Please help - ebay question

[frogwatcher]

I know very little about Ebay but a relative (slightly vulnerable and elderly and especially naive) has bought an item for a lot of money on ebay - a car. He sent a deposit by cheque and then paid cash on delivery but is now really disappointed with it as it is not very good at all and in much poorer condition than expected. Is there any way of getting some money back or returning the item if the seller doesnt want to or is it a case of he bought it, paid for it and buyer beware. Any advice really appreciated even if its just tough luck!.

Hi,

I think unless the seller has agreed in advance (on the listing) that he would except a return then there is little you can do. If the car is in a totally different state than as described then you could try raising a complaint with Ebay to try and get your money back but be warned this is unlikely.

Sadly althought there are a lot of genuine people there are also awful people on ebay and it is a case of buyer beware as you say.

sorry not to be much help but i would contact ebay and ask them about complaining.

Good luck x

Thanks Heebychick. I thought that would be the case but hoped not. I will check with him what the actual description was and go through it with him to see if there can be a complaint on the description. It is such a shame as he is such a nice man and this is typical that it would happen to him as he is so honest himself.

it is usually the nicest people who are caught out like this sadly, we had a similar thing where my husband sold a much treasured pair of shoes (they were made in America for him) and the guy who bought them stated that they never arrived even though we had proof of posting and we had to refund him. Very sad indeed.

Good luck with it all i hope he gets something back or if nothing else has the guy struck off which might prevent it happening again.
x

Am bumping this just in case anybody else has any useful advice although I expect Heebychick has said it all - thanks.

I think that unfortunately Heebychick has said it all.

Have found out that the chap was VAT registered and VAT was added onto the bill on the receipt. Would that make any difference? I know I am being really thick but I do not have any idea!

If he is a business, then I think you have a lot more protection. This won't come via ebay though.

I'd google for advice or give a Citizens advice a ring

If he charging VAT he is a buisness - If the VAT was charged over and above the listing price this is againt eBay rules - But mainly if he is a buisness Goods have to be as described - contact trading standards

Thats great advice - thankyou all. I have been trying to google for advice and it is so complicated. I intend to ring CAB on monday but they are so busy at the moment I dont think I will get an appointment or advice in time. Blessingsdragon - the VAT was on the receipt and he had deducted it from the total so he hadnt broken ebay rules. But I presume that by breaking it down on the receipt then he has still charged VAT through his business. I was wondering if that gave protection through the sales of goods regulations but to be honest I am so confused. Its a minefield. Thanks so much for trying to help me.