topic Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description in Selling

PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

j-re-sale — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:43:08 GMT

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?

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

twyngwyn — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:46:14 GMT

Australian 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?

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

j-re-sale — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:56:18 GMT

PAL 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

twyngwyn — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:00:58 GMT

Well.....then it's 'buyer remorse'....they did not do due diligence.

Have they lodged a 'claim' or just messaged you?

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

j-re-sale — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:11:40 GMT

"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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

countessalmirena — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:14:30 GMT

OP,

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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

j-re-sale — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:24:05 GMT

Just 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

twyngwyn — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:28:03 GMT

continue on with your correspondence with eBay.....buyer can re-sell....they made the error...good luck...let us know how it goes

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

sandypebbles — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:31:31 GMT

The 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

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

domino-710 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:36:06 GMT

Do not name and shame - not good.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

davewil1964 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:46:27 GMT

What 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

padi*0409 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:25:19 GMT

@j-re-sale wrote:

thanks for the boring opinion, mate

Not an opinion, it's in the community rules NOT to name and shame on the boards.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

j-re-sale — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:27:23 GMT

I 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

gutterpunkz05 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:25:26 GMT

PAL 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

davewil1964 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 09:52:07 GMT

Tech-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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

sugar249 — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:18:04 GMT

@j-re-sale wrote:
I 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.

I 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

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

springyzone — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 22:41:32 GMT

I 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

countessalmirena — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:52:11 GMT

In 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

brickworksmarket — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 02:12:27 GMT

Not 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.

Re: PAL region item: Buyer ignoring description

sugar249 — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 02:37:03 GMT

@brickworksmarket wrote:
Not 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.

Ah 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.