I need input on a partial refund request.

a customer on eBay bought three Heisey orchid water goblets from me. They arrived with no problems but now she sends me a message that she found some air bubbles in the glass and asked if I would consider a partial refund. She sent a picture and these bubbles. They were from the making of the glass, they’re too very tiny bubbles and they’re at the place where the stem of the goblet meets the foot of the goblet. They’re not chips. They’re not damaged. They were there when the glasses were made. I don’t think it’s anything as a collector I would notice. I think that’s pretty normal. But I want to get some other input about it from you folks before I decide what I’m gonna say when I reply. Thanks in advance for your input. I’ll let you know what I decide.

she paid $35 plus shipping for the Goblets.

 

This is the picture she sent me

 

Tell her you should have charged her more for the 2 without bubbles.

 

Bubbles are a normal manufacturer flaw. I would not give a partial refund. I would politely say that she can send back for a full refund.

 

Agree.

Debora

 

Lots I'd like to say about these situations, but to keep it brief- you may end up eating the shipping cost both ways depending on how they put in the return, so if you really wanted to be rid of these you could offer a small refund and be done with it and avoid a bad review. Also helpfully educate the buyer about it for good customer relations.

Even though it may be a normal issue in the manufacturing of an item, if it might detract from the appearance it's best to photograph it and note in the listing.

 

There are people like this one who pick at everything. But the hassle of her returning them is not good for either of you. I would explain very politely about how bubbles are a normal part of the manufacturing process etc. and not considered by most to be a flaw. But since the trouble of returning them is to be avoided, you will offer her a courtesy partial refund, of whatever amount you think she will take. I would try for no more than $7.50. That should cover about half of the cost plus a bit over for shipping. Believe me, you don't want the stems returned. What a PITA. FYI, I can't see the photo or even enlarge it.

 

Sorry B-Pics too small.I agree w/ Ola- give her $7.50 and block her, seems the path of least resistance.

 

@Bdigger offers free returns on all his listings, so he would have to add that to his cost. Seems like a lot to pay to make a point. Partial refunders come with the eBay territory unfortunately. In your case offering a small partial might be better than a free return. Maybe if you just offered the cost of the shipping as a refund? That might work.

 

Bubbles come with the turf. Either she doesn't know this, or she's chiseling. Either offer a "go away" courtesy partial and block her, or offer return for refund.