Buyer claims phone is blacklisted when it wasn’t before the sale

[wastarv]

Hi!

So I recently sold an iPhone 8 to a buyer who after receiving it claims it is blacklisted, quote: “Super disappointed about this I’m gonna have to return it for refund”,
when it was working fine before it was shipped (thoroughly checked and tested). The device does not appear to be tampered with but who really knows, maybe great care was taken. Has anyone experienced this? Not sure what I can do as I accepted the return because I didn’t believe it was actually blacklisted but it’s not working. Could the buyer have blacklisted the phone himself?

[ricarmic]

Was this your phone that you sold?

If not, it is possible one of the owner(s) from wherever it came from before you had it blacklisted after you acquired it. (and you may want to reconsider the source it came from before you)

Otherwise it is possible this buyer switched your phone with the blacklisted one (I don't know how to tell if it is the same phone you sent perhaps there's a serial number somewhere?). 

Stuff like this is what makes me happy I sell much safer postage stamps for a living!

[wastarv]

Yes it was obtained via Apple. It wasn’t switched because the original IMEI and serial number still appear to be the same. I agree this is a major headache. Not sure what the buyer did or how this happened...

[ricarmic]

I'm no apple phone expert but my understanding was that someone had to report it to Apple that it was stolen or lost for it to be blacklisted.

If you contact Apple would they be able to tell you what happened, or how/when/why it got blacklisted? If you're the original owner, that might be possible?

I see you have two more of these phones listed, this looks more like you're reselling phones, if that's the case, you'll have to check with whoever you got it from....or get them to call it in, or don't source any more phones from them.

[wastarv]

I’ll give it a shot. Thank you so much for your help!

[femmefan1946]

Not every transaction will go perfectly.

I would suggest that in any communication about the phone that you include the serial number. (You have that recorded, right?)

"I regret that you are unhappy with the iPhone8 serial # 1234567 purchased 15/12/19. " for example.

Generally, eBay will not get involved in he said/she said discussion about Disputes for Item Not As Described.

The only question is  who pays for tracked return shipping.

Take a deep breath.

It is possible that the buyer is right. Some scenarios are outlined by others.

EBay will tell you to send return shipping and refund on delivery.

Paypal will tell the buyer to return the item with tracking and tell you to refund on delivery.

Mentioning the serial number in all communications is just a backup reminding the buyer that you keep records and notifying the mediator (eBay or PP) that you can identify if another is substituted.

It's not proof, but it may make a scammer back off.

Do NOT refund even a penny without that return.

Basically, the question here is who pays for the return shipping.

No Returns does not mean No Refunds.

Are you still breathing steadily?

If your customer is not in Canada, it is more difficult to send return shipping, but if he is in the USA, you can send a USPS return shipping label through Shippo. Do you already have an account with them?  You'll need a Canada Post Solutions for Small Business number which is free at the PO or online.

If the buyer does not use the label to return the phone, and if he is a scammer there is a chance he won't, eventually you will be refunded the cost of the label.

[retroman_studios]

If you are the original owner and have proof of purchase, Apple will reset/replace device. But, I don't know if this is done at retail or by mail.