to expect a soft toy I buy on e-bay NOT to arrive stinking of stale tobacco....

[BigPantsRule]

...especially when it's to replace a six year old's precious lost toy and the label says "surface wash only"?

leave relevant feedback. bung it in the wash it should be ok

I'm afraid that if they don't state that it comes from a smoke free home, you have to expect it. Non-smokers tend to realise the value and mention it.

Leave feedback (but not eg, as it wasn't misrepresented) so that others who bother to look will be warned.

not NEG

Thanks for replies. I'm inclined to leave neutral feedback but the seller has nearly 1,000 positives and only one other person has ever complained about stuff smelling smoky. Which is why I'm here asking if I'm BU....! And if I do leave neutral feedback, will the seller do the same to me, even though I paid up very promptly? I don't use e-bay that often (does it show?) And the item was described as "as new" - it certainly doesn't smell like it!

Regarding washing - I think it's filled with those "beany" things but not sure if they are polystyrene or organic. I've already washed it by hand to no effect, Febreze doesn't work either, so will probably have to give it a whirl in a pillowcase...

I understand how you feel, BPR (have had kids' clothes returned from friends' houses when they were small reeking of smoke ) but it will wear off - if weather is dry tomorrow, hang it on the line for a bit.

We once bought an MPV that had belonged to a florist and the interior stank (manky flower water I assume) and even that wore off after a while.

But you can wash most soft toys, even the "surface wash only" ones, so if your 6-yr-old is desperate do stick it inside a pillowcase and wash it on your most gentle setting

Thanks WW - I'll try that. Then all I'll have to do is convince DS that it IS the original one. Shouldn't be too difficult - it's been missing for some time and the replacement is identical apart from the smell. I'll explain that it was dirty when I found it and so I washed it before giving it back. Then, knowing my luck, the other one will turn up and he'll be the one to find it...(sorry - there isn't a smiley for banging head against wall )

Why dont you ask the seller for a refund before leaving a negative feedback? You are supposed to give the seller a chance to resolve the issue first. If unhelpful then leave negative. If you leave a negative/ neutral with a neg comment without trying to resolve firstthe seller will almost certainly leave you a negative feedback.

I've had a few pushchairs arrive stinking of smoke. Yes it is unfair and wrong but little you can do about it except ask for a refund.

It's not really suitable for its purpose if it is infused with poisonous fumes, leaving it outsied might help or actually wash it but even then it might still pong.

I put some maclaren covers through the washing machine and they still smelt

I hate it when things smell of smoke, I bought a moses basket off ebay a few years ago it arrived and reeked of ciggies and had hairs in it that to me looked like cat hairs. I complained but the seller pointed out that I should have asked if they smoked if it mattered to me. I raised a paypal dispute and got my money back had to pay return postage but it was worth it. Now I always ask if it doesnt say because I really hate the smell of cigarettes

Anything that is soft or furnished will soak up smells won't it?

Maybe stay away from buying used products of this nature cos they will likely smell of the previous owners.

Some things I have bought have arrived stinking of smoke, but the seller has tried to disguise the smell with some sort of cheap fragrance, a bit like musty mouldy patchouli oil. I don't buy anything off ebay anymore, it's too much hassle and there are too many dodgy people on there nowadays.

I always put toys that say 'surface wash only' in the washer and the dryer. They never get damaged.