Problem with a buyer not looking or reading description

[greatlakesretailplus]

Long story short..

buyer bought a sewing machine that was missing a part.

I clearly stated to take the time to look over the pics because I know very little about sewing machines.

I had to google what the missing part was and were it went on the machine, once I did that it clearly shows the part was not included in no less than three pictures..

Now the buyer wants me to purchase the part AND give him compensation for his time and trouble pain and suffering...

He does not seem to want to return the item or at least has not mentioned it as of this time.

He is starting to get rude and insulting and I am trying my very best to not return it in kind.

Any advice would be helpful .

Thanks

[soh.maryl]

Where to start? Did you google the part BEFORE listing so you could at least have said "Missing the widget.  Can be found on eBay for about $18 or whatever".  Or, better still, why not get the part and install it yourself before listing? 

I am an experienced seamstress with many years of sewing on my resume and I could not tell from the pictures what was missing, nor should either your seller or I have had to do so.

You listed as used, not "for parts or repair".  

As I see it, you can either (a) offer to reimburse him for the repair (and do so) or (b) accept the item not as described case if he opens one and then refund upon return.  

Buyers should not have to do detective work on an item they receive.

Not sure I would "get rude and insulting" but I can see where he's coming from.  He expected a complete fully functional sewing machine.  

[johnrj1226]

You must  state clearly in words what item is missing.  Pictures  alone won't  hold up in the Court of eBay.   Neither will having no knowledge of the item you are selling

Any  pre-owned/used item must be complete and fully functional if not it needs to be sold for parts only.  Read this eBay link for more info -

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-policies/item-description-policy?id=4372&st=12&pos=1&quer...

[nickelsanddimes2015]

He either didn't bother to read or he's trying to scam you out of money which happens a lot. Attach the screenshot  and description and kindly tell him that you sold it to him exactly as described and pictured. There is no kind way to deal with a customer like this as he is already going off the deep end and is most likely just trying to scam you for money with his threats. Let him know that you will not tolerate threats and that he has  violated Ebay policy by demanding compensation and the part in question for you to purchase. Let him know that you will be contacting Ebay and have them note his threats. Call Ebay so they are aware and have your account noted so that way if he leaves a negative they will remove it. Ive done this several times and it protects you. Do not give him any Money or buy the part. If he opens a return then so be it however I'm sure this isn't the first time he has done this. Check out the feedback he has left for others before you contact Ebay as well as if there is a pattern they may look into his purchases and give a warning.

[greatlakesretailplus]

Well, I am not a sewing machine guru, I have never even heard of a bobbin plate let alone know one was missing..

I stated in the listing "

Used ...in very good condition 

I know very little about sewing machines so please take the time to look over the pics 

Works ..parts move when plugged in...pedal works as it should...

No reason to list it was "for parts or repair"

I have already offered to buy the part and send it to the buyer but the buyer seems to think they are in need of pain and suffering compensation.

[releasethekraken_1]

@greatlakesretailplus wrote:

Long story short..

buyer bought a sewing machine that was missing a part.

I clearly stated to take the time to look over the pics because I know very little about sewing machines.

I had to google what the missing part was and were it went on the machine, once I did that it clearly shows the part was not included in no less than three pictures..

Now the buyer wants me to purchase the part AND give him compensation for his time and trouble pain and suffering...

He does not seem to want to return the item or at least has not mentioned it as of this time.

He is starting to get rude and insulting and I am trying my very best to not return it in kind.

Any advice would be helpful .

Thanks

---

I only see one recent sale for a sewing maching (Home Janome Sewing Machine Model 525B). There is no mention of a missing part. Photos do not replace a description in writing. And if this part is needed for the machine to function, you also selected the wrong condition (Used). You should have selected "For parts".

Offer the buyer a full refund when the item is returned at your expense.

[johnrj1226]

should of added this link also

https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/listings/creating-managing-listings/item-conditions-category?id=47...

[katzrul15 · Accepted solution]

I can tell from 2 pix easily the bobbin plate is missing , a 3rd if you zoom it up.  It sux, but you will not win a INAD claim as you need not disclose it in the listing.

You are not going to make this Buyer happy - this is a low-end plastic machine, regardless of the brand attached to it.  Yes, it will run without the plate, but you have to pull the fabric across that area, so it needs the plate.

The good news is this still a machine parts are readily available for.  I would either offer him to keep the unit and credit him for the "plate" (would not order it for him) OR would tell him to open a return, ship it back to me and refund in full.  You're gonna take a hit either way and probably a red Donut.  As a Seller, I would opt for the machine back, but you might just wanna be done with this guy and move on.  

Sewing machines are hard to sell - the fact that they "turn on" and "run" is irrelevant.  However, this is a very low end mini-machine that is good for mending and beginners and not much else.  

Congrats, you found the one buyer who wanted a sewing machine, who evidently knew nothing about a sewing machine.  

[greatlakesretailplus]

If I knew the part was missing I would have said so..

If I knew the part was missing id had bought one for it 

The item works as i said it does exactly.

Plug it in>turns on> parts move>pedal works

I have offered to buy the plate and send it to the buyer but i will not give them compensation for time and trouble.

[soh.maryl]

Am certainly glad to hear that you offered to buy the part and send it to the buyer.

Have never heard of a "bobbin plate" which makes me think maybe the are referring to the "throat plate" that slides on over the bobbin case.

There is no eBay requirement that this buyer be compensated for pain and suffering.

Your offer is enough.

Maybe next time you would do so research and buy that part before listing?  

[releasethekraken_1]

---

@greatlakesretailplus wrote:

If I knew the part was missing I would have said so..

If I knew the part was missing id had bought one for it 

If you don't know whether something is fully functional, don't sell it as "Used".

The item works as i said it does exactly.

Plug it in>turns on> parts move>pedal works

If you don't know whether something is fully functional, don't sell it as "Used".

I have offered to buy the plate and send it to the buyer but i will not give them compensation for time and trouble.

The buyer isn't required to accept that resolution, but you're also not required to compensate them further. Your best option at this point is to tell them to return for full refund, with you paying for shipping.

---

[nickelsanddimes2015]

I just actually looked at your listing. In my opinion for future ones I would most definitely be a little more specific in your listing stating  "used condition, parts move and work not sure if all parts are included for the machine review all pictures" And add in the description you will only get what is pictured nothing more. Also maybe a disclaimer stating again that you do not know if all pieces are there and for them to do research and ask any questions they may have. Unfortunately they most definitely have grounds for a return at your expense however the threats for additional money is absolutely ridiculous and at that point I would just tell them to return it then you can relist it correctly with the missing part or purchase the part and sell it complete  

[soh.maryl]

Correction:  This one buyer who wanted a sewing machine knew enough to at least notice it was missing a part.  

[soh.maryl]

Again, there is no requirement that you compensate him for his time and trouble.  

The item may work, but did you actually try to sew with it? If you had, you would have seen that the fabric would be dragged down into the space where the bobbin case is located.  That throat plate that is missing would have kept that from happening.  

[soh.maryl]

Where is the part of the description that says the throat plate is missing?

And, for what it's worth, I am an experienced seamstress and I did not spot the missing throat plate in the picture, just assumed the dark spot was a shadow.

The buyer wants a sewing machine that functions correctly.  He's not trying to scam anyone.  What threats?

"Do not give him any money or buy the part." You're kidding, right? Wouldn't it be much, much simpler for the seller to reimburse the buyer for the part or buy it and send it to him? If he forces the buyer to open an item not as described case, he will be out at least the cost of return shipping.  And what makes you believe eBay will be eager to remove any negative the buyer leaves?  It's missing a part -- the buyer says it's missing a part and he is disappointed.  I don't understand your statement.