topic Re: Was I too harsh? in Buying

Was I too harsh?

noverau — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:12:53 GMT

So I won an auction today for a new PC for probably about 60% of RRP (approx $650). I paid, then noticed a message from the seller. They stated they couldn't sell it that cheap but would I pay $1199 instead and they'd give free postage ($45). I said no and they offered 3 years warranty. I said out of my budget so they offered me $1100 instead. I pointed out they were breaching ebay policies and I couldn't pay more. They cancelled the sale. I reported them to ebay and left negative feedback, starting with don't buy from this seller. The thing is, it was their first sold item ever. They questioned why I left them negative feedback (which was kind of obvious). Should I have just explained what they did wrong and how to fix it (I did say in the feedback that they shouldn't start bidding at a price they are unwilling to sell at)? So now I'm second guessing my feedback.

Re: Was I too harsh?

k1ooo-slr-sales — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:32:18 GMT

you probably did them a favour, to be honest.

First time seller selling a new computer would be a prime target for a scammer who would send a message about eBay Escrow holding funds til item sent and producing a faked payment receipt. They would end up with no computer and no money.

And, sellers giving warranties is just BS, especially a new seller offering 3 year warranty. Its laughable.

I reckon you dodged a bullet on this one.

Re: Was I too harsh?

k1ooo-slr-sales — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:47:39 GMT

I just looked at that seller's listings.

I really think you did dodge a bullet.

Member since 25th October 2024, 0 sales but 7 listings for the same computer, all with stock pics, has to be a scam.

eBay wouldn't let a new member/seller sell that many high priced items.

At least they now have a -1 feedback score.

Reminds me of 'Ricky', who was selling empty boxes and came here to these boards seeking help to ensure they wouldn't have to refund buyers.

Re: Was I too harsh?

springyzone — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:35:59 GMT

The answer from me is a resounding no, you were absolutely NOT too harsh.

From what K1ooo said, it sounds as if you dodged a bullet, but even supposing this was a genuine seller, there is no excuse for this behaviour.

Any seller with any brains would read the selling guidelines and the fee structure before they listed.

Sure, some new sellers get caught out and start auctions too low, but in that case I would expect them to just write and say 'I am so sorry, I made a big mistake listing at that price and have to cancel the auction.'

What I wouldn't expect is a demand for several hundred more dollars, privately, off ebay basically. Seriously, that is against ebay policy and no good for buyer protection either. I wouldn't touch it, even if he had 'lowered' the price even more.

As for the 3 years warranty, where was that supposed to be coming from?

This seller doesn't look to be running a steady business, he doesn't look to be some authorised seller, he can say whatever he wants, but it doesn't mean any warranty exists. If it did, why would it not have been mentioned in the original ad.

The guy is lying to you. He is also blatantly breaking ebay rules, he deserves every bit of your feedback.

If he is a scammer, it is a warning to others.

If he is geunuine, it's a wake up call to tell him to get his act together.

My advice to you though would be to have a look at these PCs in stores, there are Black Friday sales coming up. You may not nab one for $650 but then again, you'd be getting a genuine one with a genuine warranty.

Re: Was I too harsh?

sandypebbles — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:41:56 GMT

Not too harsh at all

I do think you need to report the listing and the seller though

Both scream scammer

Re: Was I too harsh?

noverau — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:43:55 GMT

Yep, did that straight away.

Re: Was I too harsh?

sandypebbles — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:49:00 GMT

Great to hear

Hopefully a real person will really look at it and act

I have reported some real doozy sellers/items and almost always get the response the listing was fine (looked at by an agent) one such listing was used undies they were supposedly 'fine'

Mind boggles

Re: Was I too harsh?

domino-710 — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:41:56 GMT

No - not too harsh.

Think you dodged a bullet - they sure have a heap of the same computer. 😀

NB - directed at the OP - not you Sandy.

Re: Was I too harsh?

padi*0409 — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:45:37 GMT

@domino-710 wrote:

Think you dodged a bullet - they sure have a heap of the same computer. 😀

No current listings now Dom, all ended today..................

Re: Was I too harsh?

sandypebbles — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:49:40 GMT

Hopefully eBay is in the process of pulling the plug on their asp

There were more computers than under 'completed' and a bunch of other carp when I hit the button this morning

Re: Was I too harsh?

sandypebbles — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:20:02 GMT

Wishful thinking on my part

They have since listed another computer

Re: Was I too harsh?

domino-710 — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:43:48 GMT

I can't see it. ??

Re: Was I too harsh?

twyngwyn — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:44:07 GMT

? Ended at 9.28 this morning

Re: Was I too harsh?

sandypebbles — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:47:33 GMT

There was a single listing there when I posted the comment, and still there now

But when clicked on, then it says

This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, 1 Nov at 9:28 AM because the item is no longer available.

But there was nothing at all prior to that,

First time I looked there was a load of carp

Second time, nothing at all

Then the random there/not there/ended if you click

Clearly not an even slightly clever scammer

Re: Was I too harsh?

domino-710 — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:00:49 GMT

That's what I saw.

Saying it ended Friday morning.

Re: Was I too harsh?

k1ooo-slr-sales — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:03:51 GMT

a scammer would not continue to use an account with -1 feedback score, just open another account.

Re: Was I too harsh?

twyngwyn — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:04:18 GMT

Registered as a Business Seller, too 🧐

Re: Was I too harsh?

twyngwyn — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:10:27 GMT

I wonder what Shoaltech thinks of this?

Re: Was I too harsh?

sandypebbles — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:15:44 GMT

That's what I mean, not even slightly clever

Re: Was I too harsh?

domino-710 — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 02:47:59 GMT

Just did a search using the title - seems it's still showing.