Ebay and getting money back

[flamingchina]

I bought something on ebay, seller said it was working, got it, and it won't even turn on.
whats the best way to go about getting my money back?
paypal? just cancel it on my CC?
Do I have to ship the broken product back to the person?

[jolinar of malkshor]

I would as cash on delivery for postage

[AC]

I've had good success when filing a dispute in paypal.

[flamingchina]

So I first have to ask this guy for my money back, right?
then file a complaint?

[jolinar of malkshor]

ya, first thing you want to do is see if he is willing to take the product back and refund you the money. If he refuses then you hammer him, the cheating *******.

[ken0042]

Yes, step one is to talk to the seller. Always best to be firm but polite. I've bought computer parts that didn't work as described and I went through the troubleshooting and gave the seller screen shots. That way he knows you aren't some crackpot.

If you can't reach an agreement with your seller, do a chargeback on Paypal. Go through Paypal before going through your CC. Also keep in mind you only have 45 days to initiate a chargeback.

Then if that doesn't work file for a chargeback on your CC.

So I first have to ask this guy for my money back, right?
then file a complaint?

Yes. Most disputes can be settled person to person without having to tarnish the person's name. If you bought a defective item from a Brick & Mortar store, would you first try and have the charges reversed on your CC, or would you take it back to them?

Even if you think the guy is trying to screw you, it's best to be professional if possible. It doesn't mean you have to sit there and take it, but being nice can't hurt.

[flamingchina]

finally heard back from him.
He says it was working when he sent it. (there is a photo of it turned on in the ebay sale)
He says if I can propose something that is fair (his words) then he will work it out with me.
I'm assuming if I just tell this guy I'm sending it back and he needs to give me my money back, he'll say no. It's a used electronics product (a denon s3000 to be exact)

[ken0042]

Well, we all know how much your mom likes her plug in appliances.

Back to being serious for a sec, it seems one of two things happened (assuming you are being 100% truthful; of which I have no doubt.) Either it was bad and the guy knew it; or it got damaged in shipping. Because it is a contition with Paypal that the seller must iunclude shipping insurance; I would go straight for the "damaged in shipping" and instruct your seller that you will be sending it back so that he can refund your money, and he can get a refund through the postal insurance he took out.

Once again; being firm but polite. Not accusing the guy, but telling him what you want.