Best way to approach return of Ebay item

Paul_Cowley

Hi guys

I bought a gate closer off Ebay (business seller) and it arrived last Friday. I fitted it Sunday and it didn't work.

I called the seller on Monday and he said that I bought the wrong item. I pointed out that my requirement matched exactly the wording of the listing. He says that my hinges are slightly offset and that it won't work, but that he will not refund because the item has been fitted. I pointed out that the listing does not stipulate what hinge setup is required and that I could not have been expected to know better until I found that it would not work, I am not after all a mechanical engineer.

In days of old I would have returned this at my expense as "not fit for purpose" however it is quite heavy and postage might be expensive.

Is there an easier way to deal with this under distance selling regs or other Ebay mechanism? The item was £40 so not an inconsiderable price for something that doesn't work as expected.

Advice appreciated guys please.

Oliver14

technically you can return under the DSRs but you would still have to pay return postage. The seller though doesn't sound like he will accept this though. So if you think it was not described properly you could open a case with ebay.

Surely though even if it wasn't in the listing common sense would dictate that you double checked the fittings were compatable with your gatebecause from your description it sounds like you didn't check properly.

mikey72

paypal dispute you would most likely win for SNAD, but would have to return it at your expense, an ebay dispute you might win, and ebay may refund you themselves without you returning it as it is heavy.
You could raise this on the ebay forum for more info on returns.

Paul_Cowley

Oliver14 wrote: »

Surely though even if it wasn't in the listing common sense would dictate that you double checked the fittings were compatable with your gatebecause from your description it sounds like you didn't check properly.

Well, the listing says: "fits to flush gate and post arrangements where the gate weight is no greater than 50kg and the width is no greater than 1000mm.
Suitable for gates fitted with locks or latches or doors".

And that is an exact description of my gate. No mention is made of hinge position either in the listing or in the instructions.

In fact the instructions were not viewable on the listing I bid on. Since my dispute he has upgraded the listing so that they are. However, Ebay provides the facility to view the exact listing. The fact that he has changed it supports my point I think.

squeaky

Hi Paul

I'll move your query across to our ebay board. The regulars there will be able to advise you on the best way to pursue your claim.

Good luck.

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