Pressured into changing review

[1ecustomer]

I purchased a product that seemed to be completely genuine, in its original, sealed packaging, but found that there was a defective part after testing the product. I left feedback that was neither negative, nor positive about my experience. The seller, since reading the feedback, has been very insistent that I change my review to being more positive. While the seller has now offered to send a replacement of the defective part, seller insists that because goods have been dispatched, I should now update my review. 

During our communication, it was asked that I forward my delivery address so that the replacement could be dispatched; I questioned the appropriateness of such an action and instead, provided my order details, from which, the information the seller required could be obtained. The seller posted my details in the text box, asking me for confirmation. Is this a violation?

Everything about the communication and the seller's "request" seems to be a violation of eBay policy, my privacy and my rights. Yet, I have no information on my legal standing, I cannot contact eBay to have it arbitrate in the matter and I do not know how best to proceed with the seller.

Who can help?

[tressygirl]

Once item has been purchased and paid for,  the exchange of contact details is allowed, has the seller sent this replacement part to you ?

Never feel pressurised to change a feedback if you think it's fair, and the matter is not yet resolved,  then leave the feedback.

However,  sellers are not allowed to leave negative feedback for buyers,  so you can contact Customer Services  to remove the negative feedback you received as a buyer.

This is the easiest and quickest way to contact eBay Customer Services, for a Call Back option.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/eua?id=5275&mkevt=1&mkpid

Lines open for ' live agents' 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. on weekdays

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekends.

Automated agents will be available on chat outside of the above hours.

I recommend contacting CS first thing in the morning as there's more chance of Dublin answering.

@1ecustomer 

[1ecustomer]

Hi,

the seller has very recently (minutes ago) informed of the dispatch of the replacement goods. Apparently, I should receive it in 5 to 10 days.

It is reasonable to change a review (if possible) after resolution of an issue; so why, in every communication from the seller, does he, or she, demand that I change my review?

I might not change my review, but if I do, it may not be what the seller expects, as I am weary of the hounding to which I have been subjected.

Thank you for the information

[tressygirl]

Certainly if and when the matter is resolved you can ask the seller to send you a feedback revision to complete.

You could send them a polite message to stop harassing you with changing the feedback or you will report them to eBay, but once the replacement is sent and item working, you may ask them to send you a feedback revision to complete.

Then, just ignore and delete ,do not even read any more of their messages,  with no replies from you,  they'll soon stop.

@1ecustomer 

[1ecustomer]

Tressygirl,

I have had enough. I have informed the seller that I shall be returning the goods (though it may cost me significantly) and shall formally request a refund.

Never have I felt so abused by a seller on eBay. Even now, having informed me of the dispatch of the replacement goods, and even after I inform them of my prerogative to leave feedback that is my honest opinion, the seller STILL wants me to change my feedback from neutral to positive because the review, apprently, affects his, or her business; is this not exactly what a review is designed to do?

I have had enough.

Thank you for your time and advice.

Sent from Proton Mail Android

[tressygirl]

Do not return that item outside a case.

Return it ,and I think you are doing the right thing here, this way:

If you are still within 30 days of the item's last estimated date for delivery you are guaranteed a full refund,  under eBay's 30 day MBG,  Money Back Guarantee policy.

Just proceed this way:

You have received an item not as described,  go right of the item in your Purchase History and from More Actions select... Return this item selecting the reason Item Does Not Match Description or Photos.

The seller needs to accept this case within 3 days and refund,  if they want their item back first , they need to pay for that fully tracked return postage, then on receipt of their item they have 48 hours to refund you.  If they don't ,  need to escalate the case,  ask eBay to step in, and they'll force the refund.

Never listen to any excuse or promise from the seller to close the case early,  and do not forget to escalate.

@1ecustomer 

[1ecustomer]

Tressygirl,

thank you for the information. I shall proceed with caution.

Sent from Proton Mail Android

[tressygirl]

Open that case with confidence,  listen and answer no more to Any message from the seller.

Escalate on day 4 , if you do not receive a label to send the item back or a refund.

If a label is sent and item returned the seller then has 48 hours to refund,  if they don't again just escalate to eBay.

No need to speak to the seller anymore.

@1ecustomer 

[john1297576]

Just a tip, when receiving faulty goods, NEVER go for a replacement always open a not as described case to get a refund. Then if still trust seller buy again.

Reason for this is you only get one case, so if replacement is also faulty you are stuck with it.

[1ecustomer]

Hi John,

thank you for the information and advice. Unfortunately, it has come a little late, as the seller, thorough my prompting, has offered to send a replacement part, which apparently, has been dispatched.

If it transpires that I will be in receipt of another defective part, then I have to accept the fact. That being the case, there will be no reason for me to positively update my review, which is ultimately what the seller desires.

Thank you, again.

Regards,



Sent from Proton Mail Android

[tressygirl]

You say ' which apparently has been dispatched'.

Just wait then a  reasonable time for the part to arrive, make sure it makes the said item work as it should,  but do not wait too long for it, and time your self out from a full refund which you are entitled to as you have received an item not as described. 

Remember you have 30 days from the item's last estimated date for delivery to do this.

@1ecustomer 

[jckl1957 · Accepted solution]

You have been advised to start a return case and also advised never to accept a replacement - both good points.

Putting aside the fact that the seller has bombarded you with requests to change your feedback and that a replacement is supposedly on its way, this is what I would personally do now.

I assume you have not opened a return case through Ebay and all of your dealings with the seller have been through messages.

Provided you received the faulty item less than a month ago, you are still in time to start a return case and get a full refund.

That is what I would do.

Start a return case TODAY.

Follow the returns process - you should get a label from the seller within 3 days.  Send the item back.  Get a full refund.

If a replacement does arrive, mark it return to sender and send it back.

Ignore and delete unread any messages from the seller.  Do not correspond with them in any way whatsoever.

Open a return request

To request a return, select the item you want to send back from your recent purchases above, or use the button below. You can also start a return request from your Purchases in My eBay.

Start a return - opens in new window or tab

[1ecustomer]

Tressgirl,

I have been busy, hence, the silence on this matter.

I took your, and others, advice; I opened a refund case, selected the reason for the return of the goods being, "Not as described in photos" (or words to that effect), packaged and posted the goods to the seller using the returns label that was provided. The seller acknowledged that the goods is being returned, but still wants me to change my review when I have received the refund; as advised, I have not responded.

I am waiting for confirmation of the refund; I shall keep you informed.

Thank you.

[1ecustomer]

Hi Tressygirl,

keeping you, and those who assisted me, updated with the issue. The seller is in reciept of the goods; the refund process has been started and is in the state of "pending". The seller, still wants me to change my review; as advised, I have not responded to any messages since starting the Returns Process. Final update in a few days - hopefully.

[1ecustomer]

Hi jckl1957,
thank you for your advice. Everyone has been very helpful with this matter. I shall do as everyone has suggested and if need be, escalate the issue further.

Regards,

Sent from Proton Mail Android