Unscrupulous ebay buyers


Beware if you sell on ebay. I’m probably stating something most already know, but anyhow, I listed a brand new cartridge there which was bought and shipped on time. Buyer receives It, opens it and installs it. He proceeds to play his records. He then messages me that the cartridge has muddy bass and poor channel separation. I advise him to check all alignment parameters, but he insists cartridge is defective, I highly doubt it. I do not accept returns as stated in the listing. He proceeds to pack it up, taking a photo, and states "on the way!"...I again told him that I do not accept returns for a cartridge that is now used...also said that just because you bought something you have never listened to and you are displeased with its sound or performance, does not give him the right to demand I accept a return. I reported him to ebay, as in my opinion he is pulling a fast one. He could very likely have damaged it while installing it. It was brand new pristine condition upon shipping it. I am standing my ground and will not accept a return. If it shows up at my door, too bad. At this point, I can care less if I receive negative feedback, it would be my first. Worse buyer I’ve encountered in 20 years of selling. Man I hate ebay. Honestly, to me it sounds like buyer remorse, not a defective cartridge, plus I am not the manufacturer....he can pound sand.

128x128audioguy85

Showing 3 responses by tylermunns

You said, “no returns.” End of story.  
This buyer either,
a) failed to comprehensively read the terms before buying (this wasn’t some sleazy ‘fine print’ situation, but a conspicuously stated term)
b) is an extremely entitled person, 
c) is scamming, or
d) is very stupid.

I have to say, this has been one of the most informative threads I’ve read on this site. 
I’m sorry it was borne of such an unfortunate incident.  
I think the OP caused some valuable things to be shared, however.

@audioguy85 That message sounds pretty unambiguous to me.
Aside from the obvious bummer of a no-longer-new cartridge and the headache, this is the best one could hope for, resolution-wise.
Unlike what so many others were saying, you don’t lose the $160, you aren’t unfairly penalized for having an unscrupulous buyer, and you may attempt to re-sell the now-used cartridge if you wish.
I only choose the highest % sellers on Discogs. I’ve had mostly good luck, but I’ve had my share of duds.

Nothing too bad overall except one.

This seller took my money and didn’t ship the CD until a week later. The vast majority of sellers ship the next day, but whatever, I’m a fairly forgiving sort.
I got the wrong CD. A full month after paying for it. Shipping-wise, this location was about as close as can be to Alaska (NW Oregon). I’ve had plenty of orders arrive much quicker from the East Coast and Europe.
The seller responded promptly when I messaged that the wrong CD was sent. OK.
A week goes by. Nothing. I message again, reminding that I still have heard nothing regarding my CD.
Another week goes by. The seller finally says he found the right CD and then went on to (I kid you not) blame the Jan. 6 riots for the delay. Not joking. His excuse was that “they’re like storming the capitol in Salem which is like two blocks from my house spin crazy around here.”
Wow. I am a very understanding and forgiving buyer (even if I may be picky about vinyl at times) but I had had enough. I didn’t want anything to do with this seller anymore. I didn’t care about the money or the CD. I just wanted to call this whole thing off. I just left negative feedback (which I had never done before some two dozen purchases in). This is, of course, when the seller started to finally try to do his job, which I just ignored. You’ve got my money, leave me alone. You suck.
Somehow the seller was able to expunge my negative feedback.
Cool.