EBay Postage

[Lemitta123]

I would really appreciate any help with an issue I have.

I purchased some furniture on eBay. The listing featured a stock photo but there was no mention about the poor condition of the item.

The listing was collection only but the seller agreed I could arrange a courier, which I did.

When I received the items, their condition was very poor - stains, chips and liquid damage to the fabric. I contacted the seller and she stated the items had been kept in a stable for the last 2 years, but would accept them back for a refund.

Long story short - EBay wouldn’t refund me as I had arranged a courier. Currently I’m going through PayPal and I have now returned the items using the same courier.

Is there any legal recourse to get my costs for the courier reimbursed?

Thank you

Is there a reason you did not ask for photos of the actual item before buying?
What did the listing say about the condition of the item?

I think you may be out of luck, the courier was nothing to do with the seller at all and that was your choice to use them.

The listing featured a stock photo but there was no mention about the poor condition of the item... I contacted the seller and she stated the items had been kept in a stable for the last 2 years

Is there a reason why you didn't ask about condition before buying?

The seller has been more than fair by offering a refund. I can't imagine there's any way to get a refund on the original courier costs. You paid for them to collect and deliver the item and they did just that. The condition of the item isn't anything to do with them.

Sounds grim, but I don't think you have any recourse unfortunately. The seller offered the item for collection. The idea being you turned up, had a look and took it. If you weren't happy with the condition that was the time to say so. You bypassed this and sent your courier. The cost of the courier isn't the sellers responsibility.

definitely on you if you sent another person (aka a courier) to do personal collection on your behalf
ebay do not generally agree returns for personal collection as it is deemed you inspected item
the seller does not need to reimburse courier costs

Thank you for all the advice.

The description mentioned that it had only been used in a showhome which, I took to mean, meant they were in good/excellent condition. Therefore I didn’t specifically ask the condition or worry that there were just stock photos (the seller is registered as a interior furniture business).

We used a courier as the item was far away and we appreciated that the seller wanted someone to arrange collection at her convenience.

I have learnt never to trust a listing with stock photos!

Once again, thank you for your responses…