Ebay Dodgy Seller/Advice Needed

SimonWa

Hello forum, I am after some advice? In December 06 I purchased via ebay (payment via paypal) the following item:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230054715025

The item was brought as a Christmas gift for a family member. However after a couple of the days the item simply packed up and would not play or hold any MP3’s.

I contacted the seller via ebay and his own e-mail address to advise an exchange, however I received no reply. I then took the step of calling the company in question. I received a voice mail message and asked to leave a message; I did so and again received no response or call back.

I then decided to return the item. This was advised on the delivery note if the item was faulty, it was sent via recorded delivery. I enclosed 2 copies of a letter stating the fault with FULL return details. I left this around a week or so, but again received nothing. No replacement, confirmation or refund, I do however have proof of delivery.

I have contacted both ebay and paypal, but both seem reluctant to get involved as the original transaction was fine and also the time to lodge a complaint has passed.

I have now got in contact with Consumer and they have been given full details of the case, added to which I have again contacted the company, who are still trading, again via recorded delivery stating that consumer are now involved, this was on the 07/02/2006, but again I have received nothing. No confirmation, replacement or refund.

At present I am over £30 out of pocket and don’t even have a faulty MP3 to show for it, added to which it’s been a pretty crappy present for a relative. If anyone out there on the board can give me ANY advice of were to go next I would be very grateful.

With thanks in advance. :beer:

frivolous_fay

The next possible hope is your credit card company. If you didn't pay with a CC funded paypal payment... well... I hope you did!

Who is / are 'Consumer', by the way?

SimonWa

Consumer are Consumer Direct, here is the website :-

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/index.shtml

I paid via paypal using my switch card

Thanks

frivolous_fay

As it wasn't a credit card... you could try legal proceedings, but I'm not sure it would be worth it for such a small amount. Someone else may be able to make further suggestions.

richt71

Simon,
I'd send a letter to the place you returned it to by recorded delivery stating you returned the item and have the delivery reciept (hope you do) and if the matter is not resolved in the next 14 days then you'll have to consider your position. Hopefully this gets things moving. Otherwise you're in a bad position. You could take them to small claims court but the cost of this is £10 and may take 6 months IF they defend it or don't pay. If they don't pay you, you'll be another £10 down and although you'll get a ccj against them you'll need to employ bailiffs to recover the money. You can of course claim costs back from them at any stage if they settle but if not you could just add to your loss I'm afraid.

Enterprise_1701C

Looking at his negative feedback it looks like he has got fed up with answering complaints just lately! I would keep plodding on, perhaps say something like you want to buy another but need to make sure it is capable of lasting for a while first, greed normally creates a reply!

SimonWa

Just like to say thank you for the advice, keep it coming, thanks