Received items that stink of mold with several that have mold on them...

[clifterri-0]

I recently purchased 5 items (for a whopping $30.00) and upon opening the package, I was hit with the distinctive smell of mold.  Like a fool, I actually removed the items and examined them, discovering that 3 of the items were indeed mold covered and the remaining 2 plus the styrofoam chips also smelt of mold.

I closed up the box and placed the entire contents in a garbage bag and left it outside, removed my clothing (washed it) and washed myself.

I contacted both eBay and PayPal and the idiots, er, people I spoke with, both said that I would have to return the items to get a refund.  The word mold seemed to be lost on them.  I am already mad enough with the seller for doing this but to have ebay and PayPal tell me to handle these items further and to return them... seriously?

Obviously, they don't understand just how serious this can be, much less to someone with respiratory problems.

I was asked if I took pictures, which I hadn't (it was not exactly top of my thoughts), I was more concerned with bagging up the items and containing any mold spores.  In doing some further "investigation", it was apparent in the seller's own auction pictures that 3 of the 5 items were mold covered (mind you, 2 of the pictures were rather dark, so you had to really look at them to notice it).

I've spoken with the USPS and to return these items is pretty much a no go - IF I honestly answer the postal clerk's questions when I hand over the package (... anything potentially hazardous...).  I would feel pretty lousy if something happened to someone because of this and would be responsible.  Certainly not worth the risk.

This all being said, anyone else here have a similar experience? how did you handle it?

[no_zero369]

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@clifterri-0 wrote:

I recently purchased 5 items (for a whopping $30.00) and upon opening the package, I was hit with the distinctive smell of mold.  Like a fool, I actually removed the items and examined them, discovering that 3 of the items were indeed mold covered and the remaining 2 plus the styrofoam chips also smelt of mold.

I closed up the box and placed the entire contents in a garbage bag and left it outside, removed my clothing (washed it) and washed myself.

I contacted both eBay and PayPal and the idiots, er, people I spoke with, both said that I would have to return the items to get a refund.  The word mold seemed to be lost on them.  I am already mad enough with the seller for doing this but to have ebay and PayPal tell me to handle these items further and to return them... seriously?

Obviously, they don't understand just how serious this can be, much less to someone with respiratory problems.

I was asked if I took pictures, which I hadn't (it was not exactly top of my thoughts), I was more concerned with bagging up the items and containing any mold spores.  In doing some further "investigation", it was apparent in the seller's own auction pictures that 3 of the 5 items were mold covered (mind you, 2 of the pictures were rather dark, so you had to really look at them to notice it).

I've spoken with the USPS and to return these items is pretty much a no go - IF I honestly answer the postal clerk's questions when I hand over the package (... anything potentially hazardous...).  I would feel pretty lousy if something happened to someone because of this and would be responsible.  Certainly not worth the risk.

This all being said, anyone else here have a similar experience? how did you handle it?

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I think your definition of "hazardous" does not meet the DOT's definition of hazardous.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c3_010.htm

Seal the stuff up in a double or triple bag and send it off.  Otherwise forget the $30 loss and examine listing pictures with a fine toothed comb.  You can chalk up the 30 to tuition paid.

[lja440]

First off I get it, mold can effect a lot of people. But as for USPS it can be shipped back. Just tape it up in a H pattern closing the flaps and then along the sides sealing the edges over the corners. Attach the pre-paid return label and send it back for a refund.  Leave feedback after you get the refund.

[lamber9347]

I'm sorry this happened to you and while I can understand how you feel, you still have to return this to get your refund. That's how eBay's MBG works. You don't get to keep it (you don't want these obviously- yuck!) but you also don't get a refund unless you ship the items back. Just think of how many people, certainly not you but the world is full of scammers, will say their items had mold, or cat hair, or smoke smell, etc and then refuse to ship it back as they feel it's hazardous. 

Also since you asked about similar situations. I happen to be extremely allergic to cat hair. I had a dog for 14 years and never have issues with dogs, but cat hair is terrible for me. I once opened a box purchased through eBay of small figurines. Not only were they covered with dust, like layers of it in all the crevices, but cat hair all over them. You know how older figurines will have a small circle of felt underneath to prevent them from sliding on a surface? Well the felt was covered with cat hair. Even the inside of the box had dust and cat hair, I instantly started sneezing and scratching. I ran to wash my hands but my eyes started to close up on me as my face started to swell up. When I complained to the seller, they actually said, and I quote, "Oh well that's because these belonged to my mother in law. When she died we just packed them up like we found them. She had a house full of cats, a real cat lady, lol" That's what he replied to me....truth. 

FYI- Nine months ago I had to deal with a water leak in a rental unit I own. When they went into the walls they discovered mold. My tenants have a 2 yr old so the wife was very concerned, as I was since I'd never dealt with mold and only knew it as potentially deadly. I found out there are several different classes of mold and only black mold is considered actually toxic. Black mold is very difficult to grow and is typically caused from water. You may want to look this info up, a simply Google search will tell you plenty, and it may make you feel better or at least feel that you weren't exposed to something toxic. Mold is undesirable yes but not always life threatening. 

[clifterri-0]

You are certainly right, I do not want these items, nor do I want to handle them any further.

Honesty can certainly be in short supply on eBay.  For the most part, this experience has been the exception.  I certainly would not want any repeats.

I have followed up with my credit card company and they have a different take on this situation and I believe that I will go that route.  I do have respiratory issues and am not prepared to take chances.  The seller in this instance was dishonest and misleading (I refer to the rather "poor" images he supplied in the auction).  It is not right that he should profit from this and nor should I suffer any loss.

I know what you mean by scammers, they get away with things for awhile, but are eventually caught and then tagged.  To place someone's, my health at risk for a lousy $30 really steams me up.  If I had the means, I'd suit up and stuff the seller's head into his box of mold and let him get several good, deep, lung filling breaths.  Obviously that is not going to happen.

Thanks for your input. 

[krys888 · Accepted solution]

I’ve had that happen twice (with dolls, high end) and was so disgusted that I quit buying from certain states. It was shortly after the hurricanes & floods last year or the year before. I quit buying from those regions after the second one.  I don’t mind damaged boxes because I take the dolls & clothes out anyway, but smells & mold are impossible to see unless the seller is upfront about it. I did exactly what you did, was horrified and threw it all in a trash bag and threw it out. I did take pictures as best I could and sent to the seller. They said same thing, that I would have to return it; I was horrified. They gave me a partial refund based on the photos I sent. If I so much as suspect mold or musty on an item and it isn’t mentioned in the description, I ask now. Until you have it happen, open a disgusting box, its hard to understand just how awful of an experience it is!

[denim-topia]

hi clifterri-0, 
I winced as you described that mess. So sorry. I also am quite sensitive to odors my downfall is perfume or ANY man-made odors.

I once was in a car (as a passenger) opening a purchase from eBay and smelled...something... before I even opened the bubble envelope. I got it partway open and PHEW! it was febreeze, HOW I HATE THAT STUFF!

They had lovingly sprayed and sprayed and sprayed. I had to have the driver pull over and I threw up. Yes, seriously. I had to get it Out Of The Car, put it in the trunk, so I did not concern myself with a refund (I know people innocently think it smells wonderful) and I dropped it off at Goodwill. 

No hard feelings but I did message them with exactly what happened. 
I've also received items packed with a dryer sheet and messaged the seller not to do that. 

I'd like to ask you to think over your angst with this nasty mold issue. Likely you are quite right - they well knew it was nasty and they're just a bad seller. But on the other hand they may have poor vision or be clueless or whatever. I was doing my periodic inventory once and a pair of new with tag pants was ... covered in mold. Not a little. A lot. So who knows what those pants had been in contact with before I bought, listed, and stored them? *btw, none of my items are outside or in a storage unit, I have one whole room designated The EBay Room*. 
Once again, I am personally sorry you had to deal with such a disgusting purchase. 

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@clifterri-0 wrote:

You are certainly right, I do not want these items, nor do I want to handle them any further.

Honesty can certainly be in short supply on eBay.  For the most part, this experience has been the exception.  I certainly would not want any repeats.

I have followed up with my credit card company and they have a different take on this situation and I believe that I will go that route.  I do have respiratory issues and am not prepared to take chances.  The seller in this instance was dishonest and misleading (I refer to the rather "poor" images he supplied in the auction).  It is not right that he should profit from this and nor should I suffer any loss.

I know what you mean by scammers, they get away with things for awhile, but are eventually caught and then tagged.  To place someone's, my health at risk for a lousy $30 really steams me up.  If I had the means, I'd suit up and stuff the seller's head into his box of mold and let him get several good, deep, lung filling breaths.  Obviously that is not going to happen.

Thanks for your input. 

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[geobra-5125]

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@clifterri-0 wrote:

You are certainly right, I do not want these items, nor do I want to handle them any further.

Honesty can certainly be in short supply on eBay.  For the most part, this experience has been the exception.  I certainly would not want any repeats.

I have followed up with my credit card company and they have a different take on this situation and I believe that I will go that route.  I do have respiratory issues and am not prepared to take chances.  The seller in this instance was dishonest and misleading (I refer to the rather "poor" images he supplied in the auction).  It is not right that he should profit from this and nor should I suffer any loss.

I know what you mean by scammers, they get away with things for awhile, but are eventually caught and then tagged.  To place someone's, my health at risk for a lousy $30 really steams me up.  If I had the means, I'd suit up and stuff the seller's head into his box of mold and let him get several good, deep, lung filling breaths.  Obviously that is not going to happen.

Thanks for your input. 

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I was feeling bad for you until you posted this. Now it sounds like you're trying to scam the seller.

[lja440]

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@denim-topia wrote:

hi clifterri-0, 
I winced as you described that mess. So sorry. I also am quite sensitive to odors my downfall is perfume or ANY man-made odors.

I once was in a car (as a passenger) opening a purchase from eBay and smelled...something... before I even opened the bubble envelope. I got it partway open and PHEW! it was febreeze, HOW I HATE THAT STUFF!

They had lovingly sprayed and sprayed and sprayed. I had to have the driver pull over and I threw up. Yes, seriously. I had to get it Out Of The Car, put it in the trunk, so I did not concern myself with a refund (I know people innocently think it smells wonderful) and I dropped it off at Goodwill. 

No hard feelings but I did message them with exactly what happened. 
I've also received items packed with a dryer sheet and messaged the seller not to do that. 

I'd like to ask you to think over your angst with this nasty mold issue. Likely you are quite right - they well knew it was nasty and they're just a bad seller. But on the other hand they may have poor vision or be clueless or whatever. I was doing my periodic inventory once and a pair of new with tag pants was ... covered in mold. Not a little. A lot. So who knows what those pants had been in contact with before I bought, listed, and stored them? *btw, none of my items are outside or in a storage unit, I have one whole room designated The EBay Room*. 
Once again, I am personally sorry you had to deal with such a disgusting purchase. 

---

@clifterri-0 wrote:

You are certainly right, I do not want these items, nor do I want to handle them any further.

Honesty can certainly be in short supply on eBay.  For the most part, this experience has been the exception.  I certainly would not want any repeats.

I have followed up with my credit card company and they have a different take on this situation and I believe that I will go that route.  I do have respiratory issues and am not prepared to take chances.  The seller in this instance was dishonest and misleading (I refer to the rather "poor" images he supplied in the auction).  It is not right that he should profit from this and nor should I suffer any loss.

I know what you mean by scammers, they get away with things for awhile, but are eventually caught and then tagged.  To place someone's, my health at risk for a lousy $30 really steams me up.  If I had the means, I'd suit up and stuff the seller's head into his box of mold and let him get several good, deep, lung filling breaths.  Obviously that is not going to happen.

Thanks for your input. 

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I deal in records, something that gets drug up from basements a lot. Black mold I just tell them no, white powdery mold can get to me  too so I usually try to look though them outside with any wind at my back.  I have a vinyl cleaner for the records and 409 spray cleaner for the covers ( quick spray  and wipe and let dry). Fabrize is fine if it is the unscented one. Dryer sheets sent me to the ER when Bounce first came out. Got a sample and not only did my eyes swell shut but there was a baby there that reacted so badly that it was touch and go for a few hours ( Aunt Freda worked in Pediatrics at the time). I think half of the people in the ER that night were there because of receiving  a free sample of Bounce in the mail. As bad as that is I really think people can just be clueless. But a month or so ago a guy brought in a tote full of NASCAR stuff, vintage, it looked great but it was coated in cat urine, he honestly thought the shop owner would buy them. ( If you are wondering the answer  is no we didnt buy them).

[penguins_dont_fly]

@clifterri-0 

I'm curious .... since you sell model paint, you obviously know how to ship "hazmat".

And as a seller, you know how the MBG works ...

So why are you refusing to use the pre-paid label to return the items to the seller?

By going straight to your Credit Card, it sounds as if you want to keep the items and get refunded.

[clifterri-0]

Just one question for your, are you daft?

[penguins_dont_fly]

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@clifterri-0 wrote:

Just one question for your you, are you daft?

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No … It was a serious inquiry .. why wont you return the items, as outlined in the MBG?

[no_zero369]

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@clifterri-0 wrote:

You are certainly right, I do not want these items, nor do I want to handle them any further.

Honesty can certainly be in short supply on eBay.  For the most part, this experience has been the exception.  I certainly would not want any repeats.

I have followed up with my credit card company and they have a different take on this situation and I believe that I will go that route.  I do have respiratory issues and am not prepared to take chances.  The seller in this instance was dishonest and misleading (I refer to the rather "poor" images he supplied in the auction).  It is not right that he should profit from this and nor should I suffer any loss.

I know what you mean by scammers, they get away with things for awhile, but are eventually caught and then tagged.  To place someone's, my health at risk for a lousy $30 really steams me up.  If I had the means, I'd suit up and stuff the seller's head into his box of mold and let him get several good, deep, lung filling breaths.  Obviously that is not going to happen.

Thanks for your input. 

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@clifterri-0 

Did you really say this on a public forum?  SERIOUSLY?????

You lost all sympathy and credibility with this chair when you threaten to do something like "stuff the seller's head into his box"!  I get  it that someone is upset or emotional about something that happened, but I just do not understand a threat, even veiled!  That makes you look, as you said, "daft" or worse.

Then you turned around subsequently and attacked several other of the top posters here?  Just because one does not like their advice, does not mean it is wrong or an invalid point of view. 

Did you come here for a solution or to vent and get others to sympathize and agree with you?

[clifterri-0]

Seriously?  I placed and sealed those items in a garbage bag.  I have zero intention of exposing myself any further to them.  They are garbage as far as I am concerned and judging by the sound of the garbage truck yesterday are now in a landfill hopefully buried deep.

The money I paid is secondary to the main issue, which is the mold.  Yes, I am mad that the seller would be so irresponsible as to sell those items.  I was the unfortunate "winner" of his auctions.  It could have been you or anyone else and it could have been your problem.  But it is mine.  The reason that I am choosing the credit card route, is that they get it, mold presents a serious health hazard and they are not so irresponsible as to insist that I have to return the items.  There's no expectation that I (or anyone else) need to handle this package anymore than it already has.

The money (a whopping $30) is on principle, why should that seller benefit for his actions?  He should be held accountable - which eBay is not prepared to do as he is still selling.  There really does not seem to be any accountability these days.  People deny, make excuses and generally do not stand up and take responsibility for their actions.  This is yet another example.

Who knows, if this hits his wallet, maybe he will think twice before repeating this behaviour?  Yeah right, who am I kiddin'...

[clifterri-0]

Thank you for your reply.  It's good to know that there is someone else out there that understands the situation.  I would not want anyone else to experience this, but until eBay steps up and takes action on these sellers, I do not see it stopping.