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

barvid

Yes. The seller's responsibility doesn't end when the item is posted; his duty is to get the item to you safely. If his failure to wrap it properly causes it to be damaged, he hasn't fulfilled his obligations. Yes, it's only a few quid, but the point is that he is in the wrong and should bear the cost of this. If he then wants to claim from Royal Mail, that's up to him.

frivolous_fay

You'll be out of pocket if you send it back, but surely you'll be more out of pocket if you keep an item you can't use? Or am I messing up the maths here?

You could try asking him to send you an SAE to return it, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Again, think about it from a seller's POV.

baffcat

A seller & buyer here too.

If he's a business seller, tell him that the goods haven't got to you in a satisfactory condition, and unless his T&Cs say otherwise, tell him you expect him to get it collected from you, at a mutually convenient time, and a full refund including P&P made. That's what the DSRs say should happen, unless his terms clearly state otherwise, and even then if his terms are still within the framework of the DSRs. Offer him the chance to refund without the hassle if he'd prefer, and you'll dump it for him. Think of all the dosh he'll save, as well as the time. If he refuses, contact your local Trading Standards.

Personally, as a business seller, I'd offer the buyer a replacement as soon as you contacted me. For a £5er, I wouldn't even ask for proof of damage, and I definitely wouldn't ask for it to be returned.

I still dislike getting negs, and I'm surprised for the sake of £5 that he's prepared to get one.

As a buyer, I'd give a seller every opportunity to sort out a problem, but in the final case, I'd make sure it wasn't me out of pocket, even if it is 'jusrt a fiver'.

baffcat

Timmne wrote: »

Hi all,

He's replied saying to send it back but as far as I can see, I'll only get reimbursed the original amount plus his postage, not my own so I'll basically still be out of pocket.

As I don't want to be trapseing (sp?!) across the city with the item to package and return at my own cost, am I out of order giving neutral feedback/ positive with comments (or even negative)?

You're a buyer, he's failed to complete the transaction, which is his responsibility, and which you're offered to let him do, so if he doesn't sort it out - NEG!