[wot] need some ebay help, what would you do in this case? Options

[djm914-6]

Here's the scoop...
I've been unloading a bunch of random stuff on ebay to try to make a few bucks. Most transactions, including many international sales, have gone very well. Except one. I haven't use a film camera in many years and descided to sell off a couple of SLR packages. One of these sales just went wrong.

I wrote in the ad that I haven't use the camera in years and that it was to be sold as is but worked the last time I used it. It even had film loaded when I opened the back to take a picture. I removes the film and sold the whole package, body, lens flash, bag, manuals, books, straps etc. for under $200. I had a higher bid but canceled the bid before the auction closed because he was new, no feedback and wouldn't return my emails.

The winner complained because it took me a week to get to the post office. I just started a job and couln't get there till Saturday. I appologised, but he wasn't happy. Now he gets the package and tells me the camera won't load film. He said he tried the lens and flash on another camera just like this one and they work fine. He want's to return the camera for a full refund including shipping.

My worry is that he's trying to return a camera that's not the one I sent him. I stated clearly that the camera was untested and sold as is. I started teh bidding really low due to this fact.

What would you do in this case?

Thanks

[bob91403]

Cameras have serial #s. I hope you wrote it down somewhere. Unfortunately some manufacturers stamp it on the bottom cover plate, which could easily be swapped with a non-working camera. Tell him it was sold "as is", but be honorable and flexible. It could have been damaged in transit, he could have paid for insurance. Offer him a sincere apology and a partial refund. He can probably have it repaired. Most SLRs can be overhauled for about $60, if it's not an electronic problem. Then it would cost more than the camera's worth. But, if he wants a full refund, have him pay for shipping, and insist that he return everything. If it is received as sold, and is your original camera, refund it then. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)