Problem with buyer on ebay

shanks84

Hi. I've got an issue with someone on ebay. I sold a bass guitar on there for £530. The guy then took 4 days to pay, but eventually stumped up. I then drove to him, on a 4 hour round trip, just so he could have it in time so he could play it at a gig, and so it didn't risk getting damaged in the post. He looked at the bass whilst we were there, and seemed very happy. I asked if he was happy with everything, and he said he was. Now, the payment is being held at paypal, because I'm pretty new to selling, and won't get released until he leaves me positive feedback. I asked him if he could leave me feedback when we met, and reminded him last night. This is what he's sent me:

Hi there,
I haven't left feedback yet as the bass has a couple of issues that need sorting out before I can use it - its currently getting some TLC. The main problem is that when I plugged it in the signal was intermittent. I tried various leads but soon established there were problems with the wiring. I tried another jack but there was still a lot of noise, so its getting pro help! How long since last played? I'd guess a while given the string condition. The other issue is something my tech noticed - is the backplate original or a replacement? It has a hole for a 'microtilt system' but this wasn't used on this model? We emailed Scott at Fender and he's asked me to send a pic as its an anomally. Any ideas? Generally the bass is good but I need to establish these two things before feeding back as it was an expensive item (for an ebay sale) & I don't want additional expense if the electrics are shot. Hope you can solve the backplate mystery!Also the original knobs would be useful.Cheers

Now, he's been ridiculously picky, and the bass was in perfect working order when I left him. I've said I'll replace the knobs for him, as a goodwill gesture, even though they were visibly missing on the picture for the auction. The bass was in perfect working order when he got it - I just think he's being incredibly picky. The fact he's replaced the jack implies that he's opened it up and started messing with it! Surely he can't expect a refund if he's done that!

I'm so annoyed, because I went out of my way to get this to him, and now I'm left with no bass and no money (I had to sell it because I'm completely broke). Where do I stand with this???

pug_in_a_bed

he's holding you for ransom. offer a refund on return, I wouldn't offer any discount/paying for damage. If he doesn't agree, he'll have to open an not as described case and return tracked for a refund anyway.

Next time you deliver/buyer collects ask for cash

preable

If it was me i would go back down to him and take it back but what is probs is gonna happed is he will either open a item not as described case or just not give you feedback

shanks84

Am I expected to pay for return postage? I'm not spending another £30 to travel down there, and to relist it on ebay!

pug_in_a_bed

no. email him and tell him if he is not happy to open an nad case on ebay, he will have to return fully tracked in order to get a refund. a good seller would refund return postage if they find there to be damage. but its down to your choice really,

dotchas

Beware,as you delivered it personally you have no proof of delivery.The buyer could (if he knows his ebay and paypal) claim non delivery and get his money back. You would be best to attempt to keep him sweet.

shanks84

dotchas wrote: »

Beware,as you delivered it personally you have no proof of delivery.The buyer could (if he knows his ebay and paypal) claim non delivery and get his money back. You would be best to attempt to keep him sweet.

Even though I have a message from him talking about it?

pug_in_a_bed

cripes sorry! just realised as you didnt send tracked they could claim not recieved. however, you emails back and forth would be good evidence to appeal an item not received claim.

hopefully they havent thought of that...

shanks84

I don't think he's out to rip me off. I just think he's a bit of a geek, who is very picky!! Still, I suppose you never know...

amcluesent

>I'm not spending another £30 to travel down there, and to relist it on ebay!<

You need to think on. You're very close to having neither the guitar or £530. You've pretty much set yourself up for a scam.

shanks84

amcluesent wrote: »

>I'm not spending another £30 to travel down there, and to relist it on ebay!<

You need to think on. You're very close to having neither the guitar or £530. You've pretty much set yourself up for a scam.

He really doesnt seem like the kind to scam. I have his address, work address and phone number, so if he tries that on I'll be down there to resolve it myself, but I don't think it'll come to that. I just don't think it's fair that he seems to be incredibly picky when he saw the guitar there and then, and he was fine. If he'd have turned round there and then and said no, I'd have accepted it