Can't find item so what would you do?

[musicyouneed]

I listed a CD 5 years ago which I just sold.  I still have it but it is lost in the thousands that I do have.  I have on occasion cancelled the sale as out of stock and took the hit.  Other times I have found CD's on other sites and had them mailed to the buyer.  The problem is that my CD was in like new condition, just came out of wrapping.  One of the CD's that I am looking at buying has a couple of marks on one of the 2 CD's.  The other one the seller will get back to me.  

Would you cancel the sale or buy another one and send it to the buyer knowing that it might not be in MINT condition?   

I checked the buyers feedback and he hasn't given feedback in the last 6 months but has given a couple of neutrals for late shipments. 

[kawartha-ephemera]

Personally, I would continue trying to locate the thing until my handling time was about up, if still nothing, then I would just go ahead and cancel as "out of stock". If an account is in good standing, why involve another party in this? There's a decent chance the buyer has already rejected any replacement you might find offered by another seller, especially if your missing copy was in mint condition.

[ricarmic]

I've put this up a long time ago, I wrote it a long time ago and so far I've been lucky that I haven't had to use it. 

My situation is different because I have a very good chance I will have more/similar stuff they want in my stock already.

This is the form letter I will send when the day comes (there have been some very close calls even in the last couple weeks!!!) Note that for something small, $50 and under XX will probably be double the value of the item they paid. If it is more expensive, it will be prorated, I'll decide the amount when the time comes.

Form letter:

=================================================================

Hi! Thank you very much for your purchase!

I humbly apologize because I cannot find the item you have purchased.

I can provide a number of options to resolve this:

-I have a similar item. I can send it instead, with a free bonus to make up for the fact that it won’t be exactly the same as the item you purchased

Or

-if you see any other lots in my store that you are interested in that are valued anywhere up to $XX I can send it instead. (please just advise me of the title and item number you do not need to purchase it)

Or

-if you see an item that is worth more than $XX send me a question about that lot and I will send you an offer reducing the price by $XX which you can accept and then follow the normal payment process

Or

-I can provide a full refund

I apologize again for being unable to provide the item, let me know which option above you prefer when you have a chance. Thank you very much for your understanding and have a great day!!