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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
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audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85 OP
1,989 posts
 

@dill yes, i opened it up and had a look, appears same, but i mean they all do...it was new. Does not appear damaged, but i cannot be certain without first mounting/aligning it and listening etc, which I don’t have time for. It does not appear as though he followed proper channels to return. There is seemingly no case opened and no ebay interaction. I have already previously messaged him, indicating that should it be returned, I would refuse it and send it back. Whether I follow through or not has not been decided...

dill
2,424 posts
 

I understand your frustration, however DO NOT send it back to him unless eBay instructs you to do so, they won't. Your account from eBay will be debited the refund amount. You have come across an a**hole buyer, it happens. I would list it here, AudioMart or Audio Asylum Trader as an open box as a next to new cartridge with less than 5 hours. Check the cantilever with a loupe to make sure it is straight and the diamond is intact.

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo
179 posts
 

OP - Here’s another thing to consider - although the buyer sent it back without opening a case, he may still be able to open a case of “did not match description.”  My guess is that if you don’t refund him, he will open one, whether you send it back or not.  Hold on to that cartridge until it’s resolved!

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,363 posts
 

The Buyer Protection is the precedent over all sellers wants.

The only safeguard for the Seller is a Bank Transfer or Cash on Collection Payment.

I only sell using this as the Payment Method, a buyer takes a longer time to come forward but I have never not sold.

What I don't do is encourage is the mis-use of the Buyer Protection Scheme that can be put in place.

The methods for a certain type of Buyer to create a mis-use seemingly grows daily.

I suspect from drawing on known of experiences others have had to endure, that your Cart' sent,  is not the one being returned, and the Buyer will be remunerated for their efforts along the way.

Ebay has a lot to answer for with this as the too regularly seen outcome of their Protection methods. 

The Protection Period strangely, covers period that will enable a Holiday or Refurbishment to take place, the method almost works as a Free Hire Period, or Free Parts Donor Model for a Buyer.

Only a Bank Transfer or Cash on Collection will protect the seller from such a intention for their goods.   

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