opinions please - or maybe i'm just too fussy!!!

[skirmish]

bought some baby monitors (back up set so didn't need to be fancy) - and were described as being in 'excellent condition'. However, they arrived today and are filthy, dirty marks all over them, and the plastic has changed colour over the years. I know this doesn't affect them working but didn't expect them to be this yuk!

Would you complain to the seller or just clean them yourself?

I would leave less than perfect feedback certainly as the description was not accurate, but i would probably then just clean them myself.

I hate it when people are so liberal with the term 'excellent condition'.

They probably used it to mean that they were in full working order.I personally would never describe something as 'excellent', unless it was like new.

I would probably send a message saying you were disappointed that the item was unclean and it has put you off trusting them as a seller. Unless they respond with a reasonable explanation I would leave neutral feedback - It might make them think twice about describing stuff accurately next time.

I would email the seller & see what they say before leaving feedback as that's unfair otherwise.

If they're rude/ignore you then I would leave neutral as I'm not convinced it warrants a neg - unless you can't get them clean!

Excellent condition to me means it looks like it has come out of the packet!

will email seller and politely tell her they are filthy - but what do i say exactly?

The problem is that usually the seller will say 'well if you're not happy return them and I'll refund' ....bu tthe postage is 3 times the price you paid, and they will only refund the item cost.
I have become very fed up of sellers' less-than-accurate descriptions recently, so I ask loads of questions, and tend to only bid on items with excellent clear photographs.

As a seller though i am surprised at what many buyers expect of a used item.
I definately think you should give them the opportunity to resolve your issues without leaving feedback immediately.
Many sellers on this board have had a lot of unfair feedback etc left.
I would contact saying that you thought when they described the item as excellent condition you expected it to be in as new condition. However you are dissapointed the item has dirty marks on it and the plastic is discoloured.
If they are a good seller they will try and resolve with you.
Sellers are only human and mistakes can be made.
The thing with ebay is someones interpretation of excellent is different to anothers.

This is true- but when people say 'As New' it should be as new, not a bit wash faded and a little bit frayed at the hem etc.
I sell too, and I describe any defects in full- I don't want the hassle of returns/refunds. Get it right first time and the buyer will have a good experience of purchasing from you.
Good clear pictures close-up will do more than any words can too.

However you can miss the odd mark / defect.

A good seller will resolve if you can't wipe the marks off. Agree if it's marked imo the condition isn't excellent.

You are buying second hand items so more unlikely they are as 'just out of packet' unless they are new!

Hope you can sort it out