posted on July 13, 2001 02:39:57 PM
I'll try not to make it too long (but I'm not promising anything!)
I recently won a relatively hard-to find antique car part - and was lucky enough to get it at a reasonable price. Along with photos of the bit was a scan of the original installation booklet - something alone that is a rarity (but it's not mentioned in the description). The Seller contacted and advised payment instructions but neglected to supply shipping costs. Emailed them back again and was told he would send it postage due. Not really a problem - means he doesn't want to cart this thing to the PO twice which I can understand.
So I be a dutiful winner and send my payment off that day (2 days after auction closes). 10 days later still no goods. I email the Seller to ask when it was sent - he replies a day later that he's been away all week on vacation and it will be sent "tomorrow". Hmm - couldn't (or more to the point, shouldn't) he have mentioned that a little earlier??
So the much awaited car bit arrives and I check it against the auction - the part matches but instead of finding the original instruction booklet, I receive a photocopy - a reduced to fit a single page, blurred and generally pretty crappy photocopy. Now, remember, although the photos of the original were included in the auction, it doesn't actually mention the booklet anywhere in the written description. But it also doesn't mention anywhere that the scan of the booklet is for illustration purposes only.
Am I being unreasonable to expect that if the original was illustrated, that I would be receiving it also?
I have emailed the Seller, but with no reply. I DID get the part at a very good price (probably $50 less than they normally sell for) but I'm cranky that he neglected to tell me the shipping would be delayed and that I got some cheap copy of the booklet instead of the original I was expecting.
And what sort of feedback should I give this guy? He doesn't deserve a neg but I'm not entirely sure he deserves a positive either - is a neutral too harsh or am I overreacting? (BTW he hasn't left feedback for me yet but the possiblity of retalitory action doesn'tbother me in the slightest).
Oh wonderful AWers, give me the benefit of your infinite wisdom!
[ edited by sweetpotato on Jul 13, 2001 02:41 PM ]
posted on July 13, 2001 02:48:19 PM
I'd say, that because it was not listed as being included, that while perhaps a not nice thing for them to do, you really have no grounds.
You should be more careful and CONFIRM that such is included -- even to the point of having them add it to the description before you bid -- that makes it part of the deal.
Sometimes, instruction booklets can be sold without the stuff they belong to. Perhaps he's got them listed elsewhere?
Or perhaps he boosted the images of the instructions from another auction or website to simply show the detail of the item -- and included the best that he actually has.
posted on July 13, 2001 03:25:55 PM
I tend to agree a bit with the post above. But what I would do is email him one more time and explain that you were a little disappointed in delivery delay and he should have mentioned that to you ahead of time. I would ask him since you thought the booklet was included that you would like to at least have him make a better copy for you so you have something to go by.
If no response then don't leave a feedback at all. If he responds with a no to your questions or has no sympathy with you then I would probably give him a neutral for bad customer service.
Good luck and remember....
There's no danger of developing eyestrain from looking at the bright side of things!
posted on July 13, 2001 11:09:31 PM
my opinion is also it was not listed as being included but I feel it was deliberate. Seller wanted bidders to THINK it was included (one would naturally assume so) (so much for assuming) but laughed up his sleeve that it would help him sell item but was not actually mentioned.
How many times in auctions have you seen a toy displayed on a couch? Or a book displayed on a doily? Or a dress on a young lady? HEY! STOP RIGHT THERE!
I just wanted an excuse to use the bold feature ..... heeheehee
edited 'cause I laffed too hard an' spoiled it.......
[ edited by immykidsmom on Jul 13, 2001 11:10 PM ]
posted on July 14, 2001 07:03:46 AM
If there was a picture or scan of the original instruction book in the auction description, I would have expected to get it with the part since it is related to the item and would be needed to install the part. I would contact the seller and let them know that the instructions were included in the photos so should have been included in the sale.
I don't expect to get everything in a photo, but if it is part of the item and is shown, I expect to get it.
Maybe a neutral (or neg because of the other problems) is in order, Item not as desc. and didn't include instr. book as shown in photo.
The more I hang out here, the more cautious I get, I will now ask very specific questions about exactly what is included if the description is not as explicit as the photos.
posted on July 14, 2001 06:31:34 PM
Thanks for the replies.
I agree I probably should have asked first. The Seller had 3 photos up - 2 shots of the part in different profiles and one of the booklet. Since the instruction booklet was shown as a completely separate photo, I don't think it was an unreasonable to assume it was part of the auction. ass-u-me - yeah, yeah, I know!
I did voice my disappointment to the Seller but I haven't had a response and I'm not holding my breath for one. I'll email once more asking for, at minimum at substantially better copy of the booklet. Depending on what response (if any) I get will determine what fb I will be leaving - positive or neutral. The only thing that's sparing him a neg is the part is as described and I got it at a bargain basement price.....
[ edited by sweetpotato on Jul 14, 2001 06:32 PM ]
