Is this neutral feedback fair?

sunnth

I'm probably spending too long thinking about this but I wondered what others think.

I bought an item off ebay this week, local to me and collect only - I emailed the seller that night asking where and when to collect and did they want paypal or cash on collection. No reply so I emailed again through ebay 48 hrs later and decided to pay for the item with paypal in the hope of speeding it up. The ebay auction said must be collected by saturday which was now the following day. Forward to today (sunday) and yet another email sent to the seller. I have finally had a reply this afternoon to say her boyfriend has now sold the chair and she will give me a refund - which she has (although since its through paypal I won't get the money back for another 3-4 days).
I'm thinking it sold at less than she wanted or maybe it was a genuine mistake but I now have to start looking for a chair again and i have wasted time emailing the seller repeatedly with no reply (others left the seller feedback for items that were collection only during the last few days so not away). The seller has over 100% feedback on over 100 items and I feel bad giving bad feedback. Neutral feedback I'm thinking? or Perhaps its better to leave it and not give any feedback?

porto_bello

The seller has sold an item, taken your money, avoided you and now refuses to provide the item... I'd say a negative is well deserved.

If it were me, I'd be rather unimpressed. I've had this situation a couple of times and left negatives, stating words to the effect that the seller backed out of the transaction after the suction closed and the payment had been made.

No_Eye_Deer

Neutrals more than fair.

I would never list, not supply the item and not expect a neg.

happybiker

Negative feedback (factual, such as , 'sold item to someone else')and file a dispute against her as a non performing seller.

No_Eye_Deer

Although, I must say, that's quite and honest answer from the seller.

Usually, it is along the lines of 'its been damaged' etc when its gone for less than the price they wanted.

Just wondering if they have listed and then the idiot boyfriend has sold it down the pub without telling them. How apologetic were they?

porto_bello

No_Eye_Deer wrote: »

Although, I must say, that's quite and honest answer from the seller.

That's true - but bear in mind, they have been avoiding the buyer, presumably thinking up the story about the boyfriend.

No_Eye_Deer wrote: »

Usually, it is along the lines of 'its been damaged' etc when its gone for less than the price they wanted.

Just wondering if they have listed and then the idiot boyfriend has sold it down the pub without telling them. How apologetic were they?

I suspect it just sold for far less than they wanted and it's easier to blame a 3rd party and try to avoid taking any responsibility.

shaun_from_Africa

No_Eye_Deer wrote: »

Although, I must say, that's quite and honest answer from the seller.

Honest maybe, but as the auction finished 4 days ago, the seller was paid 2 days ago and the OP has only now been informed of the problem, I can't think of any reason not to leave negative feedback.

IMO, if the reason for not selling was genuine then the seller should have informed the winning bidder as soon as the auction had ended.

[Deleted User]

Had similar situation before op if you give neutral you are over generous IMO , I gave a neg and would all day long.

prowla

Did the auction say that the item was also offered for sale elsewhere?
Either way, they closed the deal and took your money, so I would post a negative.
It's a warning to other potential buyers that the seller is unreliable.

Crowqueen

I agree with the general opinion here - negative. Sellers who aren't going to sell should refund the money at the same time they decide not to. Yes - an honest answer is fine - but it should be given within reasonable time of the seller deciding not to sell. That would be a neutral (if a neutral was going to be given at all), not this situation.

ladylouise62

I tend to be more forgiving than a lot of people, but I'd also say 'Neg' - you do NOT offer something for sale, sell it and then withdraw it. Forget about her existing rating,.