eBay refund and returning item.

seasnake100

A month ago I bought a brand new plastic chicken coop from an eBay seller. We were the highest bidder auction style.

Item arrived quickly but on opening box I discovered 2 parts with large cracks and one part in several pieces. I wasn't worried as listing says "10 year warranty". Emailed seller sending photos of broken bits and asking to send replacements. Week later had message to say they were on the way but they never turned up and never heard back despite numerous courteous messages from me.

Eventually opened a case to get my money back. eBay has ruled in my favour that they will refund the £135 purchase price plus £9.99 when I return the item. The trouble is this return appears to be at my expense and the cheapest quote I can get so far is about £40.

Ideally all I really want is the replacement parts still. I really don't believe that I should be paying for something that allegedly came with a warranty. After some research it appears the manufacturer of the coop is an American firm who don't have a UK office so I can't get the parts off them, so surely the fault lies with the seller? Please help if you can.

mrcol1000

I think you are stuck returning it at your own cost if you want a refund. The seller under consumer law has to pay the return costs but getting it out of them is differing matter and as far as I know Ebay will not force them to.

Have you tried something like parcel monkey or interparcel? They can often do huge discounts on going to couriers direct. You just need the weight and size. My Hermes also offer cheap tracked courier and have generous weight and size restrictions. It would depend on the size and weight though.

Your own other option is to ring Ebay and tell them it is not as described and it is unfair you have to pay to return it. They may provide you with a pre-paid return postage label if you tell them the size and weight of the item.