Or tell me if I am being a dick, but honestly I don't think I am.
I bought an item last week. I did buy it now despite there being the offer facility - it was in good condition. I sent the seller a pleasant message advising how to pack it as it was potentially vulnerable in the post and I'm quite experienced at this so sent her some tips. I had no response.
The item arrived a few days later. It was packed really badly - a sort of misinterpretation of what I had suggested, if you like, but obviously wasn't going to make it and of course it was bashed.
The damage was not dire, ie it was useable but not very good to look at - you'd have to have half of it facing the wall (twas a lampshade) and so I sent an email saying it was bashed and I didn't carry any hard feelings as she had 'obviously tried her best' but please could we arrange a partial refund or a return.
She said 'Of course, I will refund you when it comes back including return postage costs' which I thought was very kind, but then I asked her what she would consider a fair partial refund if I kept it. I told her I could still use it but wouldn't want to have paid that much for a damaged item.
She said how about £15 (I paid 20 inc post) which I thought was very generous, and agreed to - however it didn't happen for a couple of days so I messaged again, then realised that she meant she would keep 15 and refund 5. So I said I had misunderstood and asked for her address to return it to instead. I offered to pay return postage as well which seemed fair.
I got a very snotty email back saying basically get stuffed - in a polite, prim manner - and that I had changed my mind so no, it was no returns and she had said that on her listing. I said it didn't matter, that was purely for people who changed their minds about an item, not who received something bashed to bits.
She said £5 or nothing, so I said I was sorry it had come to this, and opened a dispute today suggesting a partial refund of £12 - she refused and suggested £9.93 so I decided that was better than a kick in the teeth and at least I didn't have to package it again.
She sent a really horrid comment though with the refund. It said 'I suggest you lower your expectations in future and buy from a recognised retailer'
I mean I thought if something was described as good and arrived in a state, that wasn't really fair...but then some people are just weird.
I have got my part refund and a crappy bashed lampshade. Now I have the honour of leaving her feedback, and I can't get it down to 60 characters....please help me! She can't neg me as a seller, but do I leave neutral or neg? She won't be getting a positive for sure.