eBay returns and barefaced liars

[gherking]

I picked up a wireless router sold as 'new' from a user on eBay, and it arrived faulty. I checked and checked a second time, and the unit is definitely faulty, not even powering up.

This user had 100% positive feedback.


So, I mailed him (through ebay):
Hi mate,
Just powered up the router and it seems to be having problems. The unit hisses, and an internal light stays on. Only the power light lights up, and it blinks for a minute or so before staying lit red. The settings pages can't be reached by my computer connected to it.
I've tried it at a different power outlet, and with a different power adapter (a similar Linksys 12v 1000ma adapter), but it behaves the same.
I'd like a refund please.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
****

His reply:
Hi The router works perfectly, its new... and i tried it before i sent. Its only £10 pounds or so.... it means nothing to me, but you will have to return the unit, and i will give your money back, without postage. Send to: ***********.
****

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Firstly, a receipt was included, marked 2005. This is not a new unit.
Secondly, the router is dusty in crevices where he hasn't bothered to clean it well.
Thirdly, shouldn't I get my postage returned to me if the unit is faulty?

>> SO, do I continue the banter with this chap, or do I just file a return through Paypal? I am hoping Paypal insists that he refund the postage costs as well.

Any quick tips appreciated!
G

[iooi]

I sold a router "As new" a few weeks ago...

Not this one folks

My reason for describing as such despite it being a couple of years old, was...

It came in the original box & had all the original bits it came with. So in effect despite being used for 2 years, i could have placed it on a shelf and sold as new.

As to postage being returned, as a seller i won't return it as its not part of the auction price. P&P is something you can't claim back.
Perhaps you might be able to strike a deal on postage one way as a refund, but not both ways.

Have you attempted to blow the dust out, as it could simply be that its caused a short inside and simply needs a hard reset, via the re set button.

Paypall will expect you to attempt to resolve it 1st.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[gherking]

I mentioned the dust because it was a sign that it was used beforehand... I don't think it's impairing the unit at all.

To be fair, it could be a complete incident, and it could have been packed up as working unit, but I haven't gone blaming the guy in any correspondence yet.

I really hate these situations, the blame game, but it's all part of second hand sales I guess. For all the successful sales/buys I've had on ebay, there will always be the iffy ones.

@ iooi: I'm sure your sale was legit, but that's what the 'As New' condition marker is there for. This was sold as being 'New' clearly isn't. Perhaps it's just too easy for me to imagine I've been scammed?

[Phoenix]

I think when buying something used off ebay you can't expect a postage refund if it's faulty when it arrives as there's no way to prove when the fault occured (before it was sent, in transit or after it was delivered).

If buying from a dealer on ebay or from a company as new then I think they should be liable for any extra postage costs as this is the way it works with any proper company.

If the guy has misdescribed the item then you should return it and he should refund the postage, it is clearly used and not new. Iooi, you cannot describe something as new simply because it has it's original packaging still, if it is used it is used, if you specifically wrote 'as new' and made it clear you had used it then that is fair enough as it's a description of it's condition rather than it's useage.

[MattEMulsion]

Ebay is full of tossers, trying to suss them out and avoid buying stuff off them is the hard part. Been there, done that.
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Yamaha YZF-R6

[lee8040]

you wont get your postage money back through paypal all they'll do is refund you the price of the item.

had this happened to me before.

what you have to decide is if it only cost you £10 how much will it cost to send it back and is it worth the aggro for a couple of £'s

[ram_doom]

Send an envelope filled with shit to the seller's address. Mark the envelope with "feedback".
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TL1000s, KDX200

[tutton]

[gherking]

Hmmm. I will attempt the Paypal returns process I think.

When I contacted him, I did it through ebay so it was strictly 'on the record'.
He replied through email, requesting a return and giving his address. Should I be suspect at this?

[tutton]

Often when its by direct email you shouldnt touch it, send him another email through ebay asking for his return address because the item is faulty (stick reason here)
Although it being "on the record" means nothing these days, often all paypal are looking for is, proof of postage.
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Past: '05 Peugeot XPS '99 Aprillia RS125 '94 FZR600R
Current: '02 ZX636 A1P '51 CCM R30

[Dragonfly]

I hate paying for the priviledge of recieving crap that dosnt work never mind paying for the crap that dosnt work. I have had that a few times and thankfully through arguing I didnt pay for my postage of recieved crap or send them back but got a refund. Try sorting it out with him if not pull up a dispute .

[gherking]

Agreed dragonfly! I am pushing for a full refund. Sent this via the Paypal resolution centre:

As agreed, I am returning item. Previous correspondence is listed below.

I am making the refund up to the full amount as I am unaccountable for the faults. I am still happy to return the faulty unit to you, and this refund does not include any postage cost that I may incur through the return.

Thanks, Greg

--------------------------------------------------------

ONCE AGAIN SORRY TO HEAR IT IS NOT WORKING. ****

----

Hi ****,

Thank you for your swift reply. I will leave positive feedback because you have been so good with fast postage and quick to respond to any messages I have sent.

Cheers ****, I will initiate the returns process via Paypal. If you need to contact me again, please do so through ebay, not by emailing me directly. Thank you for your co-operation.

- ****

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Hi The router works perfectly, its new... and i tried it before i sent. Its only £10 pounds or so.... it means nothing to me, but you will have to return the unit, and i will give your money back, without postage. Send to ****
****

----

Hi mate,

Just powered up the router and it seems to be having problems. The unit hisses, and an internal light stays on. Only the power light lights up, and it blinks for a minute or so before staying lit red. The settings pages can't be reached by my computer connected to it.

I've tried it at a different power outlet, and with a different power adapter (a similar Linksys 12v 1000ma adapter), but it behaves the same.

I'd like a refund please.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

****

[Dragonfly]

Does he have on the listening about returns? some state about the postage costs in it and that you loose it in refund and some even take of a further percentage after that if its faulty! I seen that once before when I got a faulty item only they refunded me in full with postage. I threaten bad feedback if I am not happy and with good reason and win. And as for its only £10 thats like saying "thanks mate for your tenner I am off now"

[gherking]

The auction says 'The seller will not accept returns for this item', but I guess that means if I just don't like the colour I can't complain. With both a genuine fault and badly described item, I think I've got rights to a refund

[Dragonfly]

So they dont want it back then but didnt say no refund bring it up with paypal. Dont return it and waste your money on postage.

[gherking]

He refunded me a few minutes ago, but only for the item price, not the postage. I won't loose sleep over that £5, not sure if I should continue the dispute - but I don't feel obliged to post it to him, and I don't think he expects it either.

Oh well, could have been worse.
Cheers people!

G

[Dragonfly]

No it says no returns so you dont have to post it. And leave neutral feedback or something or none at all.

I heard they cant get the money until the buyer leaves feedback is tht right?

[gherking]

Looks like he hasn't left any feedback yet, my guess is he's waiting to see if I leave negative feedback.
He hasn't badgered me about returning the unit either, and the money is safe and sound in my paypal account.

[lydanial]

he cant leave you negative anymore.. sellers are not allowed so leave a true statement about the product as a NEGATIVE!.

also esculate your dispute with paypal and go for the full claim, he will probably just go for a full refund rather than mess around with a claim.