A little buyer's dilemma... what would you do?

Timmne

Hi all,

I bought a cheap item from ebay which cost around £5. I bought it from ebay as it was around £2 cheaper than from a retailer - it was described as brand new and sealed so to me, I would rather put the money in the direction of a seller and also save a couple of quid.

It arrived this morning and was wrapped in brown paper but completely ruined - it had been battered left right and centre - presumably by Royal Mail.

So, I can't give this as the Christmas gift I was hoping and am rather annoyed because now I have to buy this again from a retailer! It's only a stocking filler which makes it feel more silly.

So - would you dump the item, not leave feedback at all and buy another one, or would you contact the seller and see if you could get a refund (assuming they got POP and therefore the standard insurance through RM)?

Reason I can't decide what to do is that I'm a seller too and feel a little guilty returning it. I also however recognise that if the seller had used a little common sense in wrapping the item, I wouldn't be posting this!

Any advice anyone please? Smartarses not welcome thanks.

TurkishDelight

Contact them first, and see what they say. Can't do any harm...

cyberbob

Timmne wrote: »

ASmartarses not welcome thanks.

Aww damm As Td give the seller an email see what they say. You have nothing to lose

Timmne

Thanks guys. At the risk of sounding like a lemon; what should I actually be asking for? A refund/discount/replacement/apology/bunch of flowers?

(I am quite happy controlling the finance department for a large company but writing to an Ebay seller? Ooohhhh no!)

elfen

A replacement sent out at their expense....or if they can't do that, a full refund

StaffsSW

Timmne wrote: »

Thanks guys. At the risk of sounding like a lemon; what should I actually be asking for? A refund/discount/replacement/apology/bunch of flowers?

(I am quite happy controlling the finance department for a large company but writing to an Ebay seller? Ooohhhh no!)

I'd explain the problem first, and let them make the first suggestion on dealing with it. Asking for refunds/replacements etc, can come across as confrontational, and a lot of sellers are on their guard for blackmailers.

Their initial response to the problem would then help me decide on what i would do next - ask for refund, or just put it down to experience, neg and move on.

kms26

Hi,

You said your a seller too? What would you do/say?

I have been in that situation myself on both sides. :rolleyes:

When i was the buyer i emailed the seller and just explained the packaging had beed damaged and therefore the item had too, they gave me a full refund, but did ask for a photo first. :beer:

When i was the seller, i knew the item i had sent had been packed in bubble wrap and a padded envelope therefore was a bit suss, so asked for a photo. I never heard from them again :rolleyes:

I think bottom line contact them and see what happens from there. I would also check their feedback see if there is anything on there that may help you see what they are like.

Also what would you like from them?

Hope this helps

sequence

As a seller, if you contacted me and said "it arrived broken/damaged" I would ask you if you wanted a refund or a replacement, and give you whatever you decide immediately. Assuming your feedback does have 5 pages of negs left for sellers that is

Of course as a seller, I wouldn't have let it get damaged in the first place :rolleyes:

cyberbob

Totally agree with Steve the times I have had problems I normally just tell them what the problem is and see what they come back with. As a seller if a customer comes back and says there was damage etc and immediately demands a refund it normally gets my over suspicious mind working

foxy-roxy

Timmne wrote: »

Hi all,



Reason I can't decide what to do is that I'm a seller too and feel a little guilty returning it. I also however recognise that if the seller had used a little common sense in wrapping the item, I wouldn't be posting this!

Any advice anyone please? Smartarses not welcome thanks.

I think you have answered your own question there.
Why should you be out of pocket because the seller made a mistake?
If you don't let them know then they will keep doing it to other.

Just send a nice friendly email stating the item is damaged, along with a photo and ask for a replacement/refund.

Timmne

Thanks everyone - you've made me feel a little more comfortable about the situation!

I've experienced the "there's a problem with the item you sold me" from the seller's side and although that wasn't my fault, it made me feel awful!

I'll send the guy an email... we'll see what happens!