What would you guys do?

[Boo'sMom]

I have been selling on e-bay to earn some extra money for our Disney trip....which is creeping up faster than the profits...lol
Anyways...last week I sold a video camera that I advertised as follows:

You are bidding on a Sony Handycam8, this is a 8 mm camcorder that records onto 8mm tape (a new unopened tape is included. The camera powers up, and runs, but you cannot get the tape out...it may be as simple as a new latch on the tape door, I really don't know...item is being sold as-is for this reason. We used this camera only once on a family trip to Disney. It's a nice lightweight size that won't weigh you down. Also included in this auction is the carry case for the camera, a new 8mm tape, filter accessories, duracell battery, battery charger.

To my surprise, the camera sold for over $100. Well, the buyer e-mailed me this morning and said that the camera does not work....DUH.....It does power up, like I said, and flashes a "videotape" meaning the camera needs to be serviced. He wants his money back, as he doesn't have access to a service facility near him.

Here's my dilema.....I did sell this AS IS, fully expecting that whomver bought it would have to get it repaired. I thought my description was clear on that account. Should I refund this guy anything, or do you think I'm being taken advantage of?

Thanks.

Stephanie

 

[Muppet]

To be blunt I say tough to him. He read the ad and therefore took the risk. You didn't hide anything so its his problem.

 

[SilverLily]

In your description, it sounds like you can videotape with it, but you cannot get the tape out.

You said that the buyer said it doesn't work. So.....if it isn't able to record, then I would say you owe him his money back because your description makes it sound like it will record.

If it will record, and the tape it just stuck in it, then I would say your description was fair and you don't owe him any money.

 

[Tina]

Honestly, in reading your ad, I assumed the camera would work with the exception of removing the tape. I understood this to mean you would have to use the same tape over and over, but that the camera would actually work.

 

[ratsrule]

WAIT THAT WAS YOU THAT I BOUGHT IT FROM?

 

[JasonLyons]

give him his money back

 

[Wagamama]

He knew it needed to be repaired before he bought it. Do NOT give him his money back.

 

[doxdogy]

You did state in your auction that the item was being sold as is and the bidder should have realized that there was a possibility the item was defective. If you are willing to risk possible negative feedback, I wouldn't refund his money. I use that statement "as is" in all my auctions. If you do refund his money and relist the item, I would broaden the description and add that you are not sure if the camera will record. Sometimes it is best just to refund the money and relist the item.

 

[jfulcer]

You didn't imply the camera recorded, nor did you imply that it didn't record. You said the tape was stuck in it, which is enough in my mind to make me think 'uh, maybe it's completely broke'. What did he expect to do, keep recording over one tape and watching it in the viewfinder???

If you feel guilty about it, offer to pay for UPS ground shipping to a repair shop. That shouldn't cost you more than $10 (unless he's out of town) and resolves the problem. You can call UPS and have them go to his house to pick it up and everything. He still will have to pay to get it repaired...

I still say you sold it "AS IS" and he shouldn't get anything.

 

[d.kurz]

I would NOT refund a dime. "As is" IS A WARNING.

Good luck with the rest of your e-baying!

 

[Micca]

Technically you do not owe him anything. If you wish to maintain a good record with buyers on E-bay with an eye toward selling more items in the future, perhaps you should consider a refund or some kind of compromise.