To want a refund

[Chippychop]

I bought a bookshelf off a local website got it home and it's not level (I've had the spirit level out) plus it's got holes all down the sides where presumably it's meant to join another bit- the seller never described this is the ad. And now it's hard to find a home for it as it obviously needs to go against a side wall - shame as it's a nice size and colour

How do you know it's the shelf that's not level, and not your floor? I've recently moved, and shelves that were absolutely fine in the old house aren't level in the new one, so I'm assuming it's the floor that's at fault!

My floors are level as we built it ourselves and to be sure I had the spirit level on them too

No, not unreasonable if that wasn't described in the ad. But your chances of getting a refund probably depend on what website is was.. more difficult from somewhere like Gumtree.

That's the risk you take when you buy stuff off the second hand pages.
How much did you pay for it?

Didnt you look around the bookcase when you picked it up. If its a fb selling site its buyer beware. Up to you as the buyer to check.

£50 from a "things for sale in x town" Fb page

If you collected the item in person from a private sale you have no comeback I'm afraid because you are expected to inspect the item before buying it.

Tbh i saw the holes and was a bit nervous about saying anything (I know!!!!) but the level I couldn't check as the chap loaded straight into my car