Seller said I can return (after 30 days) but now is radio silent on how.

[jftaylor42ww]

When I purchased an oven controller  (that was obviously in bad physical condition), I requested flexibility on the return since the oven is in a cabin that I don't visit much in the winter. 

The part arrived quickly and the only feedback from my request during purchase was an A++++++ rating as buyer feedback.  No statement that the 30 day return period was hard and fast.  After more than 30  days, and replacing a few other oven parts on trips to the cabin, I was convinced that the controller was not working , even though the description said it was "is fully operational and functions as intended".  The controller was throwing diagnostic  error codes immediately after installation.

The response from the seller was "Initiate a return and we'll send a shipping label".  Sounds great, so far.   After responding that the return option was no longer available to me, I have heard nothing.   I've been round and round with the eBay chatbot help.  It looks like there is a seller option to extend the return period. I have sent several requests via eBay messages and also more recently through direct "contact us" on their website, and still no response.   I can no longer send messages via eBay to this seller (90 days have passed).   

I have subsequently ordered a different controller via eBay (for 3x the price) that works well- and is guaranteed for life.

Today, I tried to order a different part, and get the "oops" message that indicates I have been blocked by the seller.   This seems unfair.

I did not leave feedback on the seller at the time of purchase (pending a fair test of the product), but would like to now.  More to the point, I would like the $40 refund for a part that was defective when shipped.

Looking at the negative reviews for the seller, I see many other buyers with similar experience.   I really like the recycle effort, but not when the item doesn't match the "fully tested" description.  What can be done to get a resolution to this?

[soh.maryl]

That 30 day deadline is established by eBay and is firm.

Your options now are either to open a return case with Paypal, if that's how you paid (180 days) or do a chargeback on your credit card (time limit varies, but usually longer than 30 days).

eBay's time limit for FB is 60 days.

So may I respectfully suggest that a seller's FB can be useful only if you read it BEFORE purchasing? 

[tinsoldierunderground]

It's as soh.maryl states...unfortunately, after 30 days ebay is out of the equation.   Years back, my Mother had a Maytag range with a controller similar to that and it was a nightmare from the get go.  Couldn't get it to hold a steady temperature 95% of the time, No source for a new one - I routinely soldered the board in the **bleep** thing when the holidays came around, which extended it's life, but it was real PITA. 

[12345jamesstamps · Accepted solution]

Refunds and returns are for 30 days no matter what the seller might say. There is no warranty of an item for life.

We don't know what was actually said between seller and buyer...and sometimes a seller will block a buyer if they feel there might be drama in a future sale. 

You are only allowed a certain amount of time after a sale to leave feedback...after that time period it expires to leave feedback to the seller.

[jftaylor42ww]

All three answers confirm what I expected from an eBay perspective.  In a case like this, providing seller feedback before knowing that the used part actually works seemed pointless.  And, yes I agree that reading the seller feedback before purchase is the recommended sequence. 

The only drama in this case has been the total lack of communication and therefore my repeated attempts to establish a dialog to resolve this on a "human to human" basis.  I will never buy anything from this company again, so the blocking  was just the frosting on the cake. 

Since the above posting, I reached out once more.  Maybe my stating that I was one-click away from filing a complaint with BBB helped get a confirmation that they would refund my purchase if I returned the controller. They didn't give any return address (even after being asked) - just more silence.  With some sleuthing, I discovered the address and USPS delivered the package today.  Time will tell if they actually follow through with a refund.  I guess I could still work through paypal or challenge the credit card charge if this fails.  

As for the lifetime warranty comment, it's another eBay seller of refurbished/recycled appliance parts that offers a lifetime warranty.  If the part fails, they will send a replacement (used) controller.  I paid 3x the cost, but can rate the vendor five stars for service, honesty, keeping e-waste out of the landfill, and just plain doing the right thing. 

Thanks to all who replied!

[mtgraves7984]

I guess I could still work through paypal or challenge the credit card charge if this fails.  

@jftaylor42ww 

I hope that your eBay seller does follow through if a refund was promised. Even though the proper order is 1) eBay, 2) PayPal, and 3) your CC... aren't you out with those since you no longer have the item to return? Or would those not require a return?