new item has been washed?!

[jamsandwich]

I've just received a "new" footmuff. It has no packaging and REEKS of fabric conditioner. Well, I guess that's what it is anyway - been airing it all day and still smells as strongly. We're an unscented kind of household due to dd with sensitive skin, so I'm really noticing it. The condition looks good otherwise, but the smell makes me v suspicious. I paid more as I thought it was new.

What do you think? Can it count as new as Ebay defines it if it has been washed? And if it has been washed, that would imply it was used beforehand - or why wash it?!

I've emailed the seller, waiting for response. Seller has 100% ratings. Can I ask for a discount?

If it was new without tags the seller may have washed it to freshen up from being stored. If it has tags on then maybe they sprayed it with for the same reason.

I'm not sure what difference it makes - if it is in perfect condition? Do you like it? Presumably it was cheaper than if it was new from a shop? Did it say NWOT? If so I wouldn't expect packaging...

I would say that it it has been washed then it is no longer new, although maybe "unused".

can you do a link ?

Some things are listed as new other, ie something's happened to it.

I listed some as new but stated it had been washed.

It was unused & looked new though & didn't smell of washing powder !

Hmm, I would expect the seller to say new but has been washed - as i do think this would make a difference to some people on their bidding as like buggynuts, I would call this unused arther than new to be honest

It might have been sprayed with febreeze to freshen up rather than washed.

I think that your only 'right' in this situation is to return (paying the postage) for a refund.

ewwww

She says she washed it after buying, then decided not to use it after all. Just described as new on listing, didn't mention it being washed. I definitely would have stopped bidding earlier if I'd known it was washed. Unused definitely isn't the same as new to me either.

She's very decently offered to refund and even pay return postage. But I don't want to do this as it's so cold, my baby needs it now!

I'm quite unlucky with this Ebay business. I think I'll just grumble a bit more by email and put up with it. A few pounds off would make me feel better, but it seems the consensus here is that I can't expect this.

You could ask her for a discount? She isnt obliged, but she shouldnt (IMO) have described it as new if she had washed it, and if she is willing to pay your return postage then she might find it easier just to give you a discount?

Ebay's definition of New is very clear on listings - it says "new, opened, unused and original packaging"

so if she's washed it, she can't use that definition. she has to use "used- as new" or something like that.

but maybe ask for a slight refund?

and then wash it a couple of tiems in your normal powder.

I would politely explain to her that she listed it incorrectly and that you would be happy with a partial refund rather than returning it as you need the item now. End by saying you hope this can be sorted soon so that you can leave positive feedback