My ebay item (iphone) has developed a fault since I sent it?

So I sold my iPhone 4S for 180 pounds, it's a year old but in amazing condition apart from the few scratches on the sides that can't really be noticed, anyway I checked the phone thoroughly before I sent it as I'd hate it if I hadn't fully described the item! But anyway nothing up with it at all! I sent it off completely confident my buyer would be happy then 2 days later, today, he messaged me saying that the phone is damaged? I knew for a fact that it wasn't so i said why what's the problem? He said that there's a tiny tiny tiny dot in the middle of the screen, that turns red on a black screen and black on a white? This was not there when I had it! He has assured me that it is very minor but he says that it's still a problem? And he said he thinks its a dead pixel? So what do I do now? This phone has never ever been damaged by me. I do t have to give him a refund do I? Please tell me where I stand right now!

Did he file a case against you or did he simply contact you through messaging?

First of all, ask for proof of the defect. How the seller provides the proof is up to him, it is not your problem. It can be in video or photo format. But insist that the proof has to be of a good quality so you can actually ascertain the fault is genuine.

Secondly, make sure the phone in question is the one you actually sold him and not another damaged unit. I genuinely hope you recorded all the info such as IMEI of your phone prior to selling it. Ask him to provide a screenie, photo or video of IMEI screen which may also show the defect he describes. Ask is the defect is only present in certain apps or is it present all the time.

If you can clearly establish that there's a genuine issue then unfortunately you have no choice but to offer a refund. You can then try and claim compensation from the courier company you used to send the unit. Hope you sent it by insured and trackable means, otherwise you will be out of pocket.

On the other hand if the seller is awkward, hostile or simply refuses to provide any evidence to back up his claim then refuse to give them any refund. If the buyer files an eBay or Paypal claim against you, keep calm and provide as much info as possible. Put in as much details as possible but do not go over the top. Don't make it personal, stick to the facts.

Also don't believe all the horror stories that eBay/Paypal will always rule in buyers favour. Not true.