Item arrived and it STINKS of smoke - GRIM

[Clarityneeded]

Any way I can win my chance to return it??

Buyer is refusing it. Says I can wash it
and that as her listing is as a private seller she won’t accept it back

She’s also saying as I didn’t specifically ask her if it was from a smoke-free environment, it’s my fault

Nasty. However it’s second hand, second hand things smell of all sorts. I would just wash it. Unless she states from a smoke and pet free home and it’s been misdescribed. Have you read EBay’s policy?

Ebay’s policy is because the seller specifically didn’t list it as ‘from a smoke-free home’ they will allow it.

I have a Blue Badge because of my lung condition & the item is now in the garage, I can’t even think about bringing it in and putting it in my washing machine

My own fault I guess. I’ve not had an issue in over 1,000 transactions so just assumed this would be no different. I think her attitude her taken me aback more than anything else.

If it doesnt specify smoke and pet free home theres probably not much you can do except leave feedback.

Hang it outside for a while and then just hold your nose and wash it.

It's just bad luck I think - they didn't say it was from a smoke free home and you didn't ask. Chalk it up to experience.

What's the item? Can it be washed?

You could open a not as described case and force a return, if it’s really that bad. But would it not be a lot less hassle all round just to wash it (depending on what the item is)?

Ebays policy is because the seller specifically didn’t list it as ‘from a smoke
-free home’ they will allow it.

Not true, if you open a not as described return request, it will be approved. 100%.

When you buy an item you are assuming it’s in good and useable condition. If it honks of fag smoke, then it isn’t.

I am not a smoker but if I liked the item when it arrived I would just wash it. If I didn't like the item the smoke would add to my irritation. Is this partly because you don't really like the item op?

eBay usually side with the buyer so you could open a not as described case and you will probably win.

If you keep it have you got any outside space to air it? I have done that with clothes smelling of smoke.

Write it off and let it go. If it's the first bad transaction in over 1000 that's not a bad hot rate on a second hand auction site. See it as a positive.

Hit rate.....not hot rate

How much are we talking about ? Can someone else wash it for you? I would just bung it in the machine tbh ' but i don't have any band with to deal with minor stuff.

It’s a piece of sport kit needed for my child.
It’s stained yellow which didn’t show in the photos.

£15ish.

The kit is needed - vital.

I can’t afford to buy another one, I couldn’t afford the extra £3 for a brand new one (because of having to give up work because of my lung condition - oh, the irony!)

If it's stained then open a not as described case.

I've done exactly this and opened a case and with eBay and won. IMO it should be washed before dispatch if it stinks!

In your case though your even stronger argument is that it is stained yellow which wasn't shown in the photos. This is not as described. I would open a case stating:

1. stained yellow and not shown in photos
2. stinks of smoke

HTH

However I've just thought if you can't afford another there will be a delay getting your refund because unless the buyer quickly cooperates when you open your case there is a fairly long period of time where eBay leave it for the parties to resolve it themselves and then once you've sent it back you don't get your refund until eBay have tracked is as being delivered to the seller. It could be a couple of weeks sadly.

Her sports club are lovely and very understanding, unlike the seller.

I’ll try and push for this. Worst is having to keep it and getting someone to wash it. Next question will be what it should be washed in as I am new to this I don’t even know what’s best!

Thanks all!

This happened to me. I just soaked it for 24h in a bucket with loads and loads of fabric softener. Once washed after that it didn't smell. I'm very sensitive to cigarette smoke.

Can you soak it in a bucket of vanish or similar outside for a bit? Should help with the staining and smell then put through the machine as normal? If that fails then definitely contact eBay for a missile item

Miss-sold obviously!

Have soaked in Vanish for 12 hours and put on 3 machine cycles.
Smell still present but faded. Item is wearable....just.

In a bizarre twist the seller emailed yesterday saying she has just come out of a hospital stay suffering from COPD.

What a joke. Feel like reporting her now.

I bought a jacket which stank of a horrible musty smell when it arrived. The seller wasn't very co-operative when I contacted her so I opened a 'not as described' return case stating that the seller should have mentioned the musty smell in the listing.

I won the case and the seller had to accept the return and cover the return postage.

It sounds as though you want to keep the kit, but you might want to open a case and claim a part refund to cover the cost of the additional washing/dry cleaning etc.,

Good luck

You can’t force a seller to issue a partial refund. You can ask but the only enforced option is return for a full refund.