This Piece Isn't Right! My 5 Tips on What to Do Next
There is nothing like when you open a new lolita order. After months of waiting, your parcel of goodies has finally arrived! Regrettably, there are times when you purchase an item, and the piece isn't quite what you expected. This is particularly hard if an item doesn’t fit.
Here are my five steps on what to do if this happens to you!
Okay, the item is not what you thought it would be. What is wrong with the item? Is it not the color you planned on, or the size you thought it would be? It is important to assess that the issue of the piece to see if the fault lies with the seller, or if it was something you happened to overlook.
If the item's online description matches the piece that you received, unfortunately, that is your mistake and not the mistake of the seller. If you still like the item, keep it. If not, you can sell it online or give it to a friend. Lolita swap meets are a great way to get rid of unwanted items, too. If the online information does not match the item that you have, that is an issue needs to be addressed quickly.
1. Take Photos of the Item
Take multiple photos of the item that support your claim that the item is not as described. Showcase any rips, tears, stains, misprints, color differences or other important factors. If the of the item measurements are incorrect, take photos of the item being measured to show the size discrepancy.
2. Contact the Seller
Connect with the business or person that sold you the item in question. Explain the issues that you have with the piece you received and attach the photos you have taken to support your case. Most sellers are willing to work with you to remedy the issue as quickly, and as quietly, as possible.
What are the TOS?
Does the seller of your item have a simple return/exchange policy? This would be the easiest manner to return your item. If your seller does not allow for returns in their policy, that does not mean that you are unable to return your item. If the item is not as described, you may still contact the seller. If you use an online shopping service that uses PayPal or a similar service, your items are covered if your claim is valid. Typically the sellers do not want a dispute to escalate to a claim and they will generally work with you to resolve the issue. If you and the seller are able to communicate and fix the problem together, do so! Just be sure that the seller's demands, and your own, are reasonable.
3. File a Claim
"The seller will not communicate with me or return my money."
If the seller ignores your messages, refuses to return your money, or wants you to do something that PayPal and other services do not cover - escalate. If you are uncertain if your current circumstance warrants this, communicate with the third party company. Explain your situation to them. The staff there can access if your current occurrence requires their involvement.
The staff at PayPal or a similar company may ask you to escalate the issue as a claim. The case will be viewed by the third-party company and a judgment will be ruled. Be sure to add your photos of the item that arrived, a link or screenshots of the listing for the item that you purchased and any conversation between you and the seller. This information is crucial evidence for the third party.
4. Your Refund
If the case is ruled in your favor, the third-party company will usually request that you send the undesired item back to the seller. When you send the item to the return address, be sure to save the receipt so that you are able to be reimbursed with your claim. The third-party company will typically refund your payment and shipping cost themselves. There is no further involvement required on your part. The seller's account will be deducted for the return of your item and shipping costs of your order. If the seller does not have enough to cover the return, it is up to the third party to get their funds back. The claim will be marked on the seller's PayPal or third party for their purposes only.
5. Leave Feedback
Leave feedback for the transaction. Whether you purchased an item from eBay, Lace Market or a custom website, there is usually a place where you are able to leave feedback. Be honest, but fair. Share that this opinion is based on your experience. You can explain that the item you received did not match the description, but if the seller had been eager to help be sure mention that. If the seller was difficult and a claim needed to be created, share that information. Any feedback is usually public, and your testimony will assist potential clients that are looking to purchase from the seller.
I hope you never need this information but if you do, I hope that it helped! If you have a story to share, I would love to hear it. Please post below to share or to ask any questions.
I hope you never need this information but if you do, I hope that it helped! If you have a story to share, I would love to hear it. Please post below to share or to ask any questions.