Or don't sell SINGLE SHOES. Unless you open the photo in Photoshop and plaster "SINGLE RIGHT SHOE ONLY" all over the image.
I looked into completed auctions and found that there were plenty of examples of people selling single sample Nike's (presumably to collectors) to leave me with the impression that it was a relatively routine thing that happens on there.
I sincerely hope that eBay covers your rear on this one. This is clearly a case of the buyer just not wanting the item. To an extent it might be easier to offer returns, but you shouldn't be forced to. Also the buyers would then just complain about shipping and such and open cases anyway.
I'm extremely curious about the guy who returned the shoe so please keep us posted on how that goes. I would think that if your tracking number shows the item was delivered to the buyer it should be all good. I have no idea if eBay can force you to refund if the guy mailed the shoe of his own free will (and against your advice), but this is also eBay we're talking about...
I'll definitely let everyone know how it turns out now that I've involved everyone in the whole thing. The case that was opened was that the item didn't match the description, which I don't think they'll be able to defend. So, despite my item having a "no returns or exchanges" this is the transcript so far... get your popcorn ready:
"I PROVIDED A TRACKING NUMBER OF THE ITEM AND IT WILL BE DELIVERED WITHIN 2-3 BUSINESS DAYS WITH INSURANCE. I WANT A FULL REFUND."
The case says they're requesting a refund of the total amount, including their shipping costs - which is even more absurd.
Here was my reply... I figure whoever moderates this will be reading it eventually, so I'm basically stating my case already:
"The Buyer's claim that the item was not as described is false. The auction was always for one sample Nike shoe. The auction title was clearly marked as "Right Running Shoe Size W 7". The item description said "Right Running Shoe - Size Women's 7 . Right Shoe Sample Only."
Furthermore there was a photo provided of a single shoe. Additionally with four days remaining in the auction I added this note: "I've gotten a few questions, so I want to re-iterate that this auction is not for a pair of shoes. It is for one sample shoe (right shoe) - auction is for collectors or people looking to replace one shoe."
Lastly, the auction was clearly marked as "No Refunds or Exchanges." I do not see how I could have been more clear about this.
At this point it would be best to let eBay decide. In an earlier message the buyer admitted that they did not read the description when they said "I'm sorry too I did not read it well or I misunderstood."
My feedback history speaks for itself."
She replies:
"I DON'T KNOW WHY THE BUYER IS VERY INCONSIDERATE.AS I'VE SAID MISTAKES DO HAPPEN.HE ADVERTISED THE SHOE AS FIT SOLE 2 SAMPLE. I GUESSED HE INTEND TO CAUSE CONFUSION TO CUSTOMERS.I RETURNED THE SHOE AND PROVIDED A TRACKING NUMBER AND STILL DOES NOT WANT TO REFUND MY MONEY.I DO NOT KNOW WHY HE IS SO INTERESTED WITH THE $73.22 WHEN IN FACT HE DID NOT LOST ANY. I LOST $8.75 SENDING BACK THE SHOE.I AM WILLING TO PAY HIS $3.75 FOR HIS EXPENSE SENDING THE SHOE.HE ALSO OVERCHARGED ME WITH THE SHIPPING WHICH IS $6.00"
And now my last reply until eBay weighs in and someone on their end makes a decision...
1) I didn't over charge you for shipping, I have the receipt at my office and the cost to ship was more than $6.00. The woman at the post office did something odd on the receipt where she rang me up for $5.00 in pre-paid postage per parcel that I mailed that day. The total to ship was $5.00 more than whatever the sticker on the box said, and I can document that conclusively.
2) You have just admitted again that the mistake was yours. I'm sorry, but this further shows that you are being dishonest when you accuse me of listing the item inaccurately.
3) I told you 3 times that I don't take refunds and asked you not to send the shoe back, you did so anyway. I am not responsible for that decision.
4) I listed the shoe as "Fit Sole 2 Sample" because that is EXACTLY what it was. A 'Nike Air Max Fit Sole 2' Sample shoe. Fit Sole 2 is the model of the shoe.
Sending angry emails in all caps doesn't change the facts. I'm done arguing about this and will wait for eBay to get involved.