eBay Policies

[jw2010]

Just a little "heads up" which really caught me off guard.

I recently purchased a JOHNNY WEST figure in which the Seller assured me - prior to me placing a bid - that it was manufactured in 1967.

I received the figure and it was not 1967 (as clearly shown in the MARX LOGO stamp). I gave the Seller the benefit of the doubt that perhaps it had simply been an oversight on his part. I was prepared to exchange the figure I received for the one I had won. The Seller insisted that he had sent a 1967, but was willing to refund the purchase if I return the figure . . . on the condition that I pay the return shipping costs of $27.

I would have preferred to have the Seller do the honorable thing and admit his error . . . and we negotiate the options for return, exchange, etc. However, getting nowhere with the Seller, I filed a dispute claim. To my surprise, eBay ruled in the Seller's favour.

Naturally, I am completely puzzled as to why I should be out $27 for return shipping when I had received the WRONG item. The message to me : The Seller is free to make errors - unintentional or deliberate - and not be held financially responsible.

Pardon me for venting here . . . but I also think my experience this week is worth noting for anyone else who wants to bid on eBay JOHNNY WEST items. I recognize that there are fair and honest Sellers on eBay (I have dealt with many such folks.) But, according to eBay's decision, even if you receive the wrong item, the Seller does not have to pay for the shipping of its return. In practice, any bidding is at the Buyer's risk - a position that I honestly did not expect eBay to take.

[fortapache]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you make back some of your money. Did they ship it on a cinderblock? That seems a bit much for shipping.

[jw2010]

Thanks.

Some clarification . . .

The item is to be returned for full refund of purchase and (the initial) shipping charges. However, I have to assume the expense for the RETURN shipping.

The SELLER is the one who has a second chance to make money on this item he can re-sell.

As far as I can tell, I am out $27 and there is no way of recovering it. I took the gamble with (eBay and) this particular Seller . . . I will not get the refund until I pay $27 for the return shipping and when the Seller has the item back in his hands.

[terryschimm]

I've only had a couple Ebay disputes, not that I haven't been burned more, but only because it was such a hassle it would've been easier/cheaper to absorb the loss.

Terry

[jw2010]

Although I am a proponent of resolving disputes fairly, I also believe that the SELLER should take the loss if it comes to that . . . like any honorable retailer would do . . . if for no other reason than to restore good faith and a solid reputation.

The SELLER who sent the wrong item promised to me - and then would not refund unless I pay the $27 RETURN shipping for his error - has some items listed again:

www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250906411314&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNARL:CA:1123

P.S. His Feedback score and the fact that he assured me the figure was 1967 "seemed like" enough to bid with confidence. Buyer Beware!

[highlander]

Thanks for the heads up. Sorry about your bad experience with this seller, should've at least split the return shipping.

[jw2010]

Why? It was the Seller's error!

P.S. I was willing and prepared in the early stages to negotiate some kind of deal when I thought it was a simple oversight on his part. He adamantly - in no uncertain terms - claimed that he was absolutely positive he sent the correct item. (He had not.) End of story.