To write it off or open a case? Advice please

[OneWithTheStripes]

Bought a large item with various accessories last week - It finished at an odd time (6am) which is why I suspect I got it for a good price (half what the seller had indicated they wanted for it) Had issues with the seller from the off with postage (they came and asked for more money after they changed the delivery service and posted it without discussing it with me first! Luckily I knew Ebay's policy and was able to decline the request)

The first (smaller) of the two packages arrived on Saturday. I wasn't too impressed with the packaging (somewhat makeshift) but decided to reserve judgement until the main part arrived. Today it did - the packaging was even worse this time (think binbags) and unfortunately the condition of the items is a lot worse than I expected - there is a crack in the top of the main piece that wasn't described or obvious in the photos, another smaller but vital piece is also cracked to the point it will have to be replaced and finally another set of pieces are rusted to the point where they too will have to be replaced (at least another £15 for them) There was no broken pieces in the packing so I would suspect the seller posted it like this (rather than Royal Mail/ParcelForce damaging it en-route)

Given that I got it for a good price and would have in the longer term replaced it anyway (it was bought as a starter set to last around 6 - 8 months) would you open a not as described case or just write it off as bad luck? As it is I can use part of it as a short term measure without the damaged pieces, but it won't be suitable for the length of time I wanted it for.. advice please? :) TIA

..sorry this is long

It depends if you want the hassle of sending it back really.

I would definitely open a case and let Ebay sort it out for you. Why wouldn't you.

Try and communicate with the seller first to come to a resolution. If you fail at this, then open a case IF your desired outcome is to return it for a full refund.

If you're not happy with the way it was described, but want to hold on to it, I'd just leave low starts for the item description and perhaps leave neutral feedback.

But again, try and resolve the issue with the seller first before undertaking any of the above.

Myself I would open a case and leave it to ebay to sort,if you let the seller get away with this they will do it again to another unsuspecting buyer.I would message the seller and tell them the problems and see what their response is but if they where difficult with postage charges I think they will be difficult re returns also,so keep with ebay after all it is your hard earned money you have spent.

If you got it for a price you were happy with, and can use it/repair it and can live with it in the condition it is in, given the low price you paid, I would let the seller know the packaging was not up to standard, consider the feedback carefully and keep the item.

If it is unusable, contact the seller first and give them a chance to resolve the issue.

If you can't resolve it, that is the time to open a case, bear in mind you may have to return the item, do you want the bother of sending it back? You may get a refund and keep the item but this is not a given.