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Giving refunds for a Craigslist purchase?

AaronVonRock

AaronVonRock

Feb 22, 2013
3,512
4,893
Bangkok
#1
I sold a cheap bass to a guy for $100 yesterday on Craigslist (softcase and strap included). He called me tonight asking for a refund because "the tone won't work with his band".

There is nothing wrong with the bass, everything works perfectly. It's just a cheap bass (Oscar Schmidt short-scale). He tried the bass out in-person before he purchased it and liked it. Then when he got home, he said it didn't sound the way he wants it to on his amp (a Line 6 20 watt practice amp). Again, the bass functions just fine.

Would you give the guy a refund or not?
 
#4
Nope as is where is tell him to grow up. Buy a new amp.

You can take it back to be nice but he doesn't have. Legal leg to stand on give him back 80 for waisting your time and for potential lost sale while your ad was down
 
#5
I wouldnt because he tried it out and then decided to purchase so its on him. Something I learned the hard way was that when you sell used things like this, you have to make it clear that there are no warranties or returns accepted (within reason of course). You are not guitar center or some other shop and cant offer those types of things. Tell him to sell it as you already spent the money on bills. =)
 
#8
Do you think you can easily turn the bass over....other people interested? If so maybe take it back but to be honest the hassle of relisting it and taking calls and having people try it again should be worth something. Just the time alone.

Agree with others that it helps to list "as-is", "sales final". To be honest, I've aways assumed that with anything I bought on CL anyways.
 
#9
I'm inclined not to give him a refund because he tried it out, handed me the money, and then took the bass home with him.

I told him I'm busy until the weekend and can't meet now. He said he would call me again on Saturday. If he calls, I'll politely say no refund. This is my first experience selling something on Craigslist. I'll be clearer about a no refund policy in the future.
 
#10
I'm with DM, $100 ain't worth the drama. If he tried it out at your place even more so, do you want to wake up to slashed tires? If he thinks he's entitled to a refund who knows what he thinks is a proper response to "no."
 
#11
Runnerman said:
Do you think you can easily turn the bass over....other people interested? If so maybe take it back but to be honest the hassle of relisting it and taking calls and having people try it again should be worth something. Just the time alone.

Agree with others that it helps to list "as-is", "sales final". To be honest, I've aways assumed that with anything I bought on CL anyways.
Click to expand...

I've been trying to sell this bass since April. I've had about 10 inquiries about it, but this is the first person to actually come check it out. And I've already deleted the listing for it.
 
#12
AaronVonRock said:
I'm inclined not to give him a refund because he tried it out, handed me the money, and then took the bass home with him.

I told him I'm busy until the weekend and can't meet now. He said he would call me again on Saturday. If he calls, I'll politely say no refund. This is my first experience selling something on Craigslist. I'll be clearer about a no refund policy in the future.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't even answer the phone. A deal like that is final once the money is exchanged. You also have no idea what happened to the bass while he had it.
 
#13
Webtroll said:
I'm with DM, $100 ain't worth the drama. If he tried it out at your place even more so, do you want to wake up to slashed tires? If he thinks he's entitled to a refund who knows what he thinks is a proper response to "no."
Click to expand...

How would he know who's tires to slash? Saying no and sticking to it doesn't mean the other person is going to go crazy on you. If it were me I just wouldn't answer any calls from that person.
 
#14
Webtroll said:
I'm with DM, $100 ain't worth the drama. If he tried it out at your place even more so, do you want to wake up to slashed tires? If he thinks he's entitled to a refund who knows what he thinks is a proper response to "no."
Click to expand...

I live in a condo, so I met him in the lobby of my building. He doesn't know what floor I live on or my unit number.

He wasn't demanding a refund. The entire exchange on the phone was polite on both of our ends. I agree $100 isn't worth any drama, but hopefully a polite but firm "No refunds" on my part will be enough.
 
#18
not a chance!! I stand by my stuff. If i sell something and for some reason its not 'up to snuff'(hasnt needed to happen yet) I will always give back the loot, BUT... if you tried it out and were happy before the purchase, sorry. we're done.

this is a whole new breed of "craigslist stupid" that I havent come across yet... and glad I havent.
 

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