Picture of item does not match written description

[arcaxis]

Bought an item and while the item matches the written description, it does not match the picture of the item which is a different model and will not function the same. The item in the picture is what I believed I was buying and there was nothing in the description to indicate otherwise. I rather feel this was a bait and switch sort of sale on the sellers part. If the picture doesn't match the actual item purchased is there any recourse for return if the written description  is what I recieved?

[castlemagicmemories]

Sorry, OP, but the time to have noticed the discrepancy was before you decided to purchase.  Then you could have messaged the seller to ask your questions.  That is part of the normal buyer's due diligence that you are expected to do.

It is possible the seller used the Ebay catalog pictures; sometimes there are issues with that.

It is hard to reconcile the conflicting statements, the item matches the description, and there is nothing in the description to indicate otherwise, and you seem to be aware of that because of your question, if the picture doesn't match the item, but the written description is what you received.

How can the item not function the same, yet the description is correct.

[flyerfandan999]

The forum does not permit you to name the seller or post an item number, but a copy-paste of the full item title might help us get a look at the original listing, which we would need to see to offer any real advice.

[7606dennis]

Actually, I doubt if it was a bait and switch scam.  Most likely it is an issue with eBay's catalog scheme as I believe another poster has mentioned.  You will probably have to file a SNAD dispute and return the item if the seller doesn't take returns.

If, as you say, the written description matches the item but the item photographs do not I would have questioned the seller before purchasing. 

[mudshark61369]

@arcaxis,

"Bought an item and while the item matches the written description... the picture of the item which is a different model and will not function the same. The item in the picture is what I believed I was buying and there was nothing in the description to indicate otherwise... ".

The above statements have me thinking that you did not read the description, until you received the item.  Had you done so, you should have picked up on the discrepancy or lack of mention about the "function", in the description.

  I take it the Mfr. made different versions or models of the item that outwardly look the same, may have the same name, but different packaging?  Do the different versions have the same Manufacturer Part Number as well? Was a part number given in the item specifics?

[terrycanarsky]

You state that the description said one thing (what you wanted/needed) but the photo showed something else.

Before you made the purchase, did you contact the seller to inquire?  We have nearly 9000 items on eBay, and while it is extremely rare, every now and then we upload the wrong photo.  A simple inquiry would have alerted the seller there was a problem.  Then he/she could have fixed the listing, and you wouldn't need to be posting here.

Otherwise, technically this IS as described, but for eBay purposes it may be a NAD case.  If you can't use it, I'd request a return.

~M

[speed_racer]

Unfortunately, a lot of sellers won't fix their listings even when told they're wrong. Look up "6FT usb extension cable" listings. You'll see that a ton of them say 6ft and 0.6m in the same title. Since when is 0.6m 6 feet?

[robot-hands]

Why are you giving money to people for things you don't even want or are not sure what they are?

[terrycanarsky]

Those are Chinese sellers - who are seemingly favored sellers.

We hold ourselves to a higher standard.

~M

[kaelykat]

If you feel that the item was not as described, simply go to the Resolution Center and pick, "I received an item that does not match the seller's description". Follow the instructions to return it and get your money back. And yes, pictures count as part of the description.

However, in the future,  ALWAYS thorougly read descriptions and ask the seller if you have questions BEFORE bidding/buying.

Hope this helps

[nowthatsjustducky]

If the picture and description do not match, it is a good thing to contact the seller and alert them to the discrepancy.  It is actually a pretty easy mistake to make, and many of us do appreciate it when a buyer alerts us to such an embarassing oops.

Since it is uncommon for sellers to create new listings from scratch, and instead copy one of our own listings to serve as a template for the new listing, forgetting to change the pictures happens some times, and we may not catch the error until someone points it out, especially during times when one is experiencing heavy distractions while working.