@mannguy-3816 wrote:
Two weeks ago, I won a bid on a laptop (chromebook to be specific). The seller listed the description as "cracked screen, but works fine". So I assumed that the screen is cracked as in small cracks like cracks you make when u drop your phone. After ordering, the item was shipped later than the estimate date and wasn't answering my messages so I noticed something must be wrong. I received the laptop today and soon to see that the display is not working as in the LCD is broken. Then I sent the seller message saying that the item is not working fine as described and few minutes later he replied, " actually does work fine. the screen is cracked like said in the listing. the keyboard and all the ports work fine. you'd just have to get the screen fixed. So it wasn't false advertisement I SPECIFICALLY said "Cracked Screen" but works fine meaning there is no water damage or internal problems besides the screen being cracked. You could use an hdmi cord nd plug it into another monitor".
First of all, he wasn' specific on "cracked screen". Cracked can mean anything from small cracks to major one that can affect the LCD. And a chromebook is traditionally used directly on a table for work and school not connecting to a monitor. He didn't give any details on description apart from "fine". He didnt say screen need to be fixed . I'm about to be college student who is too broke to afford proper laptop so I opted for chromebook instead. What should I do next!?
Is “cracked screen, but works fine” a direct quote from the listing? I ask as “but works fine” refers to the screen. Therefore, you should immediately open a case in the resolution center for a return of the item for a full refund (including original shipping) as this item is not as described if the screen does not work. Do not let your 30-days since receipt of the item pass without filing the case as the eBay Money-Back Guarantee, https://pages.ebay.com/ebay-money-back-guarantee/, has a time limit.
“cracked screen, but works fine” states that the screen “works fine” but has a crack. In addiiton, “cracked screen, but works fine” states that the computer as a whole works fine — this means, again, that the screen works fine as a computer cannot “work fine” and serve its purpose without a functional screen. However, if the seller had STATED in the description that the screen does not work and that either you must use an external monitor or replace the screen in order to use the computer then the item IS as described.
Assuming that it is not stated in the description that the screen does not work, when you file the case, quote the listing as “cracked screen, but works fine” states very clearly that the screen “works fine”. Use quotes from the seller’s description in your case. If the seller did not state that the screen does not work then point that out in your statement. Be respectful and do not be confrontational. State the facts from the listing. Include pictures: if the seller did not include pictures of the screen then state that and include pictures of the screen, pointing out that the extent of the crack was not pictured or described. Be clear that based on the statement “cracked screen, but works fine”, especially if the seller did not STATE that (i) the screen did not work and (ii) the laptop could only be used with an external monitor, that you had no reason to believe that the screen did not work. (Some repetition can be helpful for emphasis.)
In the future, you MUST ask questions. Keep in mind that the seller wants your money. Many sellers do not provide clear, full details about the items that they sell. You must ask questions about the condition of items, including ALL aspects of electronics. For example, when buying any laptop/chromebook, you must ask questions about the functionality of all aspects of the laptop including but not limited to operating system, the presence of or lack of software, function of screen, presence of and amount of RAM, function of battery, presence/condition of and functionality of the power cord, function of internal speakers, function of internal microphone, function of keyboard, presence of and function of USB ports, presence of and function of RJ45 port, functionality of wifi connectivity, etc. as well as the condition of the body of the computer: confirm information in the listing and obtain information about the workings of the computer — assume nothing and keep all communication with the seller in case you need it as evidence in an item-not-as-described case.
If a seller fails to reply to your questions then do not buy the item. If a seller blocks you for asking questions then be happy as you will not be cheated by this seller. Good sellers and the best sellers are always willing to answer questions about their items as they have nothing to hide and they want their buyers to be happy with the items that they purchase. Good sellers and the best sellers want smooth transactions with fully-informed buyers.
Be proactive: carefully read item descriptions, ask questions, and read all the seller’s feedback. This is the best way in which to purchase good items and have smooth transactions.
