Posted by Matt Elliff on 07/28/06 15:51

"Lee Mellows" <mellowsSPAM@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:Xrpyg.28312$9d4.24374@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>I have just purchased a Cassette deck from someone with good feedback. I
>doesn't work, completely non-functioning. I contacted them immediately to
>ask if I was missing something and saying that I needed to return the item.
>5 days later he has replied saying that the item left him in working order,
>therefore the post office is to blame and I need to claim from them! Is
>this right?
> He has offered to send me the receipt for the item but I hardly think this
> is going to wash with the PO.
> I've never had this problem before, if I've ever received faulty goods the
> seller has taken them back no problem. I can't find anything on e-bay's
> site which mentions who's responsibility this is. I really can't see me
> claiming back my e-bay bid from the PO!
>
> Can anyone help??

Looks to me from the royal mail website it is you not him that needs to make
the claim
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/jump3?
catId=400144&mediaId=15500193

However, I can only see your claim being accepted if the seller can prove
the item was working prior to despatch (virtually impossible to do.)
Ask the seller if he has proof that the item was working prior to despatch.
But bear in mind that sometimes things like this happen and the seller may
be concerned that you are trying to rip them off (especially if they are a
private seller as opposed to a business.)
If the item was signed for it is your responsibility to check it is working
and complete BEFORE you sign and accept delivery.
I have sold on ebay for years and always offer replacements or refunds for
cheap items (just for goodwill), but more expensive ones i try to make
clear that once delivery has been accepted (signed for ONLY) any issues are
with the royal mail.
Basically, to my mind if you signed for the item it is your responsibility
and the seller is not liable- if you didn't and it was normal delivery then
it is up to the seller to prove it worked prior to despatch or refund
(provided you return the item)
Chances of a successful claim through the royal mail are slim i would have
thought.

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