Be Careful who you deal with on eBay

Rampage

So, since all of us collect coins and enjoy the hobby as much as we do, I felt this is a little proper, though some may find it a little OT. Also, as coin collectors, most of us have side hobbies. My side hobby deals with the music of a certain 1950s-1970s singer. I buy a number of CDs to listen to and enjoy the music.

Anyway, I bought a set of three CDs from a seller with the description of "one CD has a couple of light scratches, the other two are fine". Upon arrival, one CD was horribly scratched to the point it would not play beyond track two, the second CD also has numerous scratches, but will still play, and the third CD was okay except for some scuffs (but still plays).

So, I sent a couple of emails and got no replies, so I filed a paypal claim 5 days later. A few emails back and forth. Seller not wanting to take a return or admit to grossly misrepresenting the quality, she finally sends this one out today (see below in bold font).

Anyone interested in the entire string of 5 or 6 emails, let me know and I will be happy to post.

So, the point of this thread...Just be careful who you buy from and deal with. Use caution mostly!

I already called Paypal and they told me to return it and I will get my refund after the tracking has been confirmed.



Note, I removed my name, the seller's name, and my city of residence for privacy reasons. I left the states in there, because I thought that was okay.


Dear XXX

Again, we need photos of the cds both front and back. This is an easy step as 99% of all cell phones now have cameras in them. As an ebay selller yourself you must have a way of taking digital pictures. I am curious to know how you are listing yourself if you do not have the ability to take pictures. Please provide me with the make/model of the cd player used. They worked fine here on 2 players. My description was NOT wrong! As stated in the auction and by placing your bid you legally agreed to the terms of the binding contract which CLEARLY states that this is an as is auction and no warranties or refunds are accepted. By placing your bid you legally agreed to the contract and the reason we do that is to prevent fraud and buyers remorse. I have yet to see any proof to substantiate your claims of scratches. Plain and simple,,, I need documentation to process this request. How do you know they did not get this way via traveling? (If you are a certified damage expert please forward me an official report.) By saying there is not one possible way the USPS damaged the cds raises concern for me. I admit to errors when i make them and when i do not make them, i stand my ground! I am standing my ground on this one. A contract is a contract. Any breach of contract will force us to seek legal recourse. Unless you comply with our requests for proof of the damage via photographs, info on player used, and packaging pictures you will be forcing me to contact the Pennsylvania State Police and open a fraud complaint with them as well as the Florida State Police.
I am willing to work with you to resolve this but i MUST have documentation. I will be in the XXX area for Easter and can even meet you to inspect the damage. I am a fair person but i am not someone who will be taken for ride!

Also please provide me with a telephone number so that i can have our legal rep speak with you.

Thanks,

XXX

sinin1

I am curious what the cost was on these 3 CDs?

Robb

Unless there were red flags in the auction listing, there's not much of a "Be Careful who you deal with on eBay" message here.

Rampage

<< <i>I am curious what the cost was on these 3 CDs? >>


We are only talking about $25 here. Nothing to write home about and $25 is not really a big deal in my life. It's more of the point of the matter I suppose. If she actually had been truthful in her ad and I misread her ad, then that is a different story, and like cherrypicking coins, you take your lumps. I will post a link if it will help.

Rampage

<< <i>Unless there were red flags in the auction listing, there's not much of a "Be Careful who you deal with on eBay" message here. >>


I guess the message is that you never know who you are dealing with on eBay, so always be careful. (?)

doh

<< <i>Dear XXX

Again, we need photos of the cds both front and back. This is an easy step as 99% of all cell phones now have cameras in them. As an ebay selller yourself you must have a way of taking digital pictures. I am curious to know how you are listing yourself if you do not have the ability to take pictures. Please provide me with the make/model of the cd player used. They worked fine here on 2 players. My description was NOT wrong! As stated in the auction and by placing your bid you legally agreed to the terms of the binding contract which CLEARLY states that this is an as is auction and no warranties or refunds are accepted. By placing your bid you legally agreed to the contract and the reason we do that is to prevent fraud and buyers remorse. I have yet to see any proof to substantiate your claims of scratches. Plain and simple,,, I need documentation to process this request. How do you know they did not get this way via traveling? (If you are a certified damage expert please forward me an official report.) By saying there is not one possible way the USPS damaged the cds raises concern for me. I admit to errors when i make them and when i do not make them, i stand my ground! I am standing my ground on this one. A contract is a contract. Any breach of contract will force us to seek legal recourse. Unless you comply with our requests for proof of the damage via photographs, info on player used, and packaging pictures you will be forcing me to contact the Pennsylvania State Police and open a fraud complaint with them as well as the Florida State Police.
I am willing to work with you to resolve this but i MUST have documentation. I will be in the XXX area for Easter and can even meet you to inspect the damage. I am a fair person but i am not someone who will be taken for ride!

Also please provide me with a telephone number so that i can have our legal rep speak with you.

Thanks, >>



What an F-ing psycho. If it were me, I'd probably just let it go because $25 isn't worth dealing with this person who is clearly deranged. They're obviously not going to contact the authorities, that's just a scare tactic, but if they have your phone number (and I assume address), I'd be worried about harassment.

Robb

I didn't know traveling and shipping were interchangeable. Out of all that's wrong, "How do you know they did not get this way via traveling?" made me laugh the hardest.

And WTH is a "certified damage expert"?

silvergoldnut

rampage,

i had to chime in on this one.

first that letter is a scare tactic to make you go away. do you really think the state police will care about a 25.00 deal, they will laugh her off the phone.

i love the part about the legal dept., laught so hard i had to pee !!!!

this lady is in her basement , selling crap becuase her hubby lost his job and now he is at the bar at all hours, to get away from her.

write her back and say i agree with you , so i'll call the florida state police tomorrow, and get the ball rolling on fraud on you.
you can't sell crap and put "no returns". she will offer you a refund, VERY QUICKLY !!!!

good luck to you ,

Rampage

Yeah, there are some funny things in her email and I do realize it is a scare tactic. Paypal already told me I am getting my refund as soon as it gets delivered to her. I plan on sending it out tomorrow afternoon.

mrpotatoheadd

There is a simple, easy to use system for avoiding hassles and disappointment with "as-is, no refunds" auctions. Don't bid. Unfortunately, bidders often refuse to avail themselves of this system.

It's too bad, too- if bidders would, it would make running that kind of auction far less attractive and more sellers would stop doing it as they find their sales drying up.