eBay Question : Item not as described

morganb

I've already look on the eBay help pages and I think I know what SHOULD happen but :

I won a graphics card on eBay earlier this week.
It was described as having DVI (for LCD/TFT monitors).
I discovered that there are 2 versions of the card available (one with and one without DVI).
I asked the seller a question to confirm that this card did have DVI (stupidly after I'd placed the bid that won) but got no reply.

The card arrived today - no DVI.

I've emailed the seller twice (but I don't expect a reply yet as he uses his work email address) - once saying that the item is not as described and requesting a refund, the other to detail the difference between the part number of the item received against that expected. His listing had a "MPN" which was actually the SKU number, this SKU appears to match both DVI and non-DVI versions of card - I've just found out that he copy/pasted his description from dealtime.co.uk)

Anyway, where do I stand? I assume he should give a full refund (or offer an alternative if he has it?) and if necessary I open an eBay dispute should he refuse to refund my money.

Thanks

bleugh

ask him nice like, he should refund/ replace you as he's mis-described the card,

chances are it's a genuine mistake, give him a couple of days before going down official complaint routes

you're spot on otherwise, though 'full' refund doesn't consider postage fees (either / both ways) which the seller is not obliged to refund, meaning you could be out of pocket with no recourse

morally though the seller should refund everything to you as it seems to be his mistake

patwa_2

The majority of cases of items not as described, particularly with computer components where specifications (manufacturer's) are readily available are genuine mistakes.

The best things to do, as you indicate that you have, are to inform the seller that you have received the incorrect item, that was not as described. You could also refer back to the listing, quoting what was said there, referring to the manufacturer's specs for that item and comparing the two, describing what you have in fact received.

You could ask the buyer if he has the correct item available (unlikely if it's a private seller) and therefore arrange to exchange it, or ask for a refund. You will be expected, if the seller agrees to a refund, to send the item back in its original condition, with all its original components and accessories. The term 'resellable condition' is often used here, but like anythng else this is open to debate.

Most sellers will happily refund you your return postage as well on discovery of a genune mistake, although many, more business-type sellers, do not. You could, if you're bothered about this, ask for clarification about it when you write. I'd wait until the end of the week, maybe give him until the end of business on Monday until you notify eBay. If its a work address, he will most certainly check it before then, and I think giving him three business days is reasonable when waiting for a response.

the other option of course, depending on whether you got this item at a good price, is to simply re-list it back on eBay and attempt to break even or profit that way.

Hope this helps.

Cheers and take care.

Hussein.