Damaged item - how much refund?

[SirSidneyRuffDiamond]

I bought a big lot of some collectible china on eBay from a large charity. It was sent, via DPD, in 2 flimsy boxes with inadequate wrapping/padding and of the 55 items, 9 were damaged beyond use or repair - smashed into many pieces.

I contacted the seller and they have been very rapid with apologies and an offer of a partial refund or return. My winning bid was just under £124 + £4.99 P&P and was based on the fact that there were at least 6 or more of each size of plates, bowls etc. Now there is not enough china to work for my family and I would have to source one or two of each type as replacements IYSWM. Very little of this china is buy it now and most is sold singly or in pairs. So I would have to spend time and energy bidding and with several additional lots of P&P costs will add up quickly.

The seller has asked me how much refund I would accept. What is a fair amount to request?

Actually I'm willing to return it all but can I ask them to organise a collection from home? I don't have use of a car for the next few weeks and live rurally (plus the boxes will be very heavy). Also if I return using their packaging can I insist that they take responsibility for further breakages in transit?

A lot to unpick there.

The seller has asked me how much refund I would accept. What is a fair amount to request?

At least 50% refund would be reasonable imho.

can I ask them to organise a collection from home?

It will be hugely more convenient for you if you organise the courier collection (they would pay but you organise it).

I don't have use of a car for the next few weeks and live rurally (plus the boxes will be very heavy). Also if I return using their packaging...

Don't simply use their inadequate packaging. You'll be responsible for safe arrival if you organise the courier (pay up front). Doesn't sound like either of you know how to pack things to avoid breakages!

can I insist that they take responsibility for further breakages in transit?

It's complicated because they could normally claim off the courier, but most couriers won't compensate for china anyway. So neither of you could claim off courier. It really is sender's problem to pack safely.

Best of the whole bad job is if you get 50% refund.

The thing is I do know how to pack to prevent breakages - I'm a veteran of 22 house moved to date . The issue is that I have no adequate boxes to hand and no spare packaging. And no transport to go and get any. The charity used 2 old Amazon boxes and only newspaper and a few sheets of bubblewrap. Nowhere near substantial enough for china. I reckon it needs sturdy boxes minimum and a shedload of packing paper or bubblewrap.

Should say - needs 3 sturdy boxes...

Sorry again - I meant to say thank you for your refund advice too! Food for thought.

Also FWIW the minimum bid was £49.99.

I suppose seller could pay for a load of packaging to be posted to you. That seems very unlikely. Fundamentally you can't send it safely back, you can't get it insured for damage. Definitely try to get a hefty refund instead of trying to rely on their promise to refund you... they are only obliged to fully refund after safe arrival, which you can't make happen.

Safely sending breakables became my thing, too, after a few disasters I did not want to repeat. I've had buyers ask me careful questions if I know how to pack carefully. You'd be reasonable to do that in future.