Selling dispute. Please comment.


I recently sold a pair of mono amps and checked the box that indicated the original manual was included. I never use the manual for something like this and just assumed the manual was in the box as there were some various papers from the manufacturer in the boxes.

The buyer got the amps safely and they are in perfect condition as described. I shipped the same day the item sold. Unfortunately the manuals were not in the boxes the amps came in. These were the original boxes, but the manuals are not there according to the buyer.

I sent him the link to download the pdf of the manual. He is not happy with that. I offered to print a color double sided copy (on good stock) at Kinkos for $20 (at my expense) and ship that to him. He says that the original manual was promised and that I have to deliver that to him. And that he dervers two of them since the amps came in two separate boxes. He is threating to kill the deal and dispute with audiogon and paypal.

I admit that I'm in the wrong for mis-stating that the manuals were included. I will attempt to order the manuals from the manufacturer on Monday, but I don't know that the manufacturer will provide them even if I pay for them.

I'd appreciate comments regarding this problem. Thank you.
jaxwired
Since this is the most anal hobby known to man I would be a bit bent if something didnt come with the manual. I always like to have the original boxes, manuals & if possible original purchase receipt or copy of the receipt. It makes me feel that the product was treated with the respect it deserves. Like others, try to buy the manuals. If they come in photo copied from the mfg, see if they will give you a letter that states this is what they originalally supplied. If thats what they were/are and the buyer still doesn't like it, then they're just being an ass. Good luck, John
Perhaps the buyer has an alterior motive in wanting the deal cancelled and is simply using the lack of manual as his out. If for some reason he was disappointed with the amps (sound, looks, smell, etc.), he may be trying to reverse the sale due to his buyer's remorse. Integrity is subjective, and with some, totally absent.

John
I realize that the buyer is technically in the right here, as the item was advertised as coming w/ a manual, but come on -- how much of a manual do you even need for mono blocks? This isn't some complicated A/V receiver or all-in-one disk player, its a power amp for goodness sake. I'm sure the specs are available on the internet & there was probably no schematic in the manual to begin with, so what else is there? How to turn it on or something???

Batch
I hope I truly never run into this buyer. What next, no warranty card? Yes, the seller had a small miscue. What would happen if the original shipping boxes got damaged in transit? Will that be a reason to demand a refund too?

Unless, the seller advertised the item as a time capsule type piece, 10, and thus, sold at a premium, and the item is were rare and almost one of a kind, I would say the seller has gone beyond the call of duty
Like most things in life, you play your own hand. At this point, certain facts have occurred and this really boils down to your desired outcome, which you can largely influence.
On one hand, you have your money, the buyer has the amps and a "copy" of the manual, and you can simply say "enough," or "piss off," - your choice. As Lloydc indicates, you substantially performed and damages are likely limited to the potential loss of resale value due to the missing "original" (vs. copied) manual - e.g. small. The likely outcome with this solution is that you will receive negative feedback and the buyer will not bother taking you to court over a stinkin' owner's manual.
On the other hand, you could ask the buyer "how can we resolve this so that you are satisfied and we simply forget feedback?" Be ready for requests ranging from a partial refund to return of the amps and full refund. This outcome probably results in some level of hassle and pain to your wallet, but does not affect your feedback, assuming the buyer agrees.
The cards are dealt, it really boils down to how you want to play it.