OT - eBay Questions for you!

musicgrl · ‎03-09-2010

Good afternoon Beauties!

I'll start by asking that I not be admonished by asking this here! But I know you have a lot of experience with buying off eBay. I purchased a collectible item, listed as sealed and in mint condition, at a pretty good price for the particular item.

When I received it the box holding the item was ripped at the top with the was pushing through the packaging, the tear was around two inches or so. I didn't open it and figured I would contact the seller first, without going through the resolution center, as a kind gesture. He had a number of the particular item, so I also asked for either an exchange or refund. I also sent him pictures of the obvious damage. Boy was I surprised at his reply.

I was told that since the damage obviously happened in shipping, and was not his fault, that I could return it, but could never do business with him again. That he sold it way below retail and if I wanted it to arrive in perfect condition I should have told him to take it out of the packaging and ship it that way. He said he would return my money as soon as he had it in his possession.

So selling it as mint and sealed would be an oxymoron in either shipping situation, I guess! My question is if I file a claim through the resolution center, is he liable for the return shipping charge? Also, he states he does not accept returns, but that matter in a situation like this? He has perfect feedback too. My message to him was super friendly, and I was shocked at how he came back at me!

Thanks for your input, should you choose to weigh in. You are all so knowledgeable (and cost conscious)! I knew right where to take my question!

hyacinth003 · ‎03-12-2010

If the only damage was to the box to ship it, then I don't understand the problem.

I know with some collectibiles that it's box is part of the value. Was that damaged, or just the outer box?

I don't know who is responsible for the shipping charge back. The seller should probably offer to pay it, but damage in shipping really isn't his fault.

If you really think you are being done wrong, tell the seller you will give negative feedback. That is really what sellers DON'T want.

See if that gets you what you want. Otherwise, return it, get your money back, learn a lesson from it, and forget about it.

Hyacinth

MomCat · ‎09-12-2010

Are you considering the box as a collectible too?

Mistreatedbycs · ‎03-10-2010

The seller stated "sealed and in mint condition" he was selling the item not the packaging.

I really think the seller is one of those idiots blaming the shipper. Being in a collectibles business myself, the packaging is worth 50% of the value of the collectible. Yes, that's true.

I have a feeling you will have to pay the return shipping, he didn't advertise the condition of the packaging unless you have something specifically that states the item and packaging is considered mint, no dings or marks. Unless you are in the market to resell the item, I guess I wouldn't worry too much about the packaging.

Anyone that buys on E-Bay should practice buyer beware. It's obvious that either someone received it as a gift, stole it, bought it on a close out, or bought it from another party at a fraction of it's original cost but nevertheless, no one is selling on E-Bay at a loss.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

If you're talking about the shipping box not being sealed properly and the collectible merchandise sticking through the opening, then to me, it sounds like it was a packing problem on the seller's part. It is not your job, as the buyer, to tell him how to package it. Your only input might be the method of shipping. Since you haven't opened it, you don't really know if the item is in mint condition or not. Even so, something sounds a little fishy to me concerning the seller. In your shoes, I would definitely take some pictures of the box. Then I'd file a claim. That way all communication between you and the seller is documented and the eBay PTB can access it. Your reason will be that the item didn't arrive in the condition it was advertised as. And, yes, the seller is responsible for return shipping. You will have to ship it with tracking and provide that tracking info on the eBay claim correspondence.

spenditallbaby · ‎04-10-2010

I have been buying (and selling at one point) since 1999.

File SNAD (significantly not as described) and ebay will find in you favor. You may or may not be required to return the item; I would, since it is the right thing to do, but people have been getting away with both keeping the item and getting their money back, much to the anger of sellers.

Wackers3 · ‎03-26-2010

I think his comment about "if you wanted it to arrive in perfect condition" then you should have done this or that. I think most buyers, especially when buying a collectible, no matter where we buy it, have the expectation that it will arrive in perfect condition. that sounded really bizarre on his part.

I guess I don't know if the box itself, that is torn, is necessary to the value or if not, could the item still be in perfect shape inside?

I don't think you did anything wrong and at this point, you might want to contact ebay and ask them how you should proceed - I'm suggesting that since I don't know how torn boxes are handled and how ebay deals with that. And, as I mentioned above, if the box is part of the value then how that plays into it.

Maybe someone else here will know more and do keep us informed as it educates all of us.

I am sorry about the box being torn and also that the seller wasn't at least more understanding about it.

jewelsluvsbeauty · ‎03-09-2010

The seller is responsible for getting the item to you in unbroken, as listed shape. You will be responsible for return shipping (ebays rules) unless the seller offer. DON"T say do this for me or I will leave negative feedback. It is called feedback extortion and he/she can have it removed. IMO, look at the situation. If it is that good of a deal, and you don't mind the damaged box, keep it, if not I would open a claim, to protect you, and return it. Even though no returns are accepted, there are exceptions. Let us know what happens. Also, keep all messaged though ebay, not through email.

musicgrl · ‎03-09-2010

Actually, it is a limited addition record album, released only for Record Store Day, two weeks ago, so the jacket is every bit as valuable as the record. The outer packaging/shipping box was not damaged in any way but inside the album was sticking up through a two inch rip in the jacket. It was also shipped in an album shaped plastic bag, which he never even removed it from. The seller had several copies of the album to sell.

Basically he said, if we wanted it to arrive in perfect condition I should have told him to remove the album and ship it separately from the jacket. I'm not sure my son wanted to receive it unsealed for archival purposes.

I should have explained it in the first place. I did send him pics. After reading on some eBay forums, since he does not accept returns, I believe my son will have to pay return shipping, I guess.

I have made hundreds of purchases on eBay and never encountered a bad seller yet! Thanks for your input! I look forward to hearing what you think, now that I have been clearer.

jewelsluvsbeauty · ‎03-09-2010

I would message him and say, I would like to exchange for a perfect one, as stated in listing. Tell him you will pay return shipping to him if he will send you another. OR just to give you a refund