Need help with Ebay/paypal dispute please!

[mamilovesdisney]

I purchased a DS lite on ebay for my son's birthday. The unit was described as "used" with scratches and scuffs from use. I bid on it at the very last minute and won or so I thought. The picture of the interior of the ds was lighted out because of the camera flash so its true condition was not noticeable. I knew the outside has scuff and marks but that was not a big deal because I bought a silicone cover to go over it. This is my story.

I paid for the item and emailed the seller to inquire about the specific condition of the screens. I paid for the item because I did not want the seller to think I was not going to follow through on my purchase commitment. The seller simply replied that it was used. Screens had signs of use. I said ok.

I received the unit yesterday and the cosmetic condition of the unit is not normal wear and tear. It looks like that unit was dropped from a moving car. It has gauges on the back. There is close to no part of the unit that is not scratched in some form or another. The top screen is ok but the bottom is completely scratched. My co-worker told me to charge it, maybe the scratches not noticeable when in use. Yeah right. To top it off, the unit was filthy with sticky gunk on it. Seriously, I am not exaggerating.

I emailed the seller and explained that her description did not match the actual condition of the unit and the damage was more than just wear and tear of a used item. She simply replied, its used I sell like that and hope you understand. I really got upset then. Not even a sorry. Where is common courtesy people?

So, I filed a dispute with ebay and paypal. Am I being unreasonable? Please be honest because I don't want to be unfair. Its my son's birthday on Saturday and now no present. If the unit had been accurately described, it would not have gotten the high bids that it got. I paid 71 for the unit.

 

[pyrxtc]

I would file a dispute. Scratches and scuffs used are way different then gouged and destroyed. File and prepare for it to be sent back.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

Yeah, I'd file a dispute too. There's a big difference between scuffs/normal use and gouges/abuse. And sticky gunk all over it? WTH? At least have the curtesy and decency to clean the darned thing when you sell something.

Are there any Game Stop or Game Crazy or the like stores around you? They sell used game hardware so you could at the very least see the condition of the unit and probably even try it out with a game before you buy it.

Regarding the DS lite - my son got one brand new at the end of August (he saved up all summer for it) and it went kaput in September. Just died. Turned it on and nothing but a black screen. We returned it and the store replaced it but the girls at the service desk said theirs die like every 10 months or so.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I would take some pictures of the worst of the damage just to cover yourself and ask the seller for a refund, offer to return it. When you make a complaint to a seller it's a good idea to suggest what you would like done about your complaint. If they say no, then definitely file a dispute.

And FWIW, my 5 kids all have a dslite. The oldest 3 have had theirs since Christmas of 2008 and no problems at all and they take a beating. My 8yo's got knocked off of the top of our entertainment center and broke, but that was about 8 months ago so his lasted pretty long as well. My 5yo just got his for Christmas this year, but so far no problems.

Nintendo has a 1 year warranty on them, if it dies contact them.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

I would take some pictures of the worst of the damage just to cover yourself and ask the seller for a refund, offer to return it. When you make a complaint to a seller it's a good idea to suggest what you would like done about your complaint. If they say no, then definitely file a dispute.

And FWIW, my 5 kids all have a dslite. The oldest 3 have had theirs since Christmas of 2008 and no problems at all and they take a beating. My 8yo's got knocked off of the top of our entertainment center and broke, but that was about 8 months ago so his lasted pretty long as well. My 5yo just got his for Christmas this year, but so far no problems.

Nintendo has a 1 year warranty on them, if it dies contact them.

I'm glad to hear that they're not all like my son's! He just must be having bad luck with the DS because he had his SP for a looooong time.

 

[libinatorsmom]

Sounds like it is def something I would dispute - used is one thing but sounds like it is UNUSABLE!!! you should win!

 

[mamilovesdisney]

Thank you for your replies! I did file the dispute and requested a full refund and I would pay for the shipping to return the item. I don't see any where to add information so I could add pictures of the damage. I will take them and keep them on hand in case I get a call from ebay or something. I was also thinking of printing out a few ds lite auctions that do have the varying levels of damage so you can make an informed purchase.

I just wanted to make sure that I was being reasonable. I sell on ebay too and I am so cautious of keeping folks happy. I have to say though that the gunky dirty stuff on the unit just really took the cake. never would I dream of doing that to one of my buyers.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[dr_zero]

If the case is the only thing really wrong with the unit how about a new case?

Deal extreme sells replacement cases pretty cheap
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.604~search.housing

Also dont forget to get the screw driver set for the special screws http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2905

 

[mamilovesdisney]

If the case is the only thing really wrong with the unit how about a new case?

Deal extreme sells replacement cases pretty cheap
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.604~search.housing

Also dont forget to get the screw driver set for the special screws http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2905

Holy Cow,

I did not even know that this was an option. OMG, thank you. I am already convincing myself that it is not that big of a deal. You win some and you loose some attitude. This could be a real good solution in case dispute does not go my way.

Thank you very much!

 

[dr_zero]

Holy Cow,

I did not even know that this was an option. OMG, thank you. I am already convincing myself that it is not that big of a deal. You win some and you loose some attitude. This could be a real good solution in case dispute does not go my way.

Thank you very much!

HTH!

You can get cases for the PS2 the Wii the Xbox etc and take a older machine that might have been over loved or abused and rehab it with a good cleaning and a new case.

Now if I could just get me a new chassis