What to do about item I'm not happy with?

stressers

I'm not sure where I stand with an item I purchased. It was described as excellent condition in the title and description. But part of the item is damaged. Thinking it might've been done during shipping, I checked the photo provided but found that the damage was already there (not done during transit). The damaged part is a mirror (the flexi type found on kids toys). In the photo, it could be argued that it was part of the mirror's reflection or something was shinning in the mirror but it is there. I didn't notice it.
What should I do? I'm not happy that the item was described as excellent condition and no mention of the damage. But it is shown in the photo.

frivolous_fay

First - you email the seller!

colony

frivolous_fay wrote: »

First - you email the seller!

Agreed. Politely explain and ask for a refund. Some people are decent still!

stressers

I will contact the seller. But I didn't want to complain when I don't know if I have a leg to stand on. The damage is sorta in the photo but no mention of it in the description.

stressers

I emailed the seller saying about the damage. They replied saying that the bend was very very minor (no is wasn't!!!) and it can clearly be seen in the photos provided. No it can't. I thought it was something being reflected in the mirror. I can only see it because I know what it is now, what I am looking at. With bend, the seller says the item is what they consider as in excellent condition. No where in the description is there any mention of any damage (minor or large) and this is not what I consider excellent condition.
Anyway, seller says if I feel the item was damaged in the post then we can make a claim from royal mail. I've never done this so I don't know if it can be done or if it is worth it. Also, seller says if I am not satisfied to return the item and they will refund me. I don't know if seller will refund the postage costs as well and I don't what to be even more out of pocket.
What is my next step? I've been with eBay for YEARS and have never been in this situation before.

frivolous_fay

To be honest, the refund on return is the best offer you're going to get.
The seller isn't obliged to refund your return postage.
Without knowing the sums of money involved, it's hard to know whether that makes it worth your while.

colony

If she files an "item not as described" dispute, won't she get back the full amount paid back?

As she didn't mention the damage in the description, and described it as "excellent", I would file a dispute with Paypal (if you used it).

shelly

colony wrote: »

If she files an "item not as described" dispute, won't she get back the full amount paid back?

As she didn't mention the damage in the description, and described it as "excellent", I would file a dispute with Paypal (if you used it).

If a buyer wins an item not as described dispute they get the full amount paid back but OP is asking about the cost to return the item. As fay said the seller isn't obliged to refund the cost of returning the item.

stressers

I'd rather not go to dispute - only if I have to. I don't really care what happens to the item, whether it is returned to the seller to sell again (if they want to) or not. I just want a refund and not have to pay out to get any of my money back. If I sent the item back, I think I'd only get the money back on my actual bid which was only £1. But the postage was expensive, so I wouldn't really be getting a full refund.

soolin

If you win a paypal dispute you have to return it at your own cost but you get all of the orignal payment back including postage paid.

stressers

soolin wrote: »

If you win a paypal dispute you have to return it at your own cost but you get all of the orignal payment back including postage paid.

I'll get the amount I bidded, the p&p costs and the p&p to return item to the seller refunded?