I've bought a dud TV from eBay!

[flumperoo]

I bought a second hand tv on eBay - collected it on Friday, and after watching it for a while this evening, it seems it's no good. The picture and sound keep going distorted and is unwatchable for a few minutes. This is happening frequently.

I collected it from someone's house so I'm guessing the seller hasn't deliberately sold me a rubbish tv.

It was only £35, but it's £35 I can't really afford to throw away (hence buying a second hand tv in the first place).

I'm assuming this is just something I have to put down to experience?

It doesn't hurt to try to get money back. Get in touch, explain the problem, ask for refund on return. The worst they can do is refuse. If they refund they deserve good f/back.
If they don't you can mark them down for stars & give negative f/back and you may be able to sell it on for spares, so not all lost.

I'm sure you've checked but double check all the cables are in right? Some TVs have more than one input and can still show a picture on the wrong one but rubbishy.

I think

Prior to this evening, I'd only set it up and tested that it worked. It hadn't been on long enough for me to see the dodgy screen. I'm pretty sure the cables are in correctly. I've already given positive feedback

I assume you paid cash? If so you have no buyer protection so there is no come back on eBay.
You can ask for a refund but I suspect you might have to write this one off.

You can do followup feedback that factually explains the problem that developed at least.
What a bummer. This is why I tend to wait weeks & weeks before leaving f/back.

Lesson learned!

have you messaged the seller and how did you pay?

I paid using paypal. No, I haven't contacted the seller, just thought I'd have to put it down to experience. I'll send a message and see what he says.

open a case not as described - tell ebay the cost of tracked return will be too great - they may give a no fault refund. Otherwise you need to provide tracking to prove it has been delivered back before you get your money back - and that will be at your expense - unless they give you a paid label.

You should speak to the seller first though before you open a case tbh.

urgh i hate evay so many probs. file case with ebay quite good. a woman i sold to got a discount and kept the item cos she said it smelt like smoke