Hi purchased an expensive item which was dlisted as collection only. Messaged the seller prior to bi

[0905andrew]

Hi purchased an expensive item (Timothy Oulton light fitting £720) which was listed as collection only. Messaged the seller to ensure they were happy to safely package the item in preparation for courier collection prior to bidding. Once and only after they agreed I placed a bid and won the item. The item arrived damaged and I have no way of establishing whether it was damaged prior to or during transit. The quality of the packaging was poor as it only consisted of newspaper (no foam or bubble wrap etc). I have attempted to communicate with the seller regarding a part refund to assist with repair costs as opposed to a return request but they have refused either option. Please advise where I stand in this situation.

[ruby*tuesday · Accepted solution]

By using a Third Party Courier you are not covered by the Ebay Money Back Guarantee. You should have gone and Collected the Light Fitting yourself.

[red_magpie]

For the future you need to read eBay's money back guarantee policy: http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/money-back-guarantee.html

It explains that items sold for collection are covered if the buyer collects in person, but not if you arrange for collection by a third party or courier.

This exclusion was applied because some buyers used used eBay's money back guarantee to claim a refund from the seller for damage caused in transit.

Another factor is that there is no packing charge when items are collected, this isn't part of the sale. Not wanting the trouble of packing large items is generally the reason they're sold for collection. If you want the seller to take responsibility for packing the answer is to stick to items sold for delivery. Otherwise it's at your own risk.