Advice on Dealing with EBAY Problem

Updated on April 08, 2009
M.J. asks from Carol Stream, IL
3 answers

My husband purchased a game guide book on EBAY. The seller said it was in great condition. We just got it today and it is in bad shape. It was mailed in a paper envelope and it had a rip in the front and along the bottom. So now there is a hole in several pages and several parts of the writing on the spine have been ripped off. This is like a magazine with a soft cover, not a hard one.

The envelope has a stamp on it that says "received in damaged condition" and has lots of black marks on the front of it, almost like a car drove over it!

I've contacted the seller, but I don't want a refund, I just want some money back for getting a damaged item. I offered to email photos of the book and envelope. Am I being unreasonable? This guide is hard to find, so it's not like I can go out and buy a new one.

Thanks!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

I contacted the seller who was very defensive and claimed that the book was fine when it left there. She said I could return it, but I don't want to take the risk of her blaming me for damaging it. So I am not giving any feedback (this seller had a good rating)and am just keeping the book. In the big picture, it's not worth getting into it. I tried to see if the seller would be receptive to finding out more, even offered to send photos, but she wasn't interested.

Thanks for all your help.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.M.

answers from Chicago on

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all. I sell books on amazon.com and recently had a similar incident with a buyer. Unfortunately the book never made it to him. It was poor shipping (I didn't tape it enough).

I have found that the post office is often to blame regarding these issues. If your envelope had a stamp that showed that they received it in poor condition, I would call the post office and file a complaint (I have friends who work at the post office and they have suggested this).

The seller should do *something* to make you happy.

I hope it all works out.
B.

btw, I love that you say that you are constantly telling your boys to keep their hands to themselves. I only have 2 boys and I probably say it at least 20 times a day!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.

answers from Chicago on

The nice thing about going through Ebay is that it has some legal protections for buyers and sellers. Check the Ebay FAQ and also the Paypal FAQ if you went through them to pay. I would start with Ebay and they should be able to help you out.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Bloomington on

I can't give you any better advice on what to do now. AFTER the fact. But for future purchases, I would suggest checking the seller rating. If it's a bad rating, you're probably going to get "scammed" for lack of better words.

1 mom found this helpful
For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions