Help! returned item stinks of smoke should I refund?

snuggle69

Some of you may have seen my thread regarding the video camera I sold which the buyer accused me of not supplying everything even though he got it dirt cheap and I did give him all the items it was sold it, just not items which were accessories that I did not buy nor did i state were in cluded in the listing.

He has returned the item, but I have opened the box, and had to immediatly close it again it absolutly stinks of cigarrette or pipe smoke. No one smokes in my house so it was sold from a smoke free home, however it is not definatly not smoke free the canvas bag sold with the camera stinks, and I for one would not be happy purchasing this and receiving it in the post. which concerns me about resale? Should I give this buyer a refund or would i be better to lodge a case with it?

I only offered the refund to save on aggravation looks like that isnt going to happen!

aliasojo

Can't offer any help OP sorry but wanted to subscribe to the thread for own interest.

Dizzie77

I think you will have to refund, as the buyer would get the refund anyway if they open a dispute.
I would take the item out of the box, throw the box away and find a clean box to put the camera in.

If the canvas bag is washable, then wash it - if not, hang it outside and the fresh air will help to dispel the smokey smell.
For the actual camera, you can clean the outside of it, gently in warm water (and white vinegar) but gently - with a damp cloth, not soaking it..!!

Sorry - can't be much more help than that really - but as the buyer was a nightmare from the start, it's much easier to just refund the item and start again.

cyberbob

You'll have to refund anyway if he opens a paypal case

Enfieldian

A video camera than stinks of cigarette smoke?

snuggle69

its not the camera its the camera bag, I really am fed up about this why should i have to clean everything because of someone elses disgusting habit.

But I will and its a lesson learned, I still cant see why I would have to refund when the camera was sold with everything it orginally was sold with but hey ho!

Thanks for all your advice

Dizzie77

I think that the crux of the issue was that you had described it as being sold with ALL cables - when it didn't have ALL the cables that are available for it - whilst I believe this is an honest mistake, it really does make you think about how you describe things.

You shouldn't have to clean everything because of this buyer- but if you want to sell your camera, then you will just have to do it.

Sad fact of ebay really -we all do things that we don't necessarily want to - but it's for the best for an easy life..!!

Hope that the camera makes more money this time.......but if you want a certain amount for it - consider starting the bidding higher or set a reserve.

aliasojo

snuggle69 wrote: »

But I will and its a lesson learned, I still cant see why I would have to refund when the camera was sold with everything it orginally was sold with but hey ho!

Neither can I, which is why I was interested in the replies.

It all sounds very fishy to me, I wondered if he'd bought it to use for a specific reason (and that's why it smells so badly of smoke) and now he has, he's chanced his hand for a refund with the only reason he could think of to come up with.

But there again, I am too cynical for my own good sometimes.

bylromarha

Enfieldian wrote: »

A video camera than stinks of cigarette smoke?

I've smelt loads of plastics over the years which have been bathed in smoke. OP, I agree it's out of order, but it's the way ebay is.

Aliasojo: thread tools - "subscribe to this thread". I used to leave messages like yours until someone pointed out to me how to subscribe without posting a message!

aliasojo

bylromarha wrote: »

Aliasojo: thread tools - "subscribe to this thread". I used to leave messages like yours until someone pointed out to me how to subscribe without posting a message!

All the years I've been here and I never knew that. < That's an embarrassed laugh.

Thanks. :beer:

u1bd2005

I would personally contact eBay over this and see what their reply is first, because in my opinion since the product which has been returned to you is not in the same condition as what the customer recieved it in you shouldn't be liable.