Item not as described

[sopran_29]

I could not contact anyone from eBay, so I will post here instead.

I purchased an expensive camera that was used. After using the camera for a couple days, everything looked fine initially. However, I went pixel peeping on a few of the pictures I took and noticed several pink artifacts (I counted over 30) in every image in the same locations. After attaching images of the artifacts, I tried to work it out with the seller, but eventually he stopped responding. Long story short, I was sold a camera that needs to be sent in for professional cleaning to remove the artifacts from the sensor (not cheap).

This is where I opened a return request. The seller responded saying that he did not think there were 20 artifacts. I attached more images of where the artifacts were concentrated on the sensor, but I did not get a response from the seller. About 5 days later with no response, I asked eBay to step in. Another 5 days pass and eBay rules in my favor, and I was granted a refund. However, I did not receive a shipping label to send the item back. What do I do now?

[titipeo · Accepted solution]

The sellers lack of action resulted in eBay ruling in your favor and not providing the label. If seller acted properly, a label would have been generated for you to return the camera. In other words, the seller lost the sale as well as the item. 

Here are your choices, 

1) Send camera back to seller at your expenses

2) Repair camera at your expenses and then keep or sell

3) Sell camera "as is"

4) Keep camera

5) Dispose of camera as you feel. 

[azaz_8302]

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@sopran_29 wrote:

1. This is where I opened a return request. The seller responded saying that he did not think there were 20 artifacts. I attached more images of where the artifacts were concentrated on the sensor, but I did not get a response from the seller.

2. About 5 days later with no response, I asked eBay to step in.

3. Another 5 days pass and eBay rules in my favor, and I was granted a refund. However, I did not receive a shipping label to send the item back. What do I do now?

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When you've already got a refund @sopran_29 you're being told you won't get a return label and you won't have to return the item. 

eBay put the case on hold at step 2 to give the seller the option to either refund no return needed, or pay for return shipping. When the seller did neither, eBay forced a refund no return needed at step 3.

[kathiec]

There is one other option not yet mentioned. You can contact the seller and tell them that if they want the camera returned they need to send you a return shipping label. If they don't, you can sell, use, donate, or trash the camera as you see fit.

[tex-421]

I bought a new Nikon d800 several years ago, and after about a week of use I started noticing artifacts, I took it back to the camera shop and cleaned it for me, but what I learned is these artifacts are a way of life, they are nearly impossible to avoid.  I clean my sensor myself when it gets really bad (kits are cheap), and it’s essential to have a digital touch up tool with your photo editor.  

why don’t you post a pic so we can see the images you are talking about to see if it’s really a matter for you to be justified in returning the camera, or if it’s just something that goes with buying a used DSLR.

[tex-421]

When you sold the camera, you effectively decided to keep it .  You don't qualify for a refund.  

Its like going to BestBuy and getting a TV, deciding you don't like it, then selling it and then going back to BestBuy and demanding a refund.  

[tex-421]

Ignore my comment, I misread what you said, I thought you had already sold the camera.

[sopran_29]

I tried using wet cleaning swabs to remove the artifacts, but they did not work. I did some digging and read that these artifacts were the result of contaminants between the sensor and its protective filter. How they got there, I do not know. To remove the artifacts, the camera sensor would need to be disassembled and professionally cleaned.

I've attached an image of 1 of the 4 areas where the artifacts are located on the sensor.
Pink artifacts

[d-k_treasures]

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@sopran_29 wrote:

I tried using wet cleaning swabs to remove the artifacts, but they did not work. I did some digging and read that these artifacts were the result of contaminants between the sensor and its protective filter. How they got there, I do not know. To remove the artifacts, the camera sensor would need to be disassembled and professionally cleaned.

I've attached an image of 1 of the 4 areas where the artifacts are located on the sensor.
Pink artifacts

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Looks more like an Art Deco poster of War of the Worlds.

[tex-421]

Yeah, I agree that is completely unacceptable.  The seller should have disclosed those sort of defects.  

[tex-421]

Here some artifacts from a shot I took with my d800.  These are nearly impossible to get rid of on a sensor, it’s just easier to photoshop them. You can see them in the sky above the cabin roof.  Little dark spots.

[aeparts1]

Without the red circles, I would have thought those were invaders from Mars in the picture.

I would be inclined to return the camera to the seller, even if they didn't send you a label.

I've never heard of artifacts, I learn something new every day. Very interesting.

[patriot_bearing_supply]

The way eBay works, is as a seller you do not respond, the buyer just gets refunded. At that point, it's done. No need to return the item. We have the option of sending a return label, and then refunding when it gets back. For small items I just refund as paying shipping twice can exceed the value. For larger items I send a return label. 

[kmaacp]

i just purchased a 340.00 item that was not as described and ebay would not let contact buyer query work , this was followed by an error code then after trying 4 server's  we kept getting , unsecure website doesn't allow http error on all 4 , we have had severe technical problems and have done hundreds of hours of investigation as to the issue in the last year that seem to be getting worse and worse , help and contact don't respond and after ebay turning off captcha several time it just keeps on being a problem , we've done all the steps they request hundreds of times and i think they just try to get you off the phone by saying maybe its this or maybe its that when you tried that so many times that you just question their experience we have 2 accounts and have been on ebay for almost 23 years and have never had one negative feedback ever , we are depressed 

[kmaacp]

your assuming the website is working correctly , which it definitely is not  ,  the pages change every week , we are on the phone with ebay at least 5-15 hours a week for the last year , you cant count on anything consistently performing as it should , and the reps have no idea saying it might be this or maybe that , we dont call looking for maybes we need help , after 23 years and 2 accounts we study and try to perfect everything we do , and ebay is going in the opposite direction