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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

Original poster

Ebay issue - WWYD? (Long and boring)

23 replies

Flossyfloof · 20/05/2014 08:14

Would really appreciate your thoughts, please. I have a reasonable Ebay record, 342 stars. 100% positive feedback. I had an old, non-working Kindle knocking around for a few years. I replaced it long ago. I was putting a few bits on Ebay and offered it for spares or repair. The screen showed a thing saying it needed charging, this was very clear. It was not charging, despite my trying various chargers. I took pictures of the screen which were very clear. I described it as not holding its charge. A buyer from Italy enquired about it, tracked postage was over £10. I let them know this and assumed they wouldn't be interested. They did, however, buy it and I sent the item off the day payment arrived. They requested the tracking number, which I gave. I heard nothing until this morning when I received this message:

Hello,
the kindle arrived,
congratulations for packaging;
but the number was not RN027931165GB.

I have the pleasure to inform you that "it will not hold a charge"
because it just did not connect, the usb connector is broken, it was very well visible,
also the cover is lesioned,
luckily the screen is working,
I think that it was not a good deal,
I hope that the next time will be better.
best regards,

I had no idea that the USB port was damaged, I hadn't particularly looked at it, I didn't think to.
I have no idea what he means by the cover is lesioned - the Kindle had been kept in a substantial leather cover from the outset - in fact, I remember being dead disappointed as the cover arrived before the Kindle!
As far as the tracking number I suppose I must have made an error when I sent the number - but a message to that effect would have enabled me to sort that out very easily.

I don't really want to get negative feedback. I could offer a partial refund? I am a bit fed up, really, though. As far as I was concerned I was very genuine in my description and was unaware of any issues with the case. In hindsight I can see now that it could be seen as misleading to say that it didn't hold a charge - I could have said it wouldn't charge. As it was for spares of repair I didn't even think about how I was expressing this.

WWYD?

OP posts:

whois · 20/05/2014 08:20

Don't offer a partial refund. You sold a non working kindle clearly stated as that. If the buyer wants to claim not as described they have to return the items to you first. Although eBay is very buyer-focused they do at least have to do this.

Rosieliveson · 20/05/2014 08:21

It sounds like your buyer didn't read the as properly.
If you get negative feedback you can respond. I'd just add a quick comment that item was advertised not working and sold as soon.
That wouldn't put me off as a buyer.
Hope it turns out well.

MammaTJ · 20/05/2014 08:22

No, refuse, it was sold as being for spares or repairs, not for full working use.

Ebay may actually side with you on this one as it seems clear cut to me.

spindlyspindler · 20/05/2014 08:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

spindlyspindler · 20/05/2014 08:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Flossyfloof · 20/05/2014 08:26

Thanks so much for reading. I think next time it might be better not to advertise my posts as long and boring, though!!
I am only worried because I said it didn't hold its charge and I suppose more accurately I could have said it would not charge. I didn't get as far as exploring the bloody USB port, I did borrow a charger from a friend as it wasn't charging on mine and when that didn't work I gave up.

OP posts:

NannyLouise29 · 20/05/2014 08:32

For future reference, many sellers refuse to ship to Italy because of issues with the post and items not arriving. i know this isn't the problem here but you might want to add Italy to your restricted list - nothing but trouble!

Aeroflotgirl · 20/05/2014 08:32

He is taking the piss, tell him that he should have read the listing properly. Offer a full refund on return of tge item, don't pay his postage.

windchime · 20/05/2014 09:19

Wait until he opens a case. Don't refund anything yet. If you get neg f/b, respond politely on the page, but suck it up. It isn't the end of the world, and future buyers won't be bothered by it.

BerniesBurneze · 20/05/2014 09:22

Just get the negative feedback - you can reply saying he did not read the listing properly.

SantasLittleMonkeyButler · 20/05/2014 09:25

Firstly, it doesn't actually matter that the tracking number was wrong - the item has arrived & that's the important thing.

If you sold for "spares or repair" then do nothing. IMHO, you would only need to be offering any sort of compensation if you had advertised a working item & delivered a broken one.

It sounds like he either didn't read the description closely enough, or failed to understand bits of it.

quietbatperson · 20/05/2014 09:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ZenGardener · 20/05/2014 09:38

He didn't ask for a refund or request an answer so I would just leave it and wait and see if he leaves you negative feedback or not. I don't think you need to do anything.

jacks365 · 20/05/2014 09:41

I always check negative feedback and in your case would shrug and say what was he expecting. Feedback like that makes me think the buyer is an idiot not that the seller is dodgy.

MrsDeanAmbrose · 20/05/2014 09:59

I'd just send a quick reply apologising for the wrong tracking number and reiterating that it was sold as faulty. Don't offer a refund (they haven't actually asked for one).

Original poster

Flossyfloof · 20/05/2014 15:33

Thanks very much. Does this sound OK?
Thanks for your message. I am glad the item arrived safely. I am sorry that there was an issue with the tracking number. Had you informed me of this before the package’s arrival I would have checked it and amended it, if necessary.
The item was clearly sold for spares and repair. I had no idea what the problem with the item was. I had made no attempt to repair it and was not aware of the issue with the USB port.
I am sorry that on this occasion you have been disappointed. If you check my feedback you will see that I am a genuine and honest seller.
Best wishes,
Thanks again for your thoughts, much appreciated.

OP posts:

SpringBreaker · 20/05/2014 15:42

dont offer anything, and if he leaves negative feedback, you will easily get it removed by ebay as you have made it clear in the auction that there was a fault

jacks365 · 20/05/2014 15:46

Do not apologise. Reiterate that you stated it was faulty but did not know why. I also wouldn't refer to your feedback or it might occur to him to threaten you with leaving negative.

SistersOfPercy · 20/05/2014 16:30

I'd ignore personally, he's not asking for anything and starting a dialogue might lead to him asking for something.

SpecificRim · 20/05/2014 16:41

I would ignore too. If you feel you must reply, make it much shorter.

falulahthecat · 20/05/2014 17:33

If you had clear pictures they definitely don't have a leg to stand on!

JessesGirl · 20/05/2014 17:40

I would ignore this as well to be honest, they haven't asked for a refund and looks like they haven't actually understood what you were saying in the ad - that is their fault though not yours.

Original poster

Flossyfloof · 20/05/2014 17:43

As the day has gone on I have been wondering about the wisdom of answering. I will leave it for now and take it on the chin if they leave bad feedback. Thanks, all.

OP posts:

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