Item not as described

[wowfudge]

I bought an item of antique furniture which, it turns out, has a noticeable crack along its length. This wasn't pointed out in the description and none of the photos showed it.

I've emailed the seller, said how disappointed I am that it doesn't match the description and that I don't want it in that condition. I'm not angling for a reduction, I feel I have been deceived. I've sent photos and messaged the seller via eBay - there's no way they didn't know the condition and it isn't just marks commensurate with age, it's a bloody great crack someone's tried to glue in the past!

So far no response from the seller - who has previously messaged me more than any other seller I've dealt with. How long should I give him to respond before I raise a dispute?

Thank you - I will give it until the morning then do just that.

Yeah agreed, sounds devious

How did you pay?

PayPal. I've started as request for a return - seller states no returns, but I've put down that it wasn't as described. He's only responded to me after I started the request and is fobbing me off about it being designed that way, craftsmanship, etc. I'm not stupid - just because it is made of two pieces glued together doesn't mean the join should be visible. Okay, it's old, but describe it accurately. There's no way I would have paid what I did had I known its true condition.

The seller has just emailed that they'll accept a return and refund me. Just got to find a way to get the thing back to him now! Anyone know a cost effective way of returning a not-very-heavy but bulky item? It was sent by Parcel Force 48.

Hermes - and the seller should pay.

Okay - thank you. eBay are sending me a returns label. That makes things easier.

Make sure the returns label is suitable for the item you're returning. If it is bulky, it may not be.

Hmm - the seller is supposed to organise the label and collection, but hasn't done yet. He sent me his address so I responded cutting and pasting the email eBay sent and he should know he needs to organise the return postage. He has until Thursday this week. It is a bulky item, although not heavy. What do I need to look out to be sure this goes back to him smoothly, especially if I have to contact eBay to sort it out?

Have heard from him today so seemingly matters are resolved - slightly snippy message about if the item is damaged in any way I won't get a refund.

wow your posts are a little confusing.

You say eBay are sending you a label, then that the buyer is arranging a label / collection?

What's going on here?

What have eBay actually told you?

I would photograph it from every angle, then photograph it wrapped. Its not an honest sale so cover yourself.

I wouldn't concern yourself with that too much. Even if it was damaged in transit, eBay would still refund in full. It's not up to the seller.

But again, have eBay confirmed that the seller has to send you a label / arrange collection?

You MUST have some form of online tracking details before you let someone collect the item, if a courier like Hermes is collecting the item then the seller should provide a label for you attach to the item, and the tracking number should be on the label.