I bought a Jaeger coat described as in good condition and when it came it was in poor condition. I was not expecting new, but I was expecting decent, wearable condition.
I photographed the stained lining, moth holes and moth grazings and posted them for inspection by the vendor.
She claimed that the coat had left her in perfect condition and was 'SHOCKED' that I had posted such photographs.
She did not offer refunds but after an exchanged of VERY, VERY restrained and polite e-mails from me she agreed to accept a return but asked me to pay return postage, as otherwise she would suffer considerable financial loss.
It seemed that it was O.K. for me to be £10 out of pocket and inconvenienced.
She did not openly accuse me of lying to secure a return of goods when she did not accept returns but did impugn my integrity by insisting that the coat had been sent undamaged.
I pointed out that it was well wrapped and very securely packaged so the damage could had not occurred in transit.
She eventually agreed to refund me and at my insistence to refund my return costs as well. I posted next day, and quickly received a refund.
My first language is English so I was very clear in all communications, and clear and honest in the feedback that I left to the effect that seller had refunded me without delay as she had overlooked moth damage. I cannot see how this contravened feedback policy.
I am dismayed to find that this was removed by E-Bay without any consultation with me, and without any explanation. Seller left feedback to say that communications had been difficult but problem happily resolved.
I am unhappy that this seller had the feedback removed in face of evidence. She is tacitly accusing me of misrepresentation when she had listed a damaged and dirty item as being in good condition. The garment has been relisted with no mention of moth holes which I photographed and sent to her.
This feedback removal has made me very unhappy. I am concerned that sellers can perpetuate lack of full disclosure of defects.
My recent buying experiences on E-Bay have ranged from superb to dire.
I have kept an item which fell far below description rather than have the hassle of requesting a return it but did notify the seller that I felt that poor packaging had caused postal damage. I did not ask for any recompense but repaired the delicate garment and hoped that the seller would improve packing for future buyers..
I will now only buy new items from sellers and read between the lines on feedback.
As an occasional seller I try to be scrupulously honest and open and as a buyer do not wish to be treated as dishonest.
There seems to be no way to communicate these problems with e-Bay, other than by telephone, where one may queue for lengthy periods to be fobbed off and nothing done.
I note from the forums that the general opinion seems to be 'swallow it, and move on', but the fact that in my 'feedback left for others' is a 'this feedback has been removed by E-Bay, suggesting that I am in the wrong.
How then does one deal with the dishonest rogues who cause misery to so many?
I have left a follow up to say that I am unhappy that my feedback was removed. No doubt this will disappear.
Thank-you for taking the trouble to read this. Is there any way that this can be communicated to the e-bay team?
