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Need some advice on eBay item I won - 1986 Ripken Meadow Gold Milk carton

So I won this item on ebay and it was described as Near Mint to Mint. I hadn't seen one of these in awhile, so I was ready to pay a bit for it, hence the $88 final price.
I received the item today, however, and am a bit disappointed in it. As you can see in the included scans, there are a couple of small creases around the last "S" in "Super Stars", the red ink was printed off center from where it's supposed to be, and the red ink is also smudged on the left side. Now the ink being printed off center I should have noticed from the auction picture (and honestly I can live with this part), but I was unable to see the creases or the smudging. I've also included a picture of a Rose to show how the red ink is supposed to be centered.
Now the question is, for $88 on this item, should I try receiving a full or partial refund, or do I just need to stop being so picky and be happy with what I think is a pretty hard to find item. Your thoughts would be appreciated!



I received the item today, however, and am a bit disappointed in it. As you can see in the included scans, there are a couple of small creases around the last "S" in "Super Stars", the red ink was printed off center from where it's supposed to be, and the red ink is also smudged on the left side. Now the ink being printed off center I should have noticed from the auction picture (and honestly I can live with this part), but I was unable to see the creases or the smudging. I've also included a picture of a Rose to show how the red ink is supposed to be centered.
Now the question is, for $88 on this item, should I try receiving a full or partial refund, or do I just need to stop being so picky and be happy with what I think is a pretty hard to find item. Your thoughts would be appreciated!




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Comments
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The centering is terrible.
If that was evident in the EBAY listing, it was clear that the card would not "grade well."
IF you like the card, keep it.
IF you don't like the card, just file a SNAD-claim at PayPal and return it.
Or, you can ask for a "partial refund."
..................
I like to buy nice items cheap, so that when I go to sell them I might at least break even.
The "hard to find" notion is fun, but if the item is junky, "hard to find" usually does not
help too much when it is time to sell.
although I probably know what the sellers response would be too that...
...hold the seller accountable...
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As for the refund. I would either ask for a full refund based on the creases and smudges, but not even mention anything regarding the centering since it is clearly evident in the scan. I would NEVER ask for a partial refund, even if you felt it would be just, as you would undoubtedly appear to be fishing for money like a lot of ebay buyers now. I would explain the problem and request a refund and see if HE offers a partial refund.
So I guess my cliff-note answer would be either a full refund or live with the item. Anywhere in between is not a good idea.
I'd let the seller bring that up.
If you are unhappy with it you will never be happy.
The seller offers a 7 day return use it.
His pic on ebay makes the carton appear nicer then your pic.
Steve
Is Ripken rare? I see that at least 4 people were willing to bid 65.00+ for it.
Steve
<< <i>He sold a Boggs also and got 3.00 for it.
Is Ripken rare? I see that at least 4 people were willing to bid 65.00+ for it.
Steve >>
Not sure how rare they are, but I've been looking for one for quite a few years. These also come in 3 different ink varieties (red, black and brown) and a variety of carton sizes.
I guess the thing about it is, I like the item and wouldn't mind keeping it, but I would have paid less knowing the smudge and crease was there.
Good responses so far, thanks for the input. I'll have to think it over today about what I want to do.
<< <i>the Ripken one is rare and I'm not surprised to see one go for $88 regardless of the condition >>
Ironmanfan, you're opinion is probably one I'd appreciate the most... if you had purchased this item, would you keep it?
The underbidder I think was 1.00 less.
I don't think the seller will offer you a partial refund considering the bidding history
Only you know how tuff of an item it is. The centering blows IMO but I'm not an expert on the issue.
Steve
<< <i>
<< <i>the Ripken one is rare and I'm not surprised to see one go for $88 regardless of the condition >>
Ironmanfan, you're opinion is probably one I'd appreciate the most... if you had purchased this item, would you keep it?
tuna:
i'd keep it and perhaps look to upgrade later on if you can...You'll always get your $88 out of it regardless.
My general view when I get a rare item in the mail and it isn't quite as described:
I ask, can I find this in better condition for the same price?
Also, was the price paid worth the product received?
As a buyer, I can't see asking for a partial refund ever. I either view my purchase as reasonable for the condition and scarcity, or I view it as being unreasonable. I either keep it with satisfaction that my purchase was solid, or I'd ask to return the item.
As a seller, I'd never issue a partial refund for a SNAD claim. If I failed to pay appropriate shipping, or some other non-condition based failure, sure. In the case of a SNAD, I'd offer all or nothing. I'm not playing that game.
<< <i>Thanks for the input all, I'm going to keep it and enjoy it for what it is! >>
Good move .
<< <i>That sucks Don. Thing is...if you send it back...he'll relist it and it will sell for at least as much again this time.
My general view when I get a rare item in the mail and it isn't quite as described:
I ask, can I find this in better condition for the same price?
Also, was the price paid worth the product received?
As a buyer, I can't see asking for a partial refund ever. I either view my purchase as reasonable for the condition and scarcity, or I view it as being unreasonable. I either keep it with satisfaction that my purchase was solid, or I'd ask to return the item.
As a seller, I'd never issue a partial refund for a SNAD claim. If I failed to pay appropriate shipping, or some other non-condition based failure, sure. In the case of a SNAD, I'd offer all or nothing. I'm not playing that game. >>
I agree with you all around Ross. And actually am glad to hear someone agree as I just went through this exact same situation with a buyer for a non-sportscard related eBay sale.
I made (and admitted to) a minor error in the listing. The item is very rare and and rarely seen on ebay or otherwise. The buyer wrote me and said he was unhappy and wanted a partial refund of half of the price of the item, but definitely liked it and wanted to keep it. I told him it was my mistake and to return it for the full cost of the item, plus return shipping, plus $10 for his time. Like you, I felt that you're either happy with the item and want to keep it, or it's not what you want.
He kept it and left me negative feedback. Oh well.