...I had an interesting situation as regards one of my eBay auctions this past week. I have decided what I am going to do about it, but I would like to hear the opinions of those more versed in the world of internet auctions than I am. Here's the scenario: I put up for auction a lot of two encased coins (a US cent surrounded by an aluminum collar on which is struck advertising on one side and a good luck slogan on the other). The cents of both encased coins were NOT original. I wrote in the item description: "Please note that both have replaced cents. The cents are ***not*** original. The cents are loose and are easily removed." I sold the lot and shipped it to the winner. The next week, the winner returned the lot to me with a letter stating that the cents were "tampered with", and demanding a full refund. As is (actually was) my practice I paid for the shipping and insurance on the lot. I did this on lots that sold for over $25. I have estimated my loss, if I issue a full refund, to be about $10. EBay listing fees, final value percentage fee, shipping, etc. The money is not the issue, but it is worth mentioning. The issue, as I see it, is that eBay is a "caveat emptor" environment. I described the lot completely, accurately, and honestly. I provided scans of the items. I feel that it is the buyers responsibility to read the lot description completely and take action BEFORE bidding. I believe that this buyer did not do this, made a mistake by bidding, and now wants me to pay for his mistake.

Whoa! Long post. What is your opinion?

Thanks,

Dave Smith in NH
"Live Free or Die"