erijnal

+1

rich815

If the item can be shown to have been broken in shipping perhaps, but if it was represented and sold as "unused" and in working order with no mention of the breakage then how can you see it as the buyer's responsiblity to pay the shipping back for returning a defective or misrepresented item?

BryceM

I suppose one's viewpoint on the shipping issue depends mostly on whether you spend more time being the buyer or the seller.

erijnal

True, but I highly doubt any experienced eBay seller would set themselves up for that, considering that only buyers can leave feedback.

bgzbgz

Its kind of an unwritten rule, buyer pays return shipping 99.99% of the time.

Pyro

Based on the eBay feedback they've been given, it sounds like they refund shipping both ways and the full price of the item. Given the fact that most online retailers have this policy for broken or defective items, I'd kind of expect this dealer to do the same. It seemed to be packaged pretty well so I doubt the clip could've broken off in shipping. It's certainly possible, but not very likely given the Eheim was packaged inside a box with bubble wrap, and that box was inside another with more bubble wrap.

I kind understand BryceM's position though. Being a college student and selling some of my old stuff, I think I'd die a thousand deaths if someone said something I thought was working really wasn't when it was received. I sell old stuff to try to make some extra money, not take a net loss on shipping. It does seem like he's trying to resolve the issue and it doesn't seem like there's anything malicious going on. In my opinion, as a business, I think the correct gesture would be to refund shipping both ways. I said I wasn't beyond giving positive feedback in an email so hopefully they'll look at that.

But honestly, in the grand scheme of things a $10 loss on shipping wouldn't be enough to go burning bridges and not recommending the seller. I'd probably just be happy to know the entire thing wasn't some elaborate scam and that I'll be getting a new, 100% working filter from Big Al's. Plus, in my return to the hobby and fixing up of a 29 gallon and setup of a 20L shrimp farm...I think I'm pushing the $600 mark now. I'm just going to pay the credit card...and...not...look....

rich815

eh

Pyro

Hey guys. I just wanted to share my happy ending to the story. Today I received an email from UPS that the package arrived. Within a few hours, I was issued a refund for the item and it's original shipping, as well as return shipping. I think the total I'm out is less than a dollar. Seems to me like it was simply an honest mistake by the seller or it was damaged in shipping, and the seller did make it right.

Also, my brand new shiny Eheim 2215 came from Big Al's today, so I'm a pretty happy camper. I left positive feedback for the seller and just noted that the item was received broken, but I was promptly and fully refunded. But still, I'm really glad this seller decided to refund all costs involved and make it easy for me to get my money back. Thanks for all of the advice everyone!

inareverie85

I just got a broken Milwauke setup from an ebay member. I hope the ending to my story is as good as yours, or else I'm out ~$90. :P

Pyro

I hope it's as good of an ending as mine too. It's an awful feeling when you buy something off eBay that costs ~$100+ and you open the box to discover the thing is broken. Hopefully everything works out for you. My advice would be to just be patient and try not to get frustrated.