Expert: Marvinator - 2/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I had a problem and still have a problem with a seller on Ebay. I bought a snowblower last spring and the first chance we had to use it, it broke. We spent over $200 getting it fixed.
I reported him to Ebay and they CLAIM they will investigate.
They say that because of "privacy" they can't tell me the results.
So in light of that, how do I know if they are actually 'investigating' or just ignoring me?
How does anyone know?

If I went to Ebay's community discussion form and 'discussed' this problem, would I get in troulbe for it?

thanks for your help,
joyce

ANSWER: First, Let's answer your main question.  Yes, eBay will investigate, and No, you probably won't learn anything.  The main problems here are the fact that the deal is over 90 days old, and eBay only keeps 120 days max on the system at any one time.  If they Do, in fact, contact the seller, the seller will give them their end of it all and that will be the end of it.  

Now, let's examine this from the proper perspective.  
1) Was the item listed as "New"?  If so, contacting the Seller with this problem at the time it occurred would have been the path to take.  

2) My guess is that this was a  used item, in which case it is always 'Buy Beware.'  Regardless, even on a used item, you could contact the seller with problems.

3) This is the last point and I know you're not going to be happy to hear it.  (It's probably been ringing around inside your head since this all happened.)  When you buy a piece of equipment on eBay, test it the day you get it.  You didn't.  This is, as we know now, a big mistake on eBay.  Even if the item was listed as NEW, it should be tested the day it's received, even if that day is the middle of the summer.  

So, lastly, I guess what we can say is that you've learned a valuable lesson (Value: $200)  Test when received, contact seller immediately with any problems.  

Now, one last thought before we leaves.  If something does come up that eBay finds suspicious of the seller (several other reports of this nature, as an example) then you MAY hear something from them, but the standard is that you won't hear another word.  If it were me, I'd put the receipts for the snow blower repair in a file and be done with it.  Lesson learned and look only forward.  To keep waiting on eBay to contact you or to keep wondering what came of the seller (or other such thoughts of revenge or recourse) will only lead you backward and not bring anything into your life.  

I wish you luck in all eBay dealings in the future.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I would like to 'warn' others of him. So that no one else winds up in the mess I am in. I wish I had been warned and now I have the opportunity to make the world a better place.
And if it makes a dent in his busiiness, then oh well..
Do you know if I could or would get in trouble for it? After all, isn't that what the discussion boards are for?
But you're right. Its just as much my fault. I should have tested it right away. Oh and to answer your question, it was listed as "NEW"

Answer
I can understand your feeling, however let me again remind you of what MIGHT have happened if you had contacted the seller within the right time frame.  Had you tested the equipment and found it to be faulty, he may have worked with you on getting it repaired.  He might also have taken it back and given you a full refund.  You have no way of knowing what he might have done this late in the game.  So to try and harm him is just so much spilled milk.  

Wanting to get 'revenge' is common.  Yet at this point, you'd be hard pressed to harm him.  Using the discussion forums to defame another user will only get you banned.  (Yes, speaking ill of another user in teh discussion boards is expressly forbidden.)  The time for action is past.  

Again I entreat you to put this behind you and move on.