eBay Parts or Repair Laptop units being returned for not working!!

[Reneexxoo]

Of course, if a laptop is even partially working, it's worth a lot more as a parts or repair unit,
instead of scrapping it out. This is especially true when it comes to macbooks and macbook
pros!

But, 2 out of the last 3 units that I've sold on eBay have been returned because they didn't "work."
In the listings, I explain over and over that the unit doesn't work - and my pricing reflects that! These
buyers are thinking that they are getting fully functional macbooks at a quarter of the price of a working
one! If the units had worked, I would have asked for A LOT more money!

Sorry for venting - but I'm curious if anyone else has this issue?

Thanks

[ryanw]

Do you offer returns or something? If you don't and you explained in the auction that this was a broken unit, then they wouldn't be able to return it.

I never offer returns for scrap or broken things on ebay. I charge a restocking fee for everything else.

[Reneexxoo]

Yes, I've recently re-done my "disclaimer" section - most of my items are tested & working and, of course, I work with the customer if there are any issues.
I've told the latest guy that I will take the unit back, but I will not refund any shipping and will charge a re-stocking fee. I was hoping this would scare away
these people who see "quibid" ads on TV and think they can buy a macbook for pennies on the dollar! Do you find that eBay backs you (and your policy) up
if the buyer opens a case? The last guy did a chargeback through paypal, instead of following the eBay resolution policies - *that* was a hassle . . . but I
wound up winning - of course, PayPal wouldn't let me access that money throughout the process, so I had no unit AND no money!

[ryanw]

I have had one person try to return an item just because they didn't want it, but I said no returns and ebay decided in my favor for it. Now, all the buyer has to do is make a stink about not getting exactly what was pictured and it'll usually be decided in their favor. In your case, if it was clear that you said the laptops were not working, and also stated in your return policy that there were no returns for it, then ebay should have decided in your favor if a dispute case was opened. I'm sorry about the paypal chargeback, i haven't experienced one, but i can imagine it's not fun. Paypal can freeze your funds for many reasons.

If I'm selling something for parts, I usually have the word "broken" first in the title or near the beginning. It helps steer away people that I wouldn't want buying it.

Also, another thing I have set up, is a separate ebay account for broken/scrap/etc stuff. Selling this type of merchandise comes with a different set of problems, and I don't want it affecting my main selling account.

[mikeinreco]

One I just listed and of course the price reflects it ......I figure this one will go for $50 or more

Dell Vostro 1500 15 4" Notebook for Parts or Repair Broken Hinge Boots to BIOS | eBay

[unknownk]

Anything listed in the "used" category on ebay is sold as working, if not you are stuck taking it back. If sold under the "for parts or not working" category then the buyer can only send it back if you fudged the description or sent something else by accident.