Faded Item Described as Mint. What would you do?

[DrowningEveryDay]

I bought an item that was described as mint/store display. Since I really wanted it, I purchased it eventhough I knew I'd incur customs duty (the total was around $400 AUD with the GST, and the various fees - customs entrance, duty, broker fee, etc).

When the item arrived, I immediately noticed the fading in the collar and at the back.

What would you do if you were me? The jacket totalled around $950 US with the shipping (not including the customs fee). If I were to return, I will not get the customs duty back.

I messaged the seller but no reply yet.

Yeah I only initially wanted a partial refund, but this saga has left a bad taste in my mouth.

True, also if the sob stories are indeed true, they’re something one would be very sensitive about and not mention it to a stranger you’re dealing with on eBay.

Sent the item back. Took videos and pictures in the post office. Good thing the post staff was very helpful!

The post staff did not even bat an eyelid when I told him I needed to take videos. I must not have been the first to do this!

Videos and photos won’t make any difference to your claim. But in fairness ebay are very good with returns, as long s it’s sent tracked. If the parcel gets lost or the seller refuses to accept it you will still be refunded.

Videos and photos won’t make any difference to your claim.

This is if the seller claims I sent her a different item. :)

Ebay and PayPal won’t take them into account. But they won’t listen if the seller claims you sent a different item either, so no need to worry on that front.

Yeah the photos don't prove it's the jacket she sent to you.
But if she claims it's not the same jacket eBay and PayPal won't take any notice.

Maybe but it’s just to cover my bases if she claims I sent a different item and not a jacket. Anyway, it was the eBay rep who suggested it.

Now the waiting game begins.

And yes, I hope if she claims it’s not the same jacket, eBay and Paypal won’t take her seriously.

Now the waiting game begins.

I'm waiting here with you....can't stand this level of cheeky fuckery from sellers

I’m so hopeful it all ends well for yo !

Thanks @ScreenQueen and @Helloflamingogo!

I hope so too!

Basically I will be out $300 (I inquired and I'll get around $100 back from customs) but I'll just chuck it to experience!

So I am still waiting for my refund, but have been told by eBay that the case was closed on my favour but need approval.

However the seller already listed the item, with this description:

"display item, never worn, there are areas where light reflection on the leather has a reflective, metallic undertone, this is a natural characteristic, jacket is from a smoke and pet free home, final sale, no exceptions, guaranteed authentic"

And she now removed the "mint"

I am perplexed -- does she really not see the fading, or is she banking on the next buyer just shrugging and letting it go once they figure out that it's not light reflection?!

'Light reflections' is just a bullshit meaningless phrase in this context.

It should either say: 'what appear to be faded patches on the pictures are just a trick of the light', or, more truthfully:

'Please be aware that there are some small faded patches which have been caused by light exposure - see pictures x y and z - and are common in items such as this. I am flagging this up in advance and have taken them into account in the price I am asking'.

Maybe you should report this to eBay again though I don't know if they would take pre-emotive action.

As for 'reflective metallic undertone'

WTAF is that, may i ask?

Maybe you should report this to eBay again though I don't know if they would take pre-emotive action.

I did, and eBay said they'd look into it.

They are not "light reflections" though -- dye fading in those areas, as confirmed by Acne customer service.

Finally got my refund.

Is this a good feedback?

"Jacket has dye fading on some areas (collar and back)."

Is it advisable to mention that the seller was difficult to work with, or not?

I'm glad you got your refund. I'd mention that she was hard to work with as long as you can do it in a way that doesn't risk getting your feedback removed.

Perhaps if you said, 'jacket had unmentioned faded dye patches etc' you are telling the truth, and canny shoppers will be able to read between the lines.

How about this?

"Described as mint but has faded dye patches; seller was in denial and difficult."

Perfect I'd say.

When I recently had a hassle - won an item, paid up only for seller to cancel as they clearly felt it had sold too cheap - eBay very much urged me to leave properly neg feedback.

eBay removed my negative feedback.

I called eBay and I was told that if there is no exchange of money - in this case, the money was returned because I won the case - then eBay will remove the negative feedback.

So now we can't even trust the seller's feedback. lol