Dont want a automated answer, What can I reasonably request?

[desiness]

Hello, I received a monster high doll today from the U.S, reeking of cigarette. I have informed the seller and they said send it back for a refund, minus postage. I paid $38 to have it sent here and it will cost me $43 to send it back with tracking. Am I just in one of those situations where its just lose lose for me or is there anything I can do to???

Please offer any advice, I feel like its really unfair, with all the buyer and seller protection around it doesn't sound right for me to be at a loss with this damaged doll. 

My lounge room is stinking because of the box in here, I'm gonna have to take a walk in the rain to the garage I think. 

[digital*ghost]

In this particular circumstance, there's no way (that I'm aware of) you can force a full refund from the seller, as PayPal specifically state that buyer protection doesn't extend to items that smell of smoke (or rather, an item doesn't qualify as significantly not as described if it smells of smoke). 

If there's no way you can remedy the doll, perhaps you might be able to negotiate a partial refund from the seller and on-sell it? Although not the best solution for you, at least that way you won't be out postage both ways and may be able to recoup more of your money than by sending it back.

[***super_nova***]

Get some bi-carb soda and a plastic bag (bin liner) big enough to fit the box in and tie it air tight.  Put  about half the box of the bi-carb inside the bag, put the box with doll inside and tie; maybe use sticky tape so it is air tight, and leave for few days.  Bi-carb is very good absorbing cigarette smoke.  Check and if it is still smells, get rid of the bi-carb that was in and put some clean one inside and repeat.  You can also leave it somewhere with air circulating, the smell will eventually go.

[suitcase_of_memories]

I know it shouldn't be your responsibility, but aren't most dolls washable ? Can't she be cleaned ?

At least that way you still have the item you wanted & you don't lose anything, including return postage.

I guess anything secondhand/used has to have been exposed to numberous odours, from cooking to nicotine, & household sprays.

Unless it is easily washed there is no escaping this with vintage items.

It looks like ebay/paypal [one & the same] have taken that into consideration when setting their rules for refund.

Sadly you don't have a lot of recourse here.

[cuddles_01au]

the bi-carb will work as super-nova said i have done it for items and may take a few days but it works:-)

[foxette-in-sox]

Please ask all questions prior to bidding!

Can see that clearly in listing.Always ask relevant questions in other words.

Put in a large garbage bag & spray with some perfume that you own or Glen 20 then tie tightly.

I personally can't stand the stink of clothes that reek to high heaven of perfume-seems like no matter how much you wash,the smell remains.So everyone is different re what they can/will tolerate.

[foxette-in-sox]

I'm just curious as to why your heading for this thread states

Dont want a automated answer

Did you think these boards are manned by ebay staff or is there another reason why you wrote that?

[***super_nova***]

Please ask all questions prior to bidding!

Put in a large garbage bag & spray with some perfume that you own or Glen 20 then tie tightly.

The problem with asking about every purchase if it stinks by smoke is that heavy smoker seller has no idea.

Perfume or Glen 20 will to some point mask odours, but the bi-carb actually absorbs it, draws it out, even if it is not touching it.  Once the smell is neutralised as much as possible, such thing as perfume or drop of scented oil will hide the last trace.  Once I am done with the bi-carb I would put the item in a clean bag (or box = small enclosed space) with something smelling nice; depending on what the item is; I might place some tissues soaked in scented oil in small dish, or scatter talcum powder around the item.

But I would be also trying for partial refund, for all the hassle.

I guess PP & eBay do not have bad smell as a reason for refund because you cannot prove it, you cannot photograph it, and perception of "bad smell" is so different for different people.  On many occasions I have received an item absolutely reeking of scent, which obviously the seller thought to be nice. 

[foxette-in-sox]

The problem with asking about every purchase if it stinks by smoke is that heavy smoker seller has no idea.

LOL-just ask if smoke free household,simple 🙂

[Anonymous]

The problem with asking about every purchase if it stinks by smoke is that heavy smoker seller has no idea.

LOL-just ask if smoke free household,simple 🙂

remember the listing for item from "pet free household" with a photos of clothing thrown over bed and small dog  in the corner in one of the shots?  LOL