Cancelling an Order on Ebay

I just started selling on a ebay and the item i was selling is on backorder now. i was get it for 29.99 and i sold it for 39.99. the cheapest i can get it for elsewhere is 50 bucks which means twenty bucks will be coming out of my pocket. I really dont want to pay the 20 bucks out of my pocket. Can i canel the order and give the guy is money back or am I screwed?

you have a few options.

you can explain to the person that the item was damaged as it was packaged or that you that your partner sold the item w/out your knowlege and that you are working on getting them a new item....that if they do not wish to wait, they can cancel the order.

either way, keep communications open and apologize. give them the option to wait for the back order item or cancel the item.

tonlilaz said:

you have a few options.

you can explain to the person that the item was damaged as it was packaged or that you that your partner sold the item w/out your knowlege and that you are working on getting them a new item....that if they do not wish to wait, they can cancel the order.

either way, keep communications open and apologize. give them the option to wait for the back order item or cancel the item.

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thx.....it does not seem anyone had this item at a price where i can make a profit or even break even. I want to cancel and refund but i am worried this can negatively effect my account. Could I get banned for canceling and refunding?

futuremills said:

thx.....it does not seem anyone had this item at a price where i can make a profit or even break even. I want to cancel and refund but i am worried this can negatively effect my account. Could I get banned for canceling and refunding?

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most likely you'll get a neutral review. you won't get banned unless this is a common thing with you.


next time put a disclaimer in each of your ads saying that at times the item on auction may become unavailable for unforeseen circumstances. In that event, you'll refund them 100% of the cost of the item...blah blah blah

Had this happen to me before. It just depends on what type of person the buyer is.
Some folks are understanding, you refund their money and no harm no foul.

Other folks are going to make a big deal about it talking about how you've
wasted their valuable time. Always explain the item is not available right away.
If some one is really being crazed and your FB is that important for one guy
then offer to send them something free in return for wasting their time. It could
be something simple as a free ebook that won't cost you a thing. Just be polite
and cross your fingers that the buyer isn't a prick.

Tonlilaz is right, a simple sentance disclaimer in your auction will go unnoticed by most but it will be helpful to point to in case you run into a situation like this again.

I've had this happen many times and was always resolved amicably.

My secret is to apologize and then act just as disappointed as they are. For example, "I really needed that 29.99."

Good luck.