Knowing how the forum feels about asking for rebates on eBay auctions, how would you deal with this

seanq

I bid on what was described as a VF 1911-S Lincoln cent with a straight clip. I received the coin today, and noted three things:

1. the coin is a genuine Mint error;
2. the actual grade is at least choice XF, some would even call it AU;
3. the mint mark is not an S but a D.

There is a significant difference in price between an 1911-D and a 1911-S, but when you factor in the genuine error and the actual grade, the price I paid was about right. Of course, the real reason I wanted the coin was to upgrade the VG 1911-S currently in my set, so while I like the coin a lot, it is not an automatic decision to keep it.

Should I simply keep my mouth shut and keep the coin, as the price wound up being fair for what it really is? Should I write the seller and inform him of the discrepancy, and ask for a partial refund based on the difference in value between the 1911-D and 1911-S (about half the final hammer or a 50% refund)? Or should I just send it back per the seller's return policy for a full refund?

I was leaning one way, but now in typing this post I think I'm leaning toward something else. Let's hear some opinions before I share my thoughts.


Sean Reynolds

P.S.: Here are the seller's pictures FWIW:

rgCoinGuy

If it is not what you were told it was (and do not want it for the price you paid), just send it back for a refund. That is the simplest thing to do and will cause you the least headache.

Billet7

I would tell them that they misrepresented the item, and you should return it based on their mis-offering.

If you like the coin, then tell them you wouldn't mind keeping the coin on it's own merits, and tell them the price you are willing to pay. I think you are talking about two completely different issues, and they should be addressed as such.

notwilight

Masochist.

jonathanb

I'm out of touch... is there a big price difference between VF 11-S and XF/AU 11-D?

If it was me and I was generally happy with what I received (that is, I didn't have a few dozen 11-D's already), I'd probably send a message to the seller pointing out that I received an 11-D when I was expecting an 11-S, and did he maybe have another piece that really is an 11-S that he was planning on selling?

Best case, you'd have a shot at two pieces. At the very least it gives the seller to call a "my bad!" on himself and offer a make-good on his own...

airplanenut

I think this is a different situation than the other times it's come up (where someone got what they bid on, and then decided it wasn't quite what they were hoping for). Here, it's just a different piece altogether.

I would email the seller to tell them of the problem, and mention that given what the coin really is, you would normally pay $X for it and let them decide which route to take. I don't think it's threatening ("do this or else!") given the context. It's as if they sent a coin in the wrong grade, where there's an obvious reason for a different price, not just that you hoped the coin were nicer than it appeared in the photos.

Jeremy

DieClash

I had success with the strategy quoted below. Seller sold me a dollar roll that had the wrong mint mark. I offered to return it for the correct mint and I also offered to keep it.

The Seller was very happy that the mistake was pointed out to him as he had my auction winnings on another auction that he pulled. He offered me the roll of the mint mark that I wanted at the same auction price that I won. Bottom line, I got both! And at my price!!



<< <i>I would tell them that they misrepresented the item, and you should return it based on their mis-offering.

If you like the coin, then tell them you wouldn't mind keeping the coin on it's own merits, and tell them the price you are willing to pay. I think you are talking about two completely different issues, and they should be addressed as such. >>

JupitarCoins

Well what are your thoughts on this?

LindeDad

Looks like the seller did not decribe it correctly. I would start the emails at that and if I did not really want it, use their return policy.
Now if I wanted it at the amount already put into it since it is as nice or nicer than what I thought it was going to be. I would not of made this post.

Bochiman

2 possible things I would do:

1) Send an email just stating that the coin that was listed was listed with a wrong mintmark. If I was ok with the coin, and the price, I would leave it at that. If they came back with a reply asking if I wanted a discount because of that or something, then I would see at that point.

2) If I didn't want it, for whatever reason, due to the mintmark difference, I would send it back for full refund and just say "sorry. a 1911-S was listed and that's what I bid on but a 1911-D arrived. "

seanq

Thanks for the replies. I was going to write the seller as some suggested and make note of the error, along with how much I would have paid for the coin had it been properly listed. I actually had most of the message typed out when I realized, since the coin was in significantly better condition than described, I more or less paid the "right" price already. Had I received a clipped 1911-S in this condition it would have been a significant rip; instead I have a really nice early Lincoln error coin at a fair market value. I'll still let the seller know of the discrepancy, but I will not be asking for any monetary relief, and the coin isn't going anywhere.


Sean Reynolds

Connecticoin

Keep it or send it back. Given you stated the values were about the same, it cannot think of a legitimate reason for requesting a rebate.