can I try to remove marks from clothing before opening a dispute?

[needlessjunk]

Hi, after a bad experience buying clothing off ebay I decided to try again......

purchased a couple of pre loved items they arrive and both have marks on the front.

one I don't think the marks will come out the other item may come clean.

the marks stand out, they are right there on the front of the items, can't miss them really.

only fault on one item is the mark on the front the other item has marks on the front a cigarette burn on the hem at the back (could cut a bit off the hem and re-hem) and 2 large holes on the inside of each side where I'm guessing breast pads were cut out (not sure if I can do anything to fix that)

question is can I give the items a wash, try to remove the stains now or should I open a dispute before doing anything?

I have messaged the seller haven't heard anything back yet but did only message them today so will give them a chance to reply first.

they are preloved items, the listings didn't mention the stains or the other faults but I also didn't ask if the items had any stains, burns or cuts, can I still open a dispute or is it just bad luck and part of buying preloved clothing?

if I can get the stains out then I can wear one item and try to fix the other problems on the 2nd item but if the stains don't come out they are wearable if you don't mind the stained look.

thank you for your help

[amber-eyed-girl]

look at the rules, Cats, they're there to protect you as a seller too...night Cats

[thecatspjs]

Amber i know what the rules are regarding clothing, I can read the policy is very clear.

I think you are going to have some very interesting times ahead of you on the boards lol.

Good luck with that.

[amber-eyed-girl]

I understand your keen interest in this thread now, which had been answered by two posters.

You sell clothes. You clean them. But some still have stains. You list them. Naturally the title will have drawn your attention.

It is the expectation of the buyer which needs to be met. The original poster did not expect what she received. She is right to ask what she can do about it.

This is the point.

If the forums are to be a playground, this will deter members from seeking advice or help here.

Good luck OP.

[thecatspjs]

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@amber-eyed-girl wrote:
I understand your keen interest in this thread now, which had been answered by two posters.

You sell clothes. You clean them. But some still have stains. You list them. Naturally the title will have drawn your attention.

It is the expectation of the buyer which needs to be met. The original poster did not expect what she received. She is right to ask what she can do about it.

This is the point.

If the forums are to be a playground, this will deter members from seeking advice or help here.

Good luck OP.

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Amber this is a discussion forum - not the question and answer centre.

I am interested in a wide range aspects of trading and will continue to participate on the boards and post without fear or favour nor sticking to narrow rules defined by a new posting identity.

[*crikey*mate*]

define new

[thecatspjs]

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@amber-eyed-girl wrote:
you can't sell stained clothing, that's the deal 🙂

they might make an exception for celebrity jerseys or something...other than that...nup

I have an iPad, that can be tricky too 🙂

well, goodnight Cats 🙂

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So other ebayers reading this thread are not misled by the advice provided regarding the sale of preused clothing, I sought written confirmation from eBay regarding the sale of preloved clothing and stains.

The email I received is from the Trust and Safety area who handle such matters.

I hope the information and clarification puts anyone who was concerned about the misinformation regarding this matters, particularly clothing sellers with goods listed that might have stains, and if in any doubt would urge others to confirm same with eBay:

Thank you for emailing us about listing an item.

Used clothing (except underwear) may be listed on eBay as long as the clothing has been thoroughly cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Items that may violate the Adult Material policies, but are listed innocently (non-sexual) will be removed so the seller can be educated. Therefore, listing stained items are fine to list for as long as it is clearly stated in the listing and it has been cleaned thoroughly.

I hope this information helps you.

Thanks for choosing eBay.

[amber-eyed-girl]

Cats, cleaned thoroughly is a definition that a buyer may well disagree with, and could have good cause to do so.

This leaves you wide open to disputes on the nature of "clean", and items being not as described.

An item of clothing with stains to be thoroughly clean (a requirement for listing), is of course a contradiction in terms.

A garnet cannot be thoroughly clean with a stain.

Also, any oily stains, bodily stains, bloodstains, can harbour infectious agents such as bacteria and fungi unless cleaned appropriately.

Hence the need for confidence, to have garments drycleaned prior to sale, which as I have said is a legal requirement for second hand clothing in some areas.

If you sell stained clothing, you are falling into a grey area with eBay, as in theory, you can, if an employee tells you you can.

As I said, I was told you can't. This will be defined by comprehension of the term "clean".

But you CANNOT guarantee that the stains, depending on their nature, have been "thoroughly cleaned".

I am not discussing semantics here, so much as hygiene and health.

[amber-eyed-girl]

I would be far more comfortable with used clothing, stained or not, being drycleaned by the seller prior to sale, as a matter of course, and for this to be stated in the listing.

Cats, as I said before I am happy that you were able to sell your goods.

I am sure that you would have cleaned them.

Other sellers I have dealt with have not.

I asked customer service today to clarify the policy for me, using the same examples as before. Makeup.

I was told that they didn't know, I could maybe, it would depend on "thoroughly clean"; but it would depend on the buyer's expectation in the end whether they could complain.

I was told if in doubt not to.

[thecatspjs]

I think you need to take this matter up with eBay Trust and Safety.

IMO your posts are now moving into an area that seeks to diminish sellers and buyers of preloved clothing without stains or with stains described.

[amber-eyed-girl]

No, that isn't true. I don't have a position against second hand clothing, on or off eBay.

I have sold second hand dresses.

I have bought second hand clothing. Some has been great, and clean, and I've loved them.

I know that there are sellers who clean their clothing thoroughly.

I am stating the possible risks if sellers are not listing clean clothes before sale, if a buyer isn't happy, even if everything is pointed out, or if the stains are as above. I guess you could call them body stains, as opposed to grass, teas or the like.

As a seller, if I was interested, I would want to know that there's a good reason why clothes need to be truly clean with some types of stains.

I have a medical background, so I know that there can be risks, and the cleaning required, that's all.

So I am more comfortable with drycleaning, if I'm not sure I do that myself. We've talked about how that isn't much.

I'd also be happy paying a bit extra for an item where that's been done...but Cats, that's just me, based on how I feel.

New clothing can need a clean too sometimes, you know.

It's been very interesting to talk with you.