past (as I likely have others).

Glad to know that I'm not on your blocked list though (yet...) :P

[hermanotarjeta]

I thought I had heard it all but that is just stupid, sorry man.

[atk825]

I can't for the life of me figure out what the profanity that got the asterisks.

[zworykin]

Originally Posted by atk825

I can't for the life of me figure out what the profanity that got the asterisks.

I'm guessing "crappy"?

[LittleJimmies]

I like how he took a picture of tape sticking to his finger to help support his case.

[OneSickDegen]

Originally Posted by rngrdanny22

Remember, this cheap degenerate psycho likely has your home address now (unless you use a PO Box).

If they/them wanna come a knocking you best know what time it is

[LittleJimmies]

You should offer him a partial refund of $0.30 for a new toploader! Really though, don't interact with this idiot any more.

[OneSickDegen]

In before “grade chaser”

[hermanotarjeta]

Big Ben fan - that explains everything!

[anusinha]

Idiot probably thought he was getting a real 1952 Mantle and just wanted his money back

[illadelf]

Originally Posted by anusinha

Idiot probably thought he was getting a real 1952 Mantle and just wanted his money back

Haha the same thought crossed my mind


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[rngrdanny22]

Originally Posted by OneSickDegen

In before “grade chaser”

It's either that, or ...

Originally Posted by anusinha

Idiot probably thought he was getting a real 1952 Mantle and just wanted his money back

[clocsta2323]

100% he's a forum member

[JWBlue]

Originally Posted by rngrdanny22

Also wanted to add a couple points:

1. It sounds like he just wants "a refund". As in, he wants his money back, but intends to keep the card.

2. Remember, this cheap degenerate psycho likely has your home address now (unless you use a PO Box).

I wonder if there has ever been a story about physical retaliation for a card issue on eBay.