AuctionCut

So I've just made my first transaction as a seller on Ebay. I sold a very nice dell computer that was a couple years old. Brand new the computer was close to $4,000 and since I never used it I let it go and the final bid was a little over $1,500. This computer was in great shape and it still even had some plastic coverings on it from when I bought it, it was barely used and practically new.

After the auction end, they buyer paid immediately, being my first time selling I wanted to make sure I did things promptly so I got the computer out and made sure all of my private information was erased and all of the settings were set back to default. I then tested the features (webcam, dongles, speakers, and everything just to double check) I then took the computer in it's case to the UPS store and had the computer packed very nicely and ready to go (It cost me $95 for packing and shipping).

Once I shipped the computer I notified the buyer and he replied with a request to call him as he had a few questions about the computer. So I called and we talked about the computer, the features and all it was a very easy and pleasant conversation. From there I waited for it to arrive, it took 6 days to get to him which is normal.

2 days after the computer was delivered and signed for the buyer calls me to say the computer is not working. I asked if there was a problem with shipping, he said no it was packaged very well but it was very cold when he unpackaged it. So I asked him to explain and he said he powered the computer on just fine and he was setting up his speakers (He's a DJ) and wiring his system, he then tried to hook it up to the internet and he said the screen went black on him and he was unable to get it to work since then. He said the computer powers on but the screen won't show a display.

I told him he should unplug everything and reset the computer and to be sure there is enough power charged to the battery as this machine is a power hog. He was going to do so and let me know the next day. He calls me back and still no luck, now he wants to return the computer and get a full refund.

I am unsure what to do. I know the computer was in perfect working condition when I sent it to him. It was practically new and I double checked the computer before I sent it and everything was in top notch working order.

He believes I sent him a dead computer, which is not the case at all.
To me, it seem it seems like he has shorted something out or has screwed the computer up in some shape or form while trying to hook all of his DJ gear and speakers to the computer.

Now he is trying to send me a non working computer back to me while getting a full refund.

I've thought about messaging him through ebay since I have not done so yet and re-state the problem that he had and see if he replies. This way I will have a trail showing that it was not my fault?
I guess he could just as easily say it never powered on at all but who knows..

My questions for you are;

What would you do?

If he goes to ebay or paypal saying I sent him a bad computer, how do I defend or prove otherwise?

What are your thoughts?

I scared that if I refund him the money and he did screw up the computer I will be stuck with a dead computer and out a bunch of money considering what I paid for the computer initially.

Anyway, so for the long story but I really do not know what to do here as I feel I am not a fault for the computer not working.

Thanks for your time and advice.

I guess no one replied to this. What did you end up doing? I just sold a pair of jeans and the buyer sent me this:

I tought you would not accept my offer so I bought another pair.... I would like to canel this transaction, so please just go to RESOLUTION CENTER and choose WE BOTH AGREED TO CANCEL THIS TRANSACTION.... that way I will be fine and you will have your ebay fees returned

Now I have to re-list the jeans, probably get less for them now though. Another note, selling stuff on ebay is a bitch. they take huge amounts of fees, and sellers have to authority, cant even leave negative feedback!

Well in my opinion there should be option to upload the video when you are selling any item, this helps you to show that product is in working condition. There should be demo of products on auction websites and that too should be live

Also it is electronics. It can go out of order anytime. There must be a hardware default. Your customer should not blaim you in my opinion.

I am sorry to hear about the difficult situation you are in as a seller. Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do if I were in your shoes. The computer could have malfunctioned with some stuff he tried on it, but the difficult part is, how can we prove this point in our end as sellers. I was led to thinking with this kind of problem that electronics should have a way of certifcation, much like a diamond has a certificate of authenticity before being sold online, that it is working perfect before shipment. A 3rd party witness, someone in authority I guess, should have signed certifying that the electronic product is functioning well as described, so that when problems like this one occurs it will be easy to go to court and not lose money helplessly.