Refunds?

[moxiepuppy.livejournal.com]

So somebody purchased something from me and I shipped it out via PayPal/eBay shipping.
Turns our usps asked for COD collect on delivery. This person has been extremely rude the entire time I've dealt with them and now they want a refund.
Is it scummy to not refund shipping because I did ship the package and usps fucked up?
I offered to reship it once I got it back, but they just want their money. So I'll end up loosing money if I refund with shipping.

Thoughts? I don't want to be a scumbag about this but I can't really afford loosing money. Thanks :/


Edit: Worked it out. Thanks everybody! I apparently used a flat rate express box and didn't realize it. I'm surprised they didn't just go by the actual shipping label, and went by the box instead but I don't ship that often. Going to refund them the total amount when I get my package back in my hand. Thanks everybody for the advice!

Comments

[teekchan.livejournal.com]

Do not give them any money until you get the item back.
COD is pretty sketchy as an excuse. It's likely customs fees and they werent aware of them. These can get pretty high.

Or, they may be trying to keep the item and the money.

[sableantelope.livejournal.com]

I remember when my fursuit partial arrived I ended up paying almost the entire price of the partial in customs fees! I think they disputed the value at the border(it was opened).

Was I annoyed by having to pay the unexpected almost double fee compared to what I estimated the customs to be? Yes. Would I try and turn that around on the maker of my suit? Never.
If that's what happened here, and I can see that being the case since people can be unaware of customs and duty, it's a really crappy thing to do.

I realise it's not a seller's obligation to inform a buyer about customs fees but anytime you do ship internationally it's probably a good idea to give a heads up, since it can be $100++ and if they're like the postal service here they don't take credit or debit, it has to be cash at the door. It's nice before you agree to the final deal if you mention- 'hey you know it'll probably be about $60(or $110, or whatever) at the door when it arrives because of customs, I just want to give you heads up about that.'
Again I know it's not your problem to warn people about those fees, but it can be a heads up to people unaware customs fees exist and might make the transaction go more smoothly in the end.


Man, all of use are here on tenterhooks waiting to find out what the tracking says actually happened!

[exo-formicidae.livejournal.com]

custom fees can be pretty hard hitting. I know I will get an extra fee of 25% of my package's worth + handling by customs + extra shipping from the closest city to where I am (rural delivery fee). Though.. USPS have charged me home delivery several times despite dropping it off at the local post office. they never even tried to do a home delivery (always people at home, so we'd know). If they do it this time they'll get a nice little phone call :P (though this is not the senders fault in any way)