stinking dress

[roadwalker]

I buying clothes off ebay because I got sick of the crap being sold
I saw a dress I loved, but it now and described as like new
It is like new condition but it stinks. I mean really stinks
When I opened it I could smell it straight away and thought it was cigarettes
The smell has changed now its been out of the packaging for a few hours and it smells damp. That real damp smell that you sometimes get in charity shops
I love the dress, it cost £9.95 plus £3.50 postage
I am tempted to wash it but am worried the smell will still be there
WWYD?

I would message the seller and see what they say - don't wash it yet. If you do that then you can't return it in the condition in which it was sent.

Could try hanging it in the garden for a day or two to see if that improves it. If not, I'd contact the seller, explain the problem and see if they were OK with me washing it on the basis if it didn't improve it, I'd be after a refund.

If that's the case, you will then have to return it tracked delivery. If you're lucky the seller may pay return postage but if they won't play ball you'll be down the cost of postage but at least you can then leave negative feedback.

If it's suitable to being washed they won't be able to tell you washed it.

I think I would wash it & then decide whether to claim INAD.

I had this with a cardigan. It stank of some cheap, revolting, cloying perfume. I messaged the seller only to be told it was her perfume that she sprayed on the clothes before sending and she'd had nothing but compliments

Fair play to her though, she said that if it still stank after a wash she'd refund and I was to donate it. The stink washed out

Firstly, I would send a message to the seller, explaining the problem - but you need to decide what outcome you want - a refund - full or partial, or an apology, or just to leave negative feedback.

Do you like the dress? If you do, I would wash it and hope for the best - I doubt there would be any odour remaining.