In a bit of a pickle, item arrived damaged

[rune.k]

I've just recently bought an old laptop that was described as "Parts or not working". The seller put up pictures of the laptop turned on and the casing looking immaculate. However, in the description, he listed it as "For parts or not working" to avoid any negative surprises for the buyer.

And surprised I was. When it arrived, the laptop didn't turn on as pictured, and the casing was badly damaged. It certainly did not arrive as pictured or described. The fact that it didn't turn on might also indicate that the broken case exposed the internals to the elements. Which means that most of the parts are damaged in shipping.

I'm unsure on what to do. On one hand, the laptop is a pretty rare model, and cannibalizing it and taking parts from other broken similiar models to make a new working one is probably the best option for me at this point than returning it. Still, I was expecting something that turned on and looked like the pictures. The damages in shipping turned what was supposed to be a simple repair to a complicated and expensive one.

What's the best course of action here? Should I just leave a negative feedback? I'm a bit hesitant to do so because it doesn't give room for the seller to remedy the situation. Ebay encourages buyers to contact the seller to resolve issues, but I just don't see how this could be resolved.

[japan-treazures]

Message the seller to see if you can work out a solution. If your not satisfied, you could file an item not as described case. Seller will have to send you a return label and once they receive the item back, eBay will refund you. Read the article below in detail as the seller has been given an extention on the time they have to send you a label due to COVID-19. You should get what you bid on based on the sellers description and pictures. You will regret it if you just settle for the item you received.

Here is the link:

https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/returns-refunds/return-item-refund?id=4041&st=12&pos=1&query=Return...

Hope this helps!

[tdumonde2014]

You should only leave Negative feedback if the seller refuses to assist you. Decide whether to keep the laptop or to send it back. You can open a "Not as Described" case and ebay will force the seller to accept the return and to send you a return shipping label. 

[toysaver]

"he listed it as "For parts or not working" to avoid any negative surprises for the buyer."   

I've seen returns 'accepted' on electronics sold as 'for parts and not working' many times.  I've even listed items that way, without issue.  Just curious, how do you know it was listed as such to avoid any 'negative surprises' and not fact that it was for parts and not working?   Usually if it is a working item the price is higher.  

[rune.k]

It's in the description

[wastingtime101]

The only absolutes here are to keep the item as-is for the price you paid or to return the item for a refund. It sounds like you might be looking for a partial refund for the damage caused during shipping because of the extra work involved in the repair. The seller may offer one if you contact them, but it really depends on the individual seller.

Ask yourself: Is it worth the price you paid in the condition it arrived?

[myescape]

Since it says works but doesn't you can return for refund thru buyer protection but ebay will not help with nor require a partial refund no return and if you ask the seller w ANY reference to feedback any neg feedback can be removed if seller asks ebay

[rune.k]

Is it worth it? In the absolute monetary value, not really. The computer has become more worthless than even many of the broken units I've bought specifically for parts (originally to have spares to repair this one). I'm certainly not against getting a full refund and sending the item back. I think that a partial refund may be a better solution because I may be able to utilize whatever parts might be salvageable, and that the seller may have no use of a severely damaged laptop. 

[wastingtime101]

All you can do is ask the seller. Let them know that the outer case which was in tact in the photos arrived damaged and it compromised the unit. Send photos. Let them know that due to the shipping damage it's worth less in the current condition because there are fewer parts that can be used. If the seller's not amenable to a partial refund then you can return the unit for a full refund or keep it. eBay won't do anything to force a partial refund.

[picknparley]

Your first, and most important step, is to contact your seller. 

You have a great way with words and you may be pleasantly surprised at the response you get. 

Good luck!

[7606dennis]

I would normally advise that since you took the gamble and bought an item described as not working you are pretty SOL.  However, if the seller in the description stated that it does work, that is his mistake and should accept the return and pay the return shipping.

I advise against mentioning feedback in any communications with the seller.  In fact, I probably wouldn't advise leaving feedback at all.