Out of Date Fertility Sticks!

[Lulabel27]

I've just bought and received a Clearblue Fertility monitor and sealed box of testing sticks from someone at their "Buy It Now" price. But they've arrived and the sticks are out of date (they expired 12/2011) as printed on the box.

First of all does anyone know if they're still effective? Is it just a date the manufacturer has to put on but in reality they'll work even past this date?

And secondly, would I be entitled to a partial refund? The advert didn't state they were out of date (obviously!) so I feel like I've been missold them. Where would I stand with eBay on this?

Thanks for your help.

They are a medical product with an expiry date for a reason; the manufacturer believes they will not be as effective after that date. As far as ebay are concerned you have been sold something which is not as described (not new, working order, etc) so you have a case. Good luck.

you are entitled to a full refund if they are not as described. Open a case via the resolution centre - but email your seller first and give them chance to resolve before taking any further. It could be a genuine error after all.

Thanks both, I have emailed the seller and explained I would appreciate a partial refund if i post the sticks back (as the monitor is fine). No reply yet, i'll give her 24 hours but I'll have to go to Boots in the meantime and buy new ones at full price as I haven't got time to order off the internet now. Annoying!

This is something I learned when selling off old printer cartridges. I made sure that I listed the use by dates and I always look for listings which include use by dates on any item where it's relevant. If the listing didn't mention a use by date you might not have a case, depending on the definition of "brand new".