Unfair case decision – buyer damages CPU, eBay decides against me (private sale) | Sell

derezv_0 · 2025-08-29T10:00:37.756000Z

Hello everyone,I want to describe my case here because, to be honest, I’m stunned by how eBay treats private sellers. Maybe someone has had similar experiences or tips on how to deal with this.I sold a bundle on eBay as a private seller consisting of a CPU (Intel i9 10900X) + ASUS ROG STRIX GAMING X299-E II motherboard.My description clearly stated: “Returns, exchanges and warranty excluded”.The process:• Before shipping, the CPU was fully functional.• After receiving it, the buyer (a commercial buyer) installed the CPU in another motherboard and had it tested by an “IT service”.• In the chat history, the buyer himself confirmed that the motherboard works with another CPU — so it is not defective.• Later he claimed the CPU had been damaged and even referred to the normal BIOS battery as a “foreign yellow body” (!).• These damages could only have occurred later at the buyer’s place, since he removed and reinstalled the processor himself.• Noticeable: the buyer only submitted the return on the very last day of eBay’s deadline. To me, that looks like he first tried to resell the parts himself, and only when that didn’t work did he start the return process.What happened next:• I reported the case to eBay and clearly explained that the item was working when shipped and that the damage was caused by the buyer.• Nevertheless, eBay ruled against me: I am supposed to accept the return and refund the purchase price of €307.• Reason given: “minor deviation from the description”. That is simply wrong, since the item was described correctly and the alleged damage occurred only at the buyer’s end.My conclusion:• As a private seller, you are apparently completely unprotected on eBay.• Even if you explicitly exclude returns, you still end up being liable for damage caused by the buyer.• I see eBay’s approach here as clear discrimination against sellers.Honestly, I think it’s outrageous how private customers are treated here, while buyers practically have free rein.For me, it’s settled: I won’t be selling or buying anything on eBay anymore in the future.Has anyone else had similar experiences? And is there any way to really be heard by eBay in a case like this?

Discussions

Unfair case decision – buyer damages CPU, eBay decides against me (private sale) | Sell | eBay Germany