I sold a piece to someone recently that was in MINT condition when I sent it. Supposedly there was some paint rubbing during transit, though I packed it quite well. The buyer was dissatisfied enough to want to return the piece for a refund, which was not a problem with me.

I received the returned piece with much more damage than was reported. I accpeted responsibility for the original damage complaint, even though I have photo proof that it was mint upon shipping, but there was no mention of this new damage that was, quite obviously (by the way it was positioned upon removal from the box) caused by poor packing from the return shipment.

What's the protocol? Is the buyer responsible for damage during returns? I tired to work it out very diplomatically, asking for thier suggestions before even making my own but was met with aggression. Thoughts, people?

Well, I think if he expects you to refund him for shipping damage that was not your fault, this refund should be less any damage upon returning shipping from him.

So what is a heavily damaged toy worth?

Are you sure they sent you back the same toy?

Tough call, especially if the buyer doesn't have evidence that it was in damaged condition when s/he received it. Maybe others here have experience with this and can offer stronger advice, but I'd say sleep on it, and do what you feel is right, even if it means cutting your losses. That's no fun but this sounds like one of those "shit happens" situations.

Pretty sure, yeah. Funny you should mention that though since they accused me of accusing them of switching, when that possibility was never, ever mentioned. Projecting maybe?

The damage isn't huge, just silver paint rubbing which seems to be common with certain figures.

I should also mention that I don't sell damaged figures, period. I take them on trips in my car or take them to my studio and expose them to "art"

It's a tough situation. If it was me, since things progressed to the point where they sent the toy back, I would just eat it and put the toy up for sale again, but with detailed pictures and text detailing what you believe are major issues with the toy. And if it's an eBay transaction, specify "no returns" in your policy.

also say "sold as is"

Tough call...
but if the buyer is holder you accountable for damage during shipping then he too should be held accountable...
I would say give them their money back less 15-20%...

I am curious, is the other party a member of this board? I'm not looking for names just curious if someone here would be that much of a jag off...

It's another recent member, but I wouldn't post anything unless the issue escalates in a bad way. I thought something around 15% less was reasonable as well.

I don't plan on re-selling...like I mentioned I won't sell damaged goods. They're the ones that get to travel around instead of sitting on a shelf away from the harsh world...they've been traumatized and need some special attention and such

That sounds fair. As been said, tough call. It will rely heavily on both party being able to get together and cowboy up and share the responsibilities.

As for the toy in question. sounds like a great candidate for a PK custom job

send it to the acetone spa....

+1 I was thinking the same thing!


And I know this won't help right now, but in the future, I would suggest shipping it via UPS ground or FedEx ground. Its about 3-5 dollars more but you can select a declared value (keep in mind its not insurance!). If its damaged on arrival and you can prove it was packed well, with proof of the value (paypal/ebay rec.) they should refund the amount to the receiver and the seller is absolved.
See their sites for policy, it may not be a great idea for its under 50 but if you are send a bemon or something else of a high value... it might be worth it.