Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
eBay

If you buy or sell items on eBay, you will find tips and advice on this forum.

Original poster

WWYD? Item not as described

12 replies

patchesmcp · 06/04/2015 16:46

I won an auction for a child's bike on eBay which was collection only. The bike was described as 1 and a half years old, generally in good condition. Specific faults were said to be chips on the paint work and wear on the pedals.

I picked the bike up the other day having paid by PayPal at the seller's request. My dad had a very quick glance at it at the time we got it as the seller didn't really give us time for a proper look.

My dad's subsequently had a proper look and both the brake cables need replacing and a spoke is missing from one of the wheels Sad He had a friend who he thinks might be able to sort it but I'll obviously have to pay. I bid £173 for it. They sell new for £250. I have no idea how much it'll cost to fix these things but I'm guessing around £30 if not more. I'd never have bid £200 for one when I could have bought a brand new one for £250 with a warranty.

WWYD? I feel awkward as a met the person but also gutted as this is for my DS.

What are my options? If any?

OP posts:
livsmommy · 06/04/2015 20:23

It's strange they asked you to pay via paypal and then collect, that's a well known way for people to scam they left themselves wide open there. In this case it's good that you did though, as you can put in a PayPal claim whereas if you'd paid cash on collection there would've been nothing you could do. Put in the paypal claim, and give the bike back. You may want to call paypal to discuss the best way to do this though, as there will be no proof that you actually have the item if you see what I mean so best get advice on the best way to go about it. You shouldn't have any problem getting your money back though.

Cherryapple1 · 06/04/2015 21:50

you will need to prove it has been returned to get a refund - so it will cost you for a courier.

Just because there is no proof you have the item - you must not file not received to get your money back. I hope Liv is not suggesting this.

ragged · 06/04/2015 22:27

The cables & spokes are diddly repairs, should cost under £20 combined.

ragged · 06/04/2015 22:27

Under £10 if you can do the work yourself...

robin64 · 07/04/2015 12:24

I would message seller and tell them about the problems with the bike. That is a lot of money to pay for a second hand bike that only costs £50 more brand new (taking into account repairs needed). They may refund you some of the cost, if not then I would leave a neg and low stars - sounds like they were not totally honest about the condition and didn't let you look properly either. You could just open a not as described case but as Cherry says this may mean returning with proof of delivery via a courier. You could try ebay CS for some advice on the matter.

Original poster
patchesmcp · 07/04/2015 13:05

Thanks everyone.

I don't really want to return as that'll just be more petrol money to take it back and I'll have done a total of 80+ miles with nothing to show for it. I'm assuming I could just return myself or would it have to be courier to show it'd been returned to get my money back?

I'd be happy with a reduction in the price to allow this work to be done but I guess the likelihood of that depends on the seller being willing to accommodate?

How do you contact EBay CS? I tend to use the app, do I need to use the website?

Thanks again

OP posts:
ragged · 07/04/2015 20:23

You would need to pay for courier, signed tracked delivery, to claim thru Paypal.

It's worth nicely asking a bike shop for estimate for the repair, and asking seller for rebate to cover that cost. I wouldn't be surprised if a small bike shop could sort you for under £15.

Original poster
patchesmcp · 08/04/2015 19:14

I've messaged the seller and explained about the faults. I've said I'm going to see how much it'll cost to fix and asked if there would be any scope for a partial refund. I've pointed out that I would have factored this into my bid, had I known.

Will wait and see...

Thanks for your help. I'll let you know the outcome.

OP posts:
Blurry29 · 08/04/2015 20:39

Certainly don't want to rock the boat at all....but if it's a collection item isn't it the buyers responsibility to thoroughly check it prior to removing it from the address? Can't the seller now say you're trying it on?? As you were happy to take it away. If you felt rushed the you were within your rights to say you needed more time inspect especially as you had parted with a great deal of hard earned cash x

Oxfordblue · 09/04/2015 13:26

If you collect you HAVE to throughly check the item over & be happy with it as it becomes a sold as seen.

Paying by PayPal for collection items removes all protection. Why take it away if not as described ?

I would hope they are reasonable & offer a partial refund. If not, I'd be giving negative feedback.

livsmommy · 09/04/2015 15:50

Cherry if you actually read my reply properly you will see I was absolutely not suggesting that.

Original poster
patchesmcp · 09/04/2015 19:46

I've heard from the seller whose agreed to a partial refund in relation to the spoke and I'll contact them when I know how much. On the brakes they've said they were functional and you should expect upkeep on a bike.

My dad's now sorted it all so I'll just have to get him to tell me how much it cost (which he may be reluctant to tell me, as he'll not want to take my money) and then hope the seller will be good to their word on the spoke.

I appreciate the comments regarding checking it over, these situations make me feel really awkward and I guess I just naively expect people to be honest.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page