Who pays for returning a not wanted item?

Hi. If you check Trade Me buyer protection policy in the help pages, see below, it states the seller is to pay for return shipping for a not as described item. It is based on the principle why should the buyer pay anything for something they did not get. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear!

If your item needs return shipping

We expect:

• Not-as-described items to be returned to the seller.
• The seller to cover the cost of return shipping in these situations.
• The buyer and seller to work together in good faith, to get the item returned.
• Return shipping to be tracked. For items over $250, return shipping must be sent via 'signature required' courier.

Yes as L says its on you. Obvious why if you have a think about it. Would you want to buy something, find out it's not what was advertised and then have to pay to send it back? I suspect not.....

However what normally happens is the buyer sends it back first. Then you confirm the issue and refund in full including their postage cost. Probably shouldn't have done the refund before receiving it back.

Kia Ora Megan,

Sorry to hear you've found yourself in this situation, - well done for refunding your Buyer already - this Highlights your integrity as a Responsible Seller which deserves commendation here. - mistakes happen from time to time, it's how one reacts to correct the error that counts - good on you and for seeking further clarification! - Cheers.