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Smelly item (cig smoke I think)

Just received an item overall in nice condition but the case and instruction booklet absolutely stink of cigarettes.

Not sure what to do - was got for a birthday present for friend who likes such gadgets but feel embarrassed giving it like this - currently trying to "air" it and reduce the smell.

Also what to do re feedback - new seller, maybe all the stuff is like this?
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Comments

  • Avoriaz
    Avoriaz Posts: 39,110 Forumite
    What was it packed in?

    Some plastic packaging produces the smell you describe.
  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 7,465 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    packed in corrugated cardboard - no plastic.
  • soolin
    soolin Posts: 74,477 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Have you spoken to the seller- what do they say?
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the eBay, Auctions, Car Boot & Jumble Sales, Boost Your Income, Praise, Vents & Warnings, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning , UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know.. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • Flugelhorn
    Flugelhorn Posts: 7,465 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    haven't said anything yet - packeg only arrived this morning - hoping that some airing may solve the problem or at least improve matters. Problem is that the item wasn't incorrectly described so would understand if the seller can't see the problem.
  • soolin
    soolin Posts: 74,477 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Flugelhorn wrote: »
    haven't said anything yet - packeg only arrived this morning - hoping that some airing may solve the problem or at least improve matters. Problem is that the item wasn't incorrectly described so would understand if the seller can't see the problem.

    If it is smoke and seller is a smoker they probably don't realise how much everything reeks of it.

    I once had a return, many years ago- someone sent a small item of clothing back and it reeked of cigarette - this was pre defect days. I emailed and basically told them I was unhappy that they had returned an unwanted item that stank to high heaven. Their reply was that so what , they smoked- they were not aware of any smell associated with them or the cigarette and any suggestion that I could smell it on this item was a lie. I never could resell it as in all honesty I could not send anything out that stank that bad.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the eBay, Auctions, Car Boot & Jumble Sales, Boost Your Income, Praise, Vents & Warnings, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning , UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know.. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • sham63
    sham63 Posts: 1,096 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Combo Breaker
    It is unlikely you will be able to get rid of the smell. I bought an item off ebay a couple of years ago that stank of smoke - I wanted to keep it so tried all the suggestions on google (tea bags, baking powder, febreeze) nothing worked.


    I contacted the seller and they were happy to refund without any fuss.


    I would therefore forget trying to get rid of the smell and contact the seller saying you want to return it for a refund. If they quibble I would just go the SNAD route and force a refund.
  • Avoriaz
    Avoriaz Posts: 39,110 Forumite
    Many smokers don't appear to realise that they stink, their breath stinks, their hair stinks, their clothes stink, their houses stink, their cars stink and almost everything they have or keep in their house soon stinks too. *

    I would not have something in my house that stinks of smoke so you are right to be reluctant to give this item as a gift.

    As Soolin advises, contact the seller and take it from there.


    * That could generate some fun. :D
  • pearl123
    pearl123 Posts: 2,082 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I've received items smelling of smoke.
    Tell them that you are asthmatic and that the item smells of smoke. State also that they did not mention a smell associated with their item in their advert.
  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,975 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Sister smokes and when we come home from visiting her we chuck all our clothes into the washing machine and have to have a shower.

    This became a common ritual because we went to hers one xmas day. Went home and woke up the next day thinking whats that strange smell. It was the clothes we had on the previous day.

    Everything had to go into the wash. Clothes from the previous day stuff we put on that morning and the bedding. Everything.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • Sister smokes and when we come home from visiting her we chuck all our clothes into the washing machine and have to have a shower.

    This became a common ritual because we went to hers one xmas day. Went home and woke up the next day thinking whats that strange smell. It was the clothes we had on the previous day.

    Everything had to go into the wash. Clothes from the previous day stuff we put on that morning and the bedding. Everything.

    Bit over the top, don't you think!
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