eBay return - help

[Ziggy]

tl:dr version: Is it the seller's responsibility to properly package items for shipping, or am I at a loss if it got banged up in the mail?

So to make a long story short, I bought a CD deck (car stereo) off eBay from a newbie seller. The seller has 100% positive feedback, 18 counts, all from being a buyer. The description was simply "Item taken out of 4runner to upgrade. In good working order. No reserve sold as-is." But the seller accepts returns. The seller only says, "The buyer has 7 days to return the item (the buyer pays shipping fees). The item will be refunded" about returns, no other info or criteria for an accepted return.

So it came in today and it doesn't work right. I believe that it was damaged during shipping. It was packed in a medium flat rate Priority Mail box with only plastic shopping bags. One of the metal hinges that holds the faceplate on was bent (I had to bend it back into shape) and the faceplate buttons don't always do what they're suppose (pressing a button may have another button's effect). So even though the exterior of the shipping box wasn't damaged, I think it got banged up inside due to a lack of proper packaging. I think the hinge was bent from the unit sliding back and forth in the box, and I think the weight of the it stressed the faceplate and that's why the buttons don't work right.

I'm gonna email the seller and ask for a return. What my question is here, is the seller responsible for packing the items properly? Or is that my loss? And let's say the seller says OK for a refund, ship it back and he'll refund the money. Should I trust him, or should I still go through eBay for a safeguard?

[Stark]

I don't think eBay's policy says anything about proper shipping. Personally I would go through eBay for the return of the item, that way, if the seller tries to run off with your money, you have a recourse.

[Ziggy]

Personally I would go through eBay for the return of the item, that way, if the seller tries to run off with your money, you have a recourse.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.

[Inazuma]

If the seller did a shitty job of packaging the item, and it got damaged because of it, then it is absolutely his fault and he should give you a full refund, and also refund you the return shipping cost.

It's called taking responsibility. If Ebay's rules agree with this or not, I don't know for sure. But if this seller is a good person, he will do it.

You don't need to go through Ebay to handle this. But make sure that all of the communication between you and the seller are within Ebay's own messaging system. Also, make sure you get a tracking number or proof of delivery when you return the item. If the seller tries to lie about stuff later, You will have messages and tracking numbers to back you up.

[Flake]

Any seller that takes money to ship something should be obligated to spend every red penny of that money on safe, fast, reliable shipping. Be it on Ebay or here. Any seller that takes that money and doesn't do exactly that is a fricking dirt bag and shouldn't be dealt with.

I hope the case goes your way. Make sure you keep all communications through ebay and all forms of payment through paypal. That's your best insurance policy.

[squid]

eBay loves buyers, and, fortunately, you're the buyer. If the item arrived in a condition other than advertised, the seller is absolutely responsible. You don't need to go through eBay's resolution center to return the item, but, as Inazuma said, keep track of everything. I'm sure the buyer will accept the return--especially if they have a seven day policy--but you may have trouble getting them to pay for the return shipping cost. This is one of the risks using eBay.

If the seller gives you a hard time or does not want to offer a full refund (cost of item, original shipping), open a case immediately. Let the seller know that you feel more comfortable with eBay's resolution center, and that will end any hassle or argument. You will get your refund either way.

Best of luck! Keep us updated.