I need to contact the seller, does this sound ok or a bit rude?

[MumGoneCrazy]

Hi, I have just received this item and there are two small white stains (looks like paint) on the bottom of one leg which was not mentioned in the listing there are also scuff marks on the bottom of the legs. While I do understand that the item was described as used, so some wear is expected, I also think that marks like these should be mentioned in the listing.

Is that ok? Any suggestions on how to make it better?

Depends what it is -if it is a 60 year old garden seat then you could reasonably expect wear and tear like this.

The message itself does not appear rude but what are you asking for - a refund?

You would expect scuff marks on a used item. The paint you would not, will it rub off? If you need to return it you will have to do so trackable at your own expense, is it worth it?

What is the item? What do you want the seller to do - apologise, refund, or partial refund as goodwill gesture?

Were there photos showing the marks?

Sorry item was tracksuit bottoms for my DS

I personally wouldn't list any item unless I'd described them exactly and I guess I expect others to do the same

I was just thinking of bringing it to their attention and seeing what they replied
I don't know if I can be bothered with repacking and posting again esp as it will be at my expense and I cant afford to waste money at the moment which is why I buy second hand clothes for my DC

No only one one photo of the front of the bottoms

I would agree that scuff marks (not holes) probably fit within "used" condition. Unless they said VGC or similar.

I agree that, personally, I would try to mention every small scuff etc but I don't think that you can expect that as standard

Agree that stains should definitely have been mentioned.

Sorry, should have added, basically I think your message is fine but I think you might want to avoid getting into a should have/shouldn't have been mentioned argument about the scuffs. Perhaps you could say something like

"While I do understand that the item was described as used, so some wear is expected, I think that these scuffs/holes are over and above normal "wear and tear" [if you do think that] and I also think that marks stains like these are not normal should be mentioned in the listing."

Then maybe add something chirpy to lighten it up a bit.

I'm wondering if I'm just being too picky and the marks are not that bad so just leave it...I dunno

I just took pictures of the marks (on my profile) and one of the scuffs is easy to see and it has a very tiny hole in it.

I would certainly expect marks like the ones on your profile to be mentioned.

I would certainly not expect stains/marks unless specified or described as playwear!
'Used' is still wearable...

yes, they are marks that should be mentioned.

It depends what she actually said in her listing, can you link to it?

If she said 'this item is used' that can generally be taken as a euphemism for 'don't expect much' unless they go into detail about exactly what they mean.

If she said 'very good condition' and just ticked 'used' on the listing bit at the top, then she's out of order.

It's ticked as used and all the description says is...

This is an auction for a pair of black reebok trackie bottoms the label states a medium boys which I would say is 10 - 11 years.

I have lots of item listed and offer good postage discounts. If you have any questions please ask.

I have bought loads of used items before and although used still have plenty of wear in them. I bought a bundle of 3 trousers for my 4yr old before and the lady wrote some wear and tear would be good for playgroup/nursery and one pair did have a bit more wear than I would expect but she had inclosed a note saying sorry I didn't realise how much wear this one item had before I listed it, I sent it anyway and would be willing to give a partial refund if you are not happy. I thought that was very nice i declined the refund and left positive feedback and she had been honest and stated wear and tear in her description.

Well in that case I would mention it in the feedback - or just contact her saying 'these are well worn and stained, how about a partial refund' etc.

Ebay is very much 'buyer beware'. Always assume the worst and ask questions - if someone doesn't describe the item's condition properly then steer clear unless you don't mind taking a risk.

It took me YEARS to get the hang of this so it's not just you, but basically you have to be really cynical or you'll end up with a lot of tat and feeling like a mug.

Some descriptions are obviously really honest and genuine - the more writing the better, don't imagine a minimal sentence is going to turn into a magical bargain - it probably won't!

So avoid those with poor photos and poor descriptions. Look for good feedback, look at the care taken with the listing, things they've mentioned to be honest (someone who actually says 'I like to mention everything just to make sure' is usually a good bet) and a cheerful tone in the writing.

And if in doubt do ask, because if you do end up disputing a purchase as 'not as described', ebay look at all the ebay messages you've sent each other - I had a buggy, the description was vague, so I asked what the condition was and they basically lied in their answer - 'YEAH ITS GREAT COND NO DAMAGE AT ALL' so I got it as it was sooo cheap. It turned up filthy and stinking of smoke with loads of damage - should have been binned. Really extreme!
I complained, they got abusive straight away, and said 'ha ha you should of asked' or something so I put in a dispute and ebay looked at their messages and knew they had lied.
they were so pissed off, they thought they had got away with it.

I cleaned it up and sold it for a few quid, they didn't want it so I got nearly all the money back from them too and made a profit.

Good luck - but always tread very carefully and don't buy something that's not described properly. x

Oh and I was honest when I sold it on! People are much happier to buy something if you tell them it's got wear and tear and it's cheap enough to not matter.