Very unhappy with an item I bought and want to send it back.

[LaCerbiatta]

Bought a skirt advertised as new with tags. When it arrived it didn't look worn but had a distinctive smell of washing detergent and was still slightly damp. One button was missing and the label with size and care instructions had been cut off. The tags that came on it were simply tied to it so could be put in and removed any time. I contacted the seller to say I wasn't happy and wanted a full refund. This was his answer:

I can assure you the item is new and has most definately NOT been washed. We apologise if the tags are not on the skirt sometimes these come off. We have many other of this skirt so please return and we will despatch another one complete with tags by return. many thanks

When I said the label had not come off, it had been cut off, he replied this:

Well if it has then the manufacturer must of done it, because we certainly have not!! Also the label is cut off quite correct this is to prevent returns of these items to the high street retialers, the tags I am talking about are the tags which state the size of the item which are normally attached by a plastic tag. As we have more of these items we can as I have stated offer an exchange like for like. Even leaving the washing label in! If you need any reassurance then just look at my feedback. Many thanks

What should I do? I feel like keeping the skirt and leaving a bad report because I'm just not happy with the reply and it would be the easier thing to do (the skirt was quite cheap). Or is this not fair?

[ScoobyDoo]

He sounds like he buys at trade prices & sells ex chain store clothes, if this is the case then the labels will be cut out of the skirt for the reasons he stated about not returning the othems to the stores.

Howvever if it smells like it has been washed then i think you need to take him up on his offer of a replacement.

[Ineedacleaner]

IT is true that a lot of sellers private and traders cut the label (store sewn on label) off to prevent store returns it is quite common practice.

I personally wouldn't leave bad feedback because even if you think it has been washed the seller has tried his best to remedy this in a way you are happy with.

I think he has been quite reasonable actually.

[TellusMater]

Cutting put the label is standard practice I think.

[LaCerbiatta]

Ok. Thanks, I'm not an experienced ebay buyer and had no idea about this. I'll just keep it because tbh I can't be bothered to send it back only to get an identical one. I only need to sew a button in and it'll be fine. I won't leave a bad review either.