Sold a laptop on ebay...

JC_Derby

agree with pink shoes, why would they need to open itup to prove it was damaged.
Sounds to me very much like they are chancers as has been said before...most people dont like threats and would have refunded. I would avoid all contact for now and certainly not ask for a copy of the video... what would that show you? would you know (what was previously)your laptop apart from another of the same make and model and colour?
might be an idea to look at their feedback and see what they buy alot of is it pc stuff?

Browntoa

think the video would show if it was them taking it to bits or a shop

I'm sure it would be worthwhile to have just in case, both the problems that they describe can be caused by not reseating/damaging the tiny ribbon cables that connect the keyboard and mosuse to the motherboard ( can be extremely fiddly , I've taken loads to bits and I don't always get it right first time ) or by not using the correct screws in the correct place when putting it back together

easy

I would not expect to be able to SEE anything wrong inside a laptop, just because a mouse didn't work or a key didn't work. It could be THEIR mouse that didn't work, rather than the laptop USB port having a fault.

I agree with others, the buyer is trying it on, and having opened a claim then failed to follow it up, they aren't really serious about getting this through.

In your shoes I MIGHT send them ONE FINAL simple response to any further correspondence, saying that the laptop was in full working order on despatch, and you packaged it fully. Also say that you "can take no further responsibilty for this item, as they (or an agent on their behalf) have opened the laptop casing". Make it clear that this is your final response, and you will not entertain any further orrespondence from them.

Mind you, I MIGHT just ignore them from now on...

No_Eye_Deer

They are just trying to scare you into refunding. As the others have said ignore them and see what happens.

How do you even know that they paid by credit card? It may just be an idle threat, but as you can prove delivery, you will have to dispute it if it happens.
The PayPal dispute wasn't followed up, I would say its reasonable to assume they have decided to keep it.
They have had it for nearly two months now, so what have they done with it in that time, used it or not used it?
The video shows someone opening the laptop on an unknown date (who in all probablity is as qualified as my Hamster to do so). Do you walk into PC World and say 'can I video you upgrading my RAM please'.

This sounds like the half baked scheme a load of youngsters would cook up when they have finished with something and don't need it anymore.
They have probably tried to upgrade something in the first week and messed it up. Opened a dispute, found a solution and left the case. Two months later (strange that it coincides with the end of collage term), they are chancing it to try to get their money back, probably to upgrade to something else. The video, I would guess has been made recently, to try and add weight to a pretty weak case.

lily-bea

Thank you all so much for your help! I feel a lot better now i have people agreeing with what i have done!
Pinkshoes: The laptop is about 6 years old so the warranty is well and truly over!
I did email them and i asked for a copy of the 'proof from an independent Sony Viao expert' and also the video of this 'expert' taking it apart. I'm curious to see what they show really! lol
If they do do a credit card charge back, i just really hope Paypal side with me!
Thank you again everyone!
I may be back for more help!

Mrs_justjohn

lily-bea wrote: »

Thank you all so much for your help! I feel a lot better now i have people agreeing with what i have done!
Pinkshoes: The laptop is about 6 years old so the warranty is well and truly over!
I did email them and i asked for a copy of the 'proof from an independent Sony Viao expert' and also the video of this 'expert' taking it apart. I'm curious to see what they show really! lol
If they do do a credit card charge back, i just really hope Paypal side with me!
Thank you again everyone!
I may be back for more help!

If they do a C/C chargeback then paypal are governed by the C/C company. They (Paypal) can fight the chargeback on your behalf but it is the C/C company that will decide it. Or at least that is how it worked when I had to do a C/C chargeback (this was approx a year ago though).

That said they are chancers. They probably didnt escalate the dispute as they knew they would have to return it at their own cost. So they thought they would try another route!

If it were a 6 year old laptop then I am assuming they didn't pay a huge amount for it (although I know you felt it was a lot of money). I can't see them going to court when they are clearly in the wrong for a small sum of money.

Mrs_justjohn

How far away do they live from you?

If they take you to court then the case will be held at YOUR local court. How likely are they to ACTUALLY turn up when they couldn't even be bothered to escalate the paypal dispute!!

lily-bea

Wow i didn't know they would have to come to my local court!
They live about about 200 odd miles away from me! I'm glad i wouldn't have to travel to them!

My friend from work said i should call paypal and explain the situation to them. I really hope paypal will stick by me and help, but i'm guessing they won't and i'm prepared for the worst!

Thank you all!

piglet25

Why would they video someone opening the laptop up? Almost as if they were 'expecting' a problem... and how can opening one up prove that the mouse and full stop doesn't work? I may be wrong but I think if they do a chargeback then it is just the transaction amount which is repaid, if you were a company then you get charged a fee aswell but not as a private seller.

alistair.long

Hi, my answer is a true and honest one.

Firstly if the item was sold on ebay and was listed as working and in good working order the other party MAY have a claim.
If the person had contacted you when the laptop was received and notified you of the problem, this would further strenthen his case, however if he contacted you after 10 -15 days of receiving the item then it would weaken his case.

As for chargeback, if the card was used without the consent of the user, then the chargeback can be done, so late down the line seems odd and may be refused.
If the buyer returns the laptop to you and then notifies the card company that the refund was not given then the card company have a duty to help him recover his cash.
Depending on the value of the amount that was bought with the credit card, the credit card company can refer him to the correct department to help resolve the dispute and help him fight his corner for his money back - assuming the laptop is realy faulty.