What did I do wrong, I ask myself... she said nothing! But she won't change anything either... | Members help members

tomtom-01-12 · 2026-05-30T03:24:15.386000Z

Hello everyone,I’m hoping for an objective assessment, since I can’t understand eBay’s decision and would especially like to know what, specifically, I am supposed to have done wrong as the seller.As a private seller, I sold a used telescope. The item was described in detail and listed with several meaningful photos. The buyer did not buy the item right away, but first submitted an offer of €100 and then, a short time later, increased it on their own by another €40. To me, that was a sign that they considered the item’s condition reasonable based on the description and photos.The item was properly packaged, delivered on time, and received by the buyer without complaint.Only after that did the buyer open a return, claiming that there was allegedly dust inside the telescope and that they therefore could not or did not want to use it. A photo was submitted as proof. However, I cannot see any dust in that photo.In addition, this is a used item. Even if there were minimal dust particles inside, that would not be unusual for a used optical device. The telescope is also nitrogen-filled and sealed. If there were actually a relevant leak that would allow dust to enter, you would normally expect other signs such as fogging of the optics or visible deposits. No such defects are present, and the buyer has also not provided any evidence of them.Nevertheless, eBay accepted the return without my consent and withheld the purchase amount.I then contacted eBay customer service and spoke with Ms. Emilia Otto. My main question was what, specifically, I had done wrong as the seller. I wanted to know which error in my description, my photos, or my handling justified the decision.I did not receive a specific answer. I was only told that the decision would stand and that I could only file an appeal after receiving the return.I get the impression that the mere claim of a defect was enough, even though the item was fully described, there were meaningful photos, and the buyer did not provide any understandable evidence for their claim.So my question to the community is:What should I have done differently as the seller in this case? From your perspective, is there any clear mistake on my part, or is this simply eBay’s usual approach under buyer protection?

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