PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description
AUS to USA transaction:
Have recently sold an item (Playstation2 game) that is region-locked to PAL and this was very clearly detailed in the title and description for the item.
The buyer is now claiming faulty product, as it does not function on their assumed alternate-region console.
I personally tested the product (disc/gameplay) prior to shipping the item, knowing it was in working condition.
I have sold multiple items of similar status without any issues or negative feedback prior to this.
With funds on hold and no immediate support from eBay as a seller, how would one handle this dilemma?
29 comments
countessalmirena
·2 years agoIn item specifics, I would suggest:
Format: PAL Region: 4
… and something like springyzone’s bit in the description.
Leaving no room for misinterpretation or assumption or error avoids problems in the first place.
springyzone
·2 years agoI have to admit I stole the description from an internet site as I don't know a lot about PAL although I do remember my brother talking about different systems or regions as he played these types of games.
To me, the important thing to have in the description is something that alerts a buyer to the fact there could be compatibility issues. They may not understand PAL or NTSC and a comment like that might leave them uncertain or turn them off buying, but someone who is more tech savvy will come along.
J re-sale may not agree as I think he has had the neg comment removed. I am pretty sure I read it yesterday but it is gone today.
All the same, in his shoes I would tweak my ads just that little bit.
springyzone
·2 years agoI know you feel PAL says it all & maybe, technically, you are correct.
But do you want to be right or do you want to avoid problems?
Never assume a high level of knowledge on the part of any buyers.
Spell things out.
You didn't have a lot in the description. Had you added something like this, you would have avoided a bit of potential confusion and trouble:
PAL Playstation means games that are made for PAL regions, which use a different analogue TV standard than North America.
PAL games may not run on NTSC systems and vice versa, due to region codes, so check it is suitable for you before you buy.
countessalmirena
·2 years agoOP,
Any time that a buyer must google for pertinent information that is not clearly and specifically included in the listing will result in a buyer who believes the item isn’t as described.
eBay are not likely (in my opinion) to take your assertion that PAL is Region 4; it’s not the case and the buyer had some reason to think that the DVD might be multi-zone. (Especially if you listed this as available internationally.) Mind you, I think the buyer should have checked with you beforehand… but it is amazing how many Americans don’t really think about disc zones or regions!
Instead of your expecting that buyers google for information you didn’t include, a better approach might be that you include the information in your listing. Try to idiot-proof your listing so that you minimise the chance of a buyer assuming something about your item. Use the item specifics to state Region 4, in addition to stating PAL format.
As it stands, eBay may allow the buyer to open a SNAD request… but it’s not certain.
j-re-sale
OP2 years agoJust politely reminding again for the unteenth time that I clearly stated that the item was PAL; I stated it twice in the item title and description; it is clearly stated on the listing AND seller info that the item was shipping from Australia.
If you don't recognize the term PAL but can't think critically enough to research it, then kudos to all the money lost acting that way.
The buyer is also now choosing to lie by claiming the item has still not arrived, which it has and I have proof of, which should speak measures of the buyer's character.
twyngwyn
·2 years agocontinue on with your correspondence with eBay.....buyer can re-sell....they made the error...good luck...let us know how it goes
sandypebbles
·2 years agoThe buyer obviously has more than one 'issue' if they are still pretending it has not arrived if they have sent you screenshots of the item not working
Maybe they are 'trying it on' on another seller besides yourself and are getting their cons mixed up
Either way, what a piece of work
domino-710
·2 years agoDo not name and shame - not good.
padi*0409
·2 years agoNot an opinion, it's in the community rules NOT to name and shame on the boards.
davewil1964
·2 years agoWhat you don't seem to realise is that most Americans think America is the center (deliberate) of the universe.
Even if they knew what PAL is, or where Australia is, it wouldn't even trigger a thought that the game wouldn't play on their American machine (manufactured in Japan).
For future adventures into selling items overseas, as the Countess said, you need to hammer home where the disc will play. And probably where it won't. Or don't list International, especially for items that are only usable in few countries.
An expensive lesson, probably.
j-re-sale
OP2 years agoI find it hard to believe someone buying a Playstation 2 game in the year 2024 can feign ignorance over basic technologies.
Tech-savvy enough to login and start searching products, but not savvy enough to do a little Googling or product comparisons? Doubtful!
I'd also like to highlight - again - that their attitude was already poor and accusatory when the item did not arrive on time (something completely out of my control).
American or not, PAL or not, an ignorant jerk is acting like an ignorant jerk.
davewil1964
·2 years agoTech-savvy enough to login and start searching products, but not savvy enough to do a little Googling or product comparisons? Doubtful!
Not doubtful - the way online buying works. Buying on a site is several levels below researching. They saw a bargain, they bought the bargain, it wasn't what they expected.
Limit your exposure to limit your losses.
Also why are you complaining to other members? We can't do anything. You would need to contact eBay, who will side with the buyer.
Refund and learn from the experience, as I said.
We all make mistakes. The trick is to learn from them and not repeat them.
sugar249
·2 years agoI think you said it yourself, they needed to google. So the failure was on your part in not including sufficient detail in your advertisement.
Not sure if the name calling is necesary, in particular as it is your error
brickworksmarket
·2 years agoNot surprising the game you have listed does not mention what region it is suitable for. Maybe use some of the advice given for your own benefit. Price seams high considering normal selling price is half of what your asking.
sugar249
·2 years agoAh there you go, not understanding the way the system works, I'll let you educate yourself,
My price my decision. Again you don't understand the process. But thats your problem not mine.
domino-710
·2 years agoCould that possibly be because it is only listed for Australia.
The only bit for me was the ' has being tested '.
gutterpunkz05
·2 years agoPAL is not a region, so your listing contains an error, any ebay dispute will most likely be found in the buyers favor.
As you have replied to the -FB, it is highly unlikely the FB will be reviewed or removed.
twyngwyn
·2 years agoAustralian DVDs are in PAL format and encoded for Region 4 unless stated otherwise. You may notice that some discs have multiple zones ensuring playability in other countries, providing your DVD player and television are both PAL compatible.
I had to Google ^^^^^ You did not state in your listing that it was Region 4.....is this what their 'beef' is?
j-re-sale
OP2 years agoPAL refers to Phase Alternating Line, an alternative to NTSC or SECAM encoding systems. PAL is practically simile to Region 4.
I stated twice in my listing (in title and description) that the item was PAL.
My seller info states I reside within Australia, whereas the buyer is from USA.
Again, the issue is not that I mislabelled or mislead, but the buyer making a hasty purchase without proper research or understanding of basic technology, and then shifting blame to me for their own blatant incompetence when shopping online.
You yourself Google'd it and came to an affirming answer, which is a fitting example of what the buyer simply needed to do before committing to the purchase.
twyngwyn
·2 years agoWell.....then it's 'buyer remorse'....they did not do due diligence.
Have they lodged a 'claim' or just messaged you?
j-re-sale
OP2 years ago"buyer's remorse" INDEED
They initially lodged a claim on 02 Feb of late delivery hoping it would arrive for a birthday (again, shipping from AUS to USA) and it arrived 2 weeks later (due 25th Jan, arrived 7th Feb).
Upon receiving the item, a PAL one at that, they could not get it to function on their console and are now claiming to me that it is an overall faulty product and asking for a refund which I declined for obvious reasons.
I tested the disc prior to shipping it myself.
They have since prolonged the initial claim of the item having not arrived - a blatant lie.
They have, in true hubris, sent me screenshots of the item in their possession (displaying how it "doesn't work" on their console), which I have screenshotted for evidence should they choose to continue their petty acts.
I have now also lodged my own complaint of the buyer, which is getting traction.