Faulty product

[jedi110_4]

How do i go about returning an item or getting a refund when an item i purchased no longer works after less than a month? And of course it outside the return window so how can this be done? I have advised the seller of the issue but they are doing nothing apart from responding with the exact same "automated reply' which is starting to get really annoying. Given under Australian consumer law i am entitled to a refund or replacement of a defective item why is this not an option on Ebay? Seems like Ebays stance is to screw the buyer and protect dodgy sellers. 

[jedi110_4]

I said the item worked for less than a month from when i installed it, however it failed outside the return window, so both statements are correct. I'm pretty sure i'm not the only person who doesn't start using or installing items they purchase straight away. 

So, exactly how do you spot dodgy sellers from legit ones then? And exactly what tools is a buyer supposed to use to inform their decision. This buyer has 98.4% positive feedback, majority of feedback comments are positive and i looked at most recent, 1 and 2 star reviews as well as the 4 and 5 star reviews taking note of specific comments regarding postage time frames, seller communication, issues with items etc. So, please enlighten me as to what i am obviously not doing to have brought this on myself. 

Fact is, item sold to me was defective, seller essentially ghosts me once they've been informed and there is no recourse options for buyers on EBay if this happens. Again, which part of this is my fault.

[jedi110_4]

G'day. Its refreshing to find one person that understands that not everyone uses or installs items they purchase immediately. Thanks for that. 

And yes, it most probably is a flag bearing AU seller registered in China, but then which ones aren't. Iits extremely difficult to find one that's not, especially with what can only be inflated positive feedback percentages etc.

Countess had good info that re-inforced what i already expected as my options, so that was definitely appreciated. Not holding my breath to be honest. Think i'll just have to right this one off as a bad experience. 

That said, like i replied to one of the others, there should be an option that allows buyers to report shonky sellers at any time. Additionally, i won't be leaving early reviews anymore.  

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to reply Casey, much appreciated.

[springyzone]

Jedi, I think it is important when you are buying from ebay to understand that the money back  guarantee is in no way a warranty.

And that it doesn't matter what an ebay ad may claim about a warranty, most of the time they are just not enforceable. They are not valid. That applies even to Australian sellers but is especially so if you buy from a seller who is overseas.

I personally think you have lost your money unless you have paypal or a charge back option. But even paypal, although it allows up to 180 days for a claim, is in no way a warranty system.

If something doesn't arrive or is faulty when it arrives, then you are covered by ebay or paypal, but if it develops problems later or if it is just bad quality, you are not covered.

Your best bet on ebay is to never buy anything that needs a warranty, not unless it is from an authorised seller. Never go near anything electronic on ebay, or electrical or a phone etc unless you are very sure of the seller. Ebay is just not ideal for some things and you may actually get soemthing that is downright dangerous, not up to Australian  specifications.

And yes, I think it is common for people to leave some purchases for a few weeks till they open them, maybe to install or because they are gifts or whatever. I've had that happen too but have learnt that if it is for me, I make myself have a look asap because even if you buy from a real store, you aren't necessarily covered for very long. I know a lot of stores where you have a month, max.

[springyzone]

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@jedi110_4 wrote:

And yes, it most probably is a flag bearing AU seller registered in China, but then which ones aren't. Iits extremely difficult to find one that's not, especially with what can only be inflated positive feedback percentages etc.

That said, like i replied to one of the others, there should be an option that allows buyers to report shonky sellers at any time. Additionally, i won't be leaving early reviews anymore.  

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This is by way of a PS

It takes a few extra clicks, but you can suss out where a seller is located (as opposed to where the item is supposedly located), if you look under the 'About' tab. It is always worth checking before you buy.

The feedback % in most cases are not necessarily inflated. I know that you probably think 98% is pretty high, most buyers would, but in actual fact, it can sometimes be a red flag-and would be to a lot of boardies here-if the feedback is below 99% for a big volume seller. It is always worth checking feedback out, anyway.

And remember, those who give feedback often do so fairly early on in the piece. You get 2 months. Yes, it is a good idea to leave it till later. I occasionally do reviews for a website where I test products & the one thing I don't like is we only get one month to submit it. Obviously a lot of things can break down after a month.

We see it here on the ebay boards regularly, where someone buys something and it breaks down a few weeks or months down the track, well outside the money back guarantee and well outside feedback.

That's why it is important to buy from a real shop or authorised seller if you need a warranty.

Ebay isn't interested in your personal reports about a seller. As long as a seller delivers the goods and the goods are not faulty on arrival, that is the extent of ebay's concern.

[etb321]

Didn't it occur to you that using the Australian flag to promote a business as odd?  You might in future read it as 'based in China'  Under Chinese law your entitled to nothing.