ebay question - Bought a car but seller isnt responding.

**Orange Peel** · 26-08-2008, 14:08

My brother was looking for a cheap Vectra V6. He bid on one and won. The advert said 'must collect within 3 days' He spoke to the seller who said that he's on holiday and forgot the auction would run out while he was away.

My brother needs the car ASAP hence bidding on this car, however he's found another one he can have today. He'd now like the other one as he can drive it away and still doesnt know when he can collect the other car.

Where does he stand with regards to ebay if he doenst have the one he's won?

ineson · 26-08-2008, 14:13

If he hasnt paid a deposit of anything towards the ebay car then I would say to go for the one that is available if he needs one asap.

If the seller hasnt been available within the 3 days of the auction ending for your bro to pick the car up then he shouldnt have too much to argue about. If he complains to ebay or opens up a dispute then surely your brother can refer back to the statement in the original listing.

snige87 · 26-08-2008, 14:14

from what is sounds like its the sellers fault. He stated must be collected in 3 days thats why your brother bought it, but he has gone on holiday... I would say ebay would side with your brother

**Orange Peel** · 26-08-2008, 14:16

I hope it would go in favour of my bro. He'd never try to 'do' someone so feels bad that he'll be letting the other guy down. I said its the sellers own fault he's not there when he said he would be.

mr.c72 · 26-08-2008, 14:32

As above m8, its the sellers problem as you said he stated he did not realise the auction would run out whilst he was away.
If the car is needed a.s.a.p then go buy it there is nothing the seller can do, remember the seller can not leave negative feedback only the buyer can due to the change in the rules, so tell me what are you worrying about?

Pete_58 · 26-08-2008, 15:31

I'd go buy the other car. Like you say he can go collect it now and if he needs a car ASAP... If the seller claims your brother wasted his time, maybe he should have been abit clearer in his ad, i.e "ill be away when auction ends" or something!! And as mentioned above, eBay have changed their rules so negative feedback cant be left. Your brother was willing to collect within the three days, as the ad stated, so i dont see what you brother has to worry about.

**Lugy** · 26-08-2008, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange Peel

My brother was looking for a cheap Vectra V6. He bid on one and won. The advert said 'must collect within 3 days' He spoke to the seller who said that he's on holiday and forgot the auction would run out while he was away.

My brother needs the car ASAP hence bidding on this car, however he's found another one he can have today. He'd now like the other one as he can drive it away and still doesnt know when he can collect the other car.

Where does he stand with regards to ebay if he doenst have the one he's won?

How do you forget something like that?

I'd go with the other car TBH, and as said, the seller can't leave bad feedback any more

MarkyG · 26-08-2008, 15:50

I reckon the first sellers probably got someone else viewing the car, with a few to pay more money for it. Youd never forget you'd be gone on Holiday.

Just write an email through ebay saying, unless I can pick it up today, Im going elsewhere, then you've got your bases covered.

**Melv** · 26-08-2008, 15:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkyG

I reckon the first sellers probably got someone else viewing the car, with a few to pay more money for it. Youd never forget you'd be gone on Holiday.

hit the nail on the head IMO

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkyG

Just write an email through ebay saying, unless I can pick it up today, Im going elsewhere, then you've got your bases covered.

Good point. Covering ones ass is the way forward.

BigDave1979 · 26-08-2008, 16:46

Ask him to open a dispute and select the option to cancel the transaction by mutual agreement. He'll get his final value fee back and should leave it at that if he's reasonable.

Remember, you cant get negative feedback as a buyer now, so who cares what he does if he gets shirty? You've got proof he's not there to complete the deal so f**k him, go elsewhere.

Edit to add: You get no unpaid item strike if you do it this way also - both parties are in the clear.

Allvaux · 26-08-2008, 17:25

I'd buy the other and offer to pay his listing fees for the the one he 'won'. Ok, the seller is daft to forget he was going away but it doesn't neccessarily mean he did it deliberately to try and flog it to someone else. I'm pretty sure he won't leave bad feedback (even though he probably can't anyway thanks to eBay's stupid new rule) because if he relists it and you leave feedback saying you didn't buy it because it's a pile of ****e he's ****ed.

Frisco · 26-08-2008, 17:42

Contact the seller and say he wants to pick it up today. If the seller says no tell say he's going elsewhere as he needed the car asap. Tell the seller to go through the "mutually withdrew from sale" thing to get his listing fee back.

I wouldn't pay his fees, its his own fault

henny · 26-08-2008, 22:20

i wouldnt pay his fees either it his fault for not advertising it correctly, and think ebay would see it that way as well.

**Orange Peel** · 27-08-2008, 08:04

Update...

While my bro was at the second Vectra he phoned the other (ebay) guy who said someone was in now. My bro went to view the ebay Vectra as it looked perfect. Got there to find it was in fairly poor shape. The advert said there was nothing wrong with it and made a point of stressing how mint it was. There was a burn in the drivers seat, stain on the back seat, door cards were lose, dents and scratches on most panels etc. In the end he walked away as it was not as described. He's going to look around for a few more days before deciding if its worth driving back to get the other one he viewed.

snige87 · 27-08-2008, 08:27

Always the problem with ebay. The sellers always loose out in the end though, should just describe it correct in the first place

Paul · 27-08-2008, 10:09

Ebay is crap. I hate it to be honest.
Fees are silly as well.

Allvaux · 27-08-2008, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange Peel

Update...

While my bro was at the second Vectra he phoned the other (ebay) guy who said someone was in now. My bro went to view the ebay Vectra as it looked perfect. Got there to find it was in fairly poor shape. The advert said there was nothing wrong with it and made a point of stressing how mint it was. There was a burn in the drivers seat, stain on the back seat, door cards were lose, dents and scratches on most panels etc. In the end he walked away as it was not as described. He's going to look around for a few more days before deciding if its worth driving back to get the other one he viewed.

In that case your brother is a fair bit to blame for all this. Sorry but anyone who bids before looking over vehicles needs their head testing. Now, I've done this plenty of times but took a risk because they were all cheap. A fair chunk were nowhere near how they were advertised but I bought every single one because I should have looked at them first hand before bidding.
Sorry mucker, I know your brother was shafted slightly by the seller not being in but non-paying bidders like him are the bain of eBay at the moment and spoiling it for everyone.

**Brett** · 28-08-2008, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allvaux

In that case your brother is a fair bit to blame for all this. Sorry but anyone who bids before looking over vehicles needs their head testing. Now, I've done this plenty of times but took a risk because they were all cheap. A fair chunk were nowhere near how they were advertised but I bought every single one because I should have looked at them first hand before bidding.
Sorry mucker, I know your brother was shafted slightly by the seller not being in but non-paying bidders like him are the bain of eBay at the moment and spoiling it for everyone.

So, some pikey con merchant dishonestly describes the car and somehow you feel morally obliged to still buy it? Despite the fact the sellers trying to buck the system at your expense anyway?

OP's brother should be commended for giving the V's to someone who is dishonest. I would conuter that people selling ****e thats inacuractly described or of poor quality are as much of a bain to e-bay as genuine non paying bidders.

Your advocating a system where people can essentially describe whatever they like about an item and a bidder must buy regardless of the truth. Your system removes the moral and basic obligation of the seller to be honest about an item.

Allvaux · 28-08-2008, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett

So, some pikey con merchant dishonestly describes the car and somehow you feel morally obliged to still buy it? Despite the fact the sellers trying to buck the system at your expense anyway?

OP's brother should be commended for giving the V's to someone who is dishonest. I would conuter that people selling ****e thats inacuractly described or of poor quality are as much of a bain to e-bay as genuine non paying bidders.

Your advocating a system where people can essentially describe whatever they like about an item and a bidder must buy regardless of the truth. Your system removes the moral and basic obligation of the seller to be honest about an item.

No. I'm advocating viewing items before bidding, it's not rocket science is it? Unless you're telling me that everyone who does NOT use eBay phones about cars in local papers and AutoTrader, asks about the condition, then agrees to buy before viewing or just sends the money on first anyway?
Do you know anyone that does that? I don't and expect you do not either so why should it be different on eBay?
It's pretty simple stuff: check newly listed stuff first. E-mail buyer and ask if you can view. eBayer agrees. Go and have a look. If happy bid on it or take cash and make offer. If seller does not get back to you and/or won't allow viewing before end of listing don't bid.
OP's brother is one of the reasons eBay has gone to the dogs.

**Brett** · 28-08-2008, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allvaux

No. I'm advocating viewing items before bidding, it's not rocket science is it? Unless you're telling me that everyone who does NOT use eBay phones about cars in local papers and AutoTrader, asks about the condition, then agrees to buy before viewing or just sends the money on first anyway?
Do you know anyone that does that? I don't and expect you do not either so why should it be different on eBay?
It's pretty simple stuff: check newly listed stuff first. E-mail buyer and ask if you can view. eBayer agrees. Go and have a look. If happy bid on it or take cash and make offer. If seller does not get back to you and/or won't allow viewing before end of listing don't bid.
OP's brother is one of the reasons eBay has gone to the dogs.

You treat e-bay auctions like any other classified, I see. As I see it people bid for the car based on the description. If the description is not honest, then really the seller deserves what they get! I have no sympathy for liars at all!

Dont ebay say that if the good are not as described then the winning bidder can walk away?

I think E-bays gone to the dogs becuase of fees and the fact you cant trust anyone to list things honestly. Its pretty simple basically, if the seller is honest this sort of thing wouldnt happen in the first place.

Allvaux · 28-08-2008, 21:44

I agree with that mate but the trouble is where does the buck stop and who with? Of course sellers should be totally honest but they're not in local papers, not in Auto Trader, not on car forums and not in national papers, so why would you just expect eBay to be different? You have to take eBay for what it is: it's a venue for liars, con-men, cheats and people who are either too thick or too dodgy to tell the truth, just like all other advertising mediums, interspersed with genuine honest sellers. Can you honestly tell the condition of a car from a few words and pictures and know for 100% that the seller is as honest as the day is long? I doubt it and that's whay anything at all that's up for sale should be viewed BEFORE purchase where possible.
The other thing to consider is one person's good condition is another person's wreck: anyone honest will list all known faults but might forget one or two he/she would consider minor yet the buyer might think was the end of the world. That's why viewing should be done before comitting in my eyes.

**Orange Peel** · 28-08-2008, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allvaux

In that case your brother is a fair bit to blame for all this. Sorry but anyone who bids before looking over vehicles needs their head testing. Now, I've done this plenty of times but took a risk because they were all cheap. A fair chunk were nowhere near how they were advertised but I bought every single one because I should have looked at them first hand before bidding.
Sorry mucker, I know your brother was shafted slightly by the seller not being in but non-paying bidders like him are the bain of eBay at the moment and spoiling it for everyone.

The car was 350 Miles away.

He emailed the seller who said it was mint "hand on heart mate"

The picture of the car didn't accurately represent the car. We both think they were taken when the car was in better condition.

My brother drove to the south coast to view another Vectra as the ebayer wasnt answering and had said he was on holiday yet still drove back to view the one he'd won. A total of 800 miles in wasted fuel.

Ebay rules say the auctions have to be honest and accurate, it wasn't on any level, well besides being a Vectra! He had EVERY right to walk away. He had the money to pay for it in cash and had already setup insurance. The car was not as described by the advert or seller via email. My brother works silly shift so couldn't view, hence the numerous messages to the seller, who lied. He had ever intention to buy the car as per the ebay listing, not the wreck the greeted him!

And you say my bro is the reason eBay has gone to the dogs!

Frankly WTF are you smoking?

Allvaux · 29-08-2008, 05:50

**** all, I gave up the fags five weeks ago. I didn't say your brother was personally responsible for the total demise of eBay but he hasn't helped. I take it this Vectra was the only one of it's kind in Britain and that's why he travelled 350 miles to see it? I don't for a minute say your brother was wrong not to have bought the car but he was wrong not to have viewed it first as then he would have seen what it was like. As stated above there's not many people you can trust to give a 100% honest description these days so why do so from someone you don't know from Adam 350 miles away on eBay?
I notice he couldn't view it because he works shifts yet he managed to escape from work to go all that way to see the car when he'd won the listing, how does that wok then? I'll say it 'til I'm blue in the face: people looking at stuff on eBay should go to newly listed first so they have a fighting chance of viewing before buying and if you can't get to it in time ask someone to look at it for you. I'm sure your brother is a perfectly sound fella but he's made a big mistake here by not viewing first, it's obviously cost him more than a few quid and I have no sympathy for him to be frank.
I'd love to hear more about this Vectra by the way, have you got a link to the listing on eBay?

EY · 29-08-2008, 05:58

I wouldn't buy a car through Evilbay, it'll never be as described, i don't even look on there for stuff these days.

**Orange Peel** · 29-08-2008, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allvaux

**** all, I gave up the fags five weeks ago. I didn't say your brother was personally responsible for the total demise of eBay but he hasn't helped. I take it this Vectra was the only one of it's kind in Britain and that's why he travelled 350 miles to see it? I don't for a minute say your brother was wrong not to have bought the car but he was wrong not to have viewed it first as then he would have seen what it was like. As stated above there's not many people you can trust to give a 100% honest description these days so why do so from someone you don't know from Adam 350 miles away on eBay?
I notice he couldn't view it because he works shifts yet he managed to escape from work to go all that way to see the car when he'd won the listing, how does that wok then? I'll say it 'til I'm blue in the face: people looking at stuff on eBay should go to newly listed first so they have a fighting chance of viewing before buying and if you can't get to it in time ask someone to look at it for you. I'm sure your brother is a perfectly sound fella but he's made a big mistake here by not viewing first, it's obviously cost him more than a few quid and I have no sympathy for him to be frank.
I'd love to hear more about this Vectra by the way, have you got a link to the listing on eBay?

The Vectra was one of the only decent looking 2.6V6 SRi on ebay or in Autotrader at the time. So yes, in a way it was the only one of its kind going by the advert.

He worked 6 X 12hours shifts then had 2 days off. That was one of the reasons he also went for this car as it had to be collected within 3 days which fell at the right time for him. That's how that works then!

I'll find the link when I get a moment. It will be relisted soon as the seller said he was going to but would change the advert a bit as my brother was the 6th person to look at it and walk away.

I agree that viewing is the thing to do but when you haven't got a choice due to work commitments you have to go with the best option at the time. Ebay says if the item is not as described you don't have to buy so my bro is totally in the clear and not to blame for anything IMO. The BIG problem here is all the lying sh*ts that infest the UK who all seem to use ebay.