An eBay con?

[Wizard9999]

SWMBO has put a few items of the kids stuff they are too big for now on eBay, it gets very little money but we give it to the kids anyway so it is nice for them. However, we seem to have a problem brewing and I would appreciate any thoughts.

She sold a quality branded skirt for a pathetic £1.24 and as per the add posted it second class yesterday. Today she received a message to say the seller wants to return it and wants her to pay their postage and give a full refund. The reason given is they say the items is a less good branded skirt. She knows she sent the right item, she has not bought a skirt made by the brand the buyer claims to have received, and indeed we are very sceptical that it will have arrived having been posted second class only yesterday.

However, it occurs to me that if the buyer already has the inferior item they claim we sent them they may claim they can prove they were sent the wrong item, just because they have one. If this is a scam and they succeed they will have got the quality item for free and we will get back the inferior item and be out of pocket for postage there and back.

Anyone ever come across anything similar or know how we can resist this if it is an attempt to con us?

Regards,
Terry.

PS I know it could be they have received the other item having won more than one auction at similar times, but surely they would realise it was the other auction item and not the one we sent.

 

[Rod]

I've heard lots of stories similar to these, my Grandson sold a perfectly working graphics card for £200 to be told by the buyer it was faulty.
It was more likely the buyer broke it installing it into his machine?
PayPal give the buyer a refund and my Grandson got nothing!
I'm very wary of eBay now and redundant items of clothing etc we give to charity shops.
Age UK, in our area, will collect most things, not just clothes.

Rod

 

[StevieB]

Did you post photos of the label in the listing - ie can you prove what you listed was a branded item? I know you could technically take a picture of 1 item and post out another, but at least you could prove you had the correct item in the first place....

Failing that swallow the loss - pay them back the £1.24 and tell them to keep the item so you don't pay for postage return. I know it hurts, but it is less than the price of a coffee so in the grand scheme of things this is a matter of pride/morality rather than price.

Steve

 

[chippy1970]

I've just had trouble with a seller on there. Ordered 4 winbags the other week for £30 which is cheap if you know what they are. Nothing turned up so I messaged them about 3 times over a week with no reply. Had to then wait a week or more before I could open a case to get a refund. I then saw the seller had started another account, changed name slightly and was still pretending to sell the same items. Scum !!


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[9fingers]

Winbags? seem like a solution looking for a problem. Whatever happened to folding wedges?

I virtually never sell on Ebay but do buy a lot mainly from shops. On the odd occasion when there has been a problem the vendor invariably makes a refund immediately and does not want the item returned or try and resolve the issue. They seem to prefer to just write off the sale.
What I object to is that they try and make the refund conditional on giving them good feedback as if nothing was wrong. One or two have got shirty when I have left neutral feedback saying something like "Full refund given for defective goods" but I have refused to change it.

Bob

 

[Wizard9999]

I virtually never sell on Ebay but do buy a lot mainly from shops. On the odd occasion when there has been a problem the vendor invariably makes a refund immediately and does not want the item returned or try and resolve the issue. They seem to prefer to just write off the sale.
What I object to is that they try and make the refund conditional on giving them good feedback as if nothing was wrong. One or two have got shirty when I have left neutral feedback saying something like "Full refund given for defective goods" but I have refused to change it.

Bob

To be honest Bob if I understand what happened correctly I can see why they would be unhappy as for some genuine sellers keeping 100% positive feedback is important for their business. They sent you an item, it was faulty so they gave you all your money back (I presume including postage) and you do not have to return the faulty item. That sounds like pretty good customer service to me, in fact it is exactly what Axminster did when my cheap ear defenders broke and I was very happy to sing their praises about it.

SWMBO's issue now seems to have been resolved. We pushed back hard saying we knew we had sent the right item, could prove it and would not make a refund (not that I thnk it would be possible to easily prove such a thing definitively). They have now suddenly decided there isn't a problem. Of course whether they do the right thing and withdraw the eBay complaint proceedings as quickly as they started them so we can have the money released is another matter.

Regards,
Terry.

 

[9fingers]

In my case Terry, to deserve 100% positive feedback they should have been offering a replacement of a working item. Although I did not lose out financially, I was a week down the line and still had to buy a replacement item from another source to I was less than 100% satisfied and gave truthful feedback.

Anyway glad to hear your issue was resolved. Did they leave feedback for you by any chance?

Cheers
Bob

 

[Wizard9999]

That's fair comment Bob, you did lose time and I guess if I had wanted a replacement set of defenders Axminster would have sent them although I took the opportunity to upgrade to better ones. Haven't dared look to see if we have feedback but my guess is they just won't leave any for fear of reciprocal bad feedback.

Terry.

 

[chippy1970]

Winbags? seem like a solution looking for a problem. Whatever happened to folding wedges?


Bob

Not at all Bob they're brilliant. I've only just bought a couple to try out but for my job they're great. For holding stuff in place or lifting fitted furniture or machines.

They even work as a great router lift [emoji3]

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[9fingers]

Interesting wheeze!

 

[Rob]

I'll tell you what they're invaluable for:

Getting access to your car when you've locked both your 1 year old child AND the keys inside :shock:

 

[9fingers]

I'll tell you what they're invaluable for:

Getting access to your car when you've locked both your 1 year old child AND the keys inside :shock:

I'm intrigued as how you could use such a device as a cure for terminal incompetence? :lol:

Bob

 

[AndyP]

I'll tell you what they're invaluable for:

Getting access to your car when you've locked both your 1 year old child AND the keys inside :shock:

Now there is a tale that needs more telling

I once managed to lock myself in the house with the car running outside on full choke!

 

[Rob]

I'll tell you what they're invaluable for:

Getting access to your car when you've locked both your 1 year old child AND the keys inside :shock:

Now there is a tale that needs more telling

I once managed to lock myself in the house with the car running outside on full choke!

On the way to relly's, stopped for coffee at a Spar with baby asleep in car. Locked him and the keys in (cant remember how but related to auto central locking)

After an hour where we couldn't get in and the AA hadn't yet arrived I was literally holding a brick to the rear quarter light because the nipper was awake and about to explode! The AA turned up...aaahhhh.

I was expecting all manner of clever technology but oh no. Out comes the windbag, inserted into the crack of the drivers door and inflates. Enough to prize the door ajar sufficient to poke through a narrow carbon fibre rod on which a hook, fishing style grabs the key ring and bobs yer uncle.

Car doors obviously hinge in one place and have no fixing points top and bottom so have enough play to be bent like that with zero damage.

Life saver.

Terminal incompetence Bob?? So you've never made a mistake then?

 

[9fingers]

Terminal incompetence Bob?? So you've never made a mistake then?

Did I miss out the smiley face then? :lol:

I must admit I've never had a car with auto self locking - almost designed to cause a similar problem at some stage in its life. There might be an option to disable it if you wanted to?
A friend of mine has a car which locks everyone in once it starts moving -- I really don't like that idea either!

Bob

 

[Wizard9999]

Pretty sure a number of cars I have had were made such that you could trigger the central locking by manually locking the drivers door. I know for a fact that resulted in me outside car, keys in car in the past.

I have also managed to lock keys in the boot of cars, the most / least amusing time was when on holiday in France with friends. We hired a big Peugeot 607 (those were the days, working full time in London pre banking crisis, nothing but wine, women and expensive hire cars) and one day were about to head out to the beach. I put some bags in the boot and we were about to set off when I realised I had shut the boot with the keys inside it. Not locked, just shut and all the doors were open. No remote release button inside the car and no sign of any button to open it on the outside (there was a button on the key fob that I had used up until then). Even after a near native French speaker went through every word of the manual in the car we had not worked out where the button to open the boot was. As this was a saloon car the seats did not fold down, but very luckily it did have a ski flap in the back seat, eventually with a torch and a long handled fork from the BBQ one of us managed to fish out the keys.

Some years later I saw somebody opening the boot on a 607, it was the centre of the '0' in the 607 badge on the boot .

Terry.

 

[TrimTheKing]

...a car which locks everyone in once it starts moving -- I really don't like that idea either!

Bob

You would had you ever had someone (admittedly a person with mental health issues) open your car door in traffic and try to steal your child from the car seat in the back…

Or had you ever had a drugged up psycho try to open your door to get to you having taken umbrage with being honked when they cut you up at traffic lights, and you're boxed in and can't move anywhere…

I'll take auto locking EVERY day of the week. There are just too many lunatics out there nowadays not to I'm afraid. It's now on my absolute must have list for choosing cars.

Cheers
Mark

 

[9fingers]

Pretty sure a number of cars I have had were made such that you could trigger the central locking by manually locking the drivers door.

Terry.

My Ford will do that but you need the key to lock it manually from the outside. The same with the boot.
The only conditions under which it will self lock is if the car is unlocked from the locked state and no door or the bonnet is opened within a preset time ~30sec? it will then self lock and reset the alarm.


Bob

 

[9fingers]

...a car which locks everyone in once it starts moving -- I really don't like that idea either!

Bob

You would had you ever had someone (admittedly a person with mental health issues) open your car door in traffic and try to steal your child from the car seat in the back…

Or had you ever had a drugged up psycho try to open your door to get to you having taken umbrage with being honked when they cut you up at traffic lights, and you're boxed in and can't move anywhere…

I'll take auto locking EVERY day of the week. There are just too many lunatics out there nowadays not to I'm afraid. It's now on my absolute must have list for choosing cars.

Cheers
Mark

OK I had not thought of (or experienced) such an eventuality. Could easily be a selectable option I suppose rather like disabling rear electric windows from the drivers console.
On my friends car, there seems no way to switch it off other than pressing a button once you are moving and then it relocks when you take off from the next stop, junction, lights etc.

Bob

 

[TrimTheKing]

I've not looked into whether it's selectable to be honest. I'll dig out the manual later and check…

Cheers
Mark

 

[TrimTheKing]

Just done a quick Google and found this page which explains the reasons for it and why it maybe isn't as big an issue as you might be concerned with Bob.

Also this video suggests it is a user definable option on cars with a 'Highline' steering wheel (one with buttons that control the screen menu) and modifiable by a dealer on models without.

[youtube]1STqbLkhWfo[/youtube]

Cheers
Mark

 

[9fingers]

Thanks Mark,

It looks like VW have thought this out better in newer models than my friends car (51 plate Skoda - still VW group though)
Passengers cannot open the doors from the inside once the system is operational.
All fine provided that in the even of a shunt, minor or otherwise, the system does not fail to release.

I guess designs have matured over the years and this Skoda has a very early version.

Bob

 

[Wizard9999]

But didn't all cars use to have a catch you could move on the back doors to disable the internal handle, I always called them child looks. So if the concern is about people being able to get out that may already be an issue for anyone with young kids. Maybe that is what this is replacing, the only difference is it does the front passenger doors as well (surely drivers door not an issue as why would they be leaving while the car is running?).

It does then provide the benefits Mark describes, though there must be a higher concentration of psychotic individuals in up north as it has never happened to me either (puts on hard hat and ducks in preparation for the assault from the northern horde )

Terry.

 

[TrimTheKing]

...Passengers cannot open the doors from the inside once the system is operational...

Yes they can. A double pull on any internal door handle first unlocks then opens that door, assuming rear child locks not engaged.

"Function : After starting the vehicle and driving off the doors will automatically lock above 5mph. The doors remain locked until an interior door handle is pulled twice or the ignition is switched off and the key removed."

Where did you get that info from?

Cheers
Mark

 

[Rob]

Actually you did put a smiley Bob so apologies if I came across negative there.

You know the funny thing is that to this day I cant remember how I did it. I remember the car, it was a grand Cherokee and this would have been circa 2005. The keys were on the central consul just behind the auto gear lever. I can only assume that this particular model wasn't fitted with the gizmo that prevented the drivers door from centrally locking when it's open. I must have pressed the key fob central locking and then dropped the keys on the consul by mistake or put them there while I fumbled for my wallet and forgot. But obviously the drivers door must have then been opened and yet it remained locked when shut....this is something all cars either I or the Missus have owned since never do, to prevent exactly this conundrum.

Maybe that feature was a switch somewhere but I don't recall it.

I tell you something though, the AA/RAC have some tricks up their sleeve when things like this happen...happily

 

[9fingers]

...Passengers cannot open the doors from the inside once the system is operational...

Yes they can. A double pull on any internal door handle first unlocks then opens that door, assuming rear child locks not engaged.

"Function : After starting the vehicle and driving off the doors will automatically lock above 5mph. The doors remain locked until an interior door handle is pulled twice or the ignition is switched off and the key removed."

Where did you get that info from?

Cheers
Mark

I know it by trying it. I think your link is for a newer VW, my experience is with an older Skoda

Bob

 

[TrimTheKing]

Ah okay, with you. I thought you were referring to this version.

Ta
Mark

 

[9fingers]

Actually you did put a smiley Bob so apologies if I came across negative there.

You know the funny thing is that to this day I cant remember how I did it. I remember the car, it was a grand Cherokee and this would have been circa 2005. The keys were on the central consul just behind the auto gear lever. I can only assume that this particular model wasn't fitted with the gizmo that prevented the drivers door from centrally locking when it's open. I must have pressed the key fob central locking and then dropped the keys on the consul by mistake or put them there while I fumbled for my wallet and forgot. But obviously the drivers door must have then been opened and yet it remained locked when shut....this is something all cars either I or the Missus have owned since never do, to prevent exactly this conundrum.

Maybe that feature was a switch somewhere but I don't recall it.

I tell you something though, the AA/RAC have some tricks up their sleeve when things like this happen...happily

I've just been out to play with my Ford Cmax (54plate)
If you open a passenger door or the boot, press the lock button on the fob and then shut the door , the whole vehicle will lock. Trying that with the drivers door and it does not lock.
So something for me to beware of too.

Bob

 

[TrimTheKing]

So with yours it is possible to lock your keys inside?

Cheers
Mark

 

[9fingers]

So with yours it is possible to lock your keys inside?

Cheers
Mark

Yes, It takes a double (or triple) fault, eg
1) press the button with the door open (could be an error in picking up the fob?) and
2) put the keys down inside (drop them perhaps) and then compound it by
3) shutting a non driver door
but yes it is possible with particular skills and especially with the help of an accomplice. :lol:

Best habit for me would be shutting the driver door last then it cannot happen.

I think my dear old PUG405 estate used to beep the alarm if a lock attempt was made with the door open but sadly the alarm and the CL no longer work so it can't be locked anyway. No one has ever tried to nick it - they are too nice round our way :lol:
And she still starts first turn of the key - not bad for 22 year old wagon!

Bob

 

[AndyP]

Or had you ever had a drugged up psycho try to open your door to get to you to get to you having taken umbrage with being honked when they cut you up at traffic lights, and you're boxed in and can't move anywhere…

Which is why I NEVER EVER honk, flash, swear or wave my hands about at anyone. You just do not know who is in the car. Stay calm and don't get wound up, your blood pressure will benefit too. For some of course it is easier said than done. I am just a laid back relaxed cool dude, even behind the wheel.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I generally agree with and follow that advice Andy, but on this occasion I had the kids in the car and the clown veered across 2 lanes at 40mph right in front of me then dropped anchor nearly forcing me into the car next to me. Luckily that guy had seen what was coming and slowed down to leave me room to move into (so it transpired when we spoke by the side of the road after).

It was an automatic reaction and luckily people in 3 cars around got out to assist me and he got back in his car quickly then ran the red light.

We have his details to the police and I believe they stopped him a couple of miles up the road and he failed a drugs test.

Cheers
Mark

PS Terry, this one was in Scotland btw The lunatic babysnatcher was in central London!!!

 

[Rod]

I don't think you can switch it off but I really appreciate it - I carry our young Grandchildren around quite a lot and have read of several instances where bags etc have been snatched from unlocked cars whilst stuck at traffic lights etc.
I suppose I could unlock the car again with a push of a button but I only do that once we've stopped at our destination - the system also unlocks the doors in the event of a collision anyway.
I can choose from one button press for drivers door only ( again for security) then press again for the remaining doors or one press for all doors - I choose the first setting.
I've never ever locked my keys inside as I keep the keys in my pocket (keyless ignition) and I never press any of the door buttons when closing the doors so I cannot really see how I could do that?

Rod

 

[chippy1970]

On our Audi A3 you can change the central locking on the screen. Ours is set to lock over 5mph I think.

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[Robert]

Had to come look to see what was happening on ebay and it turns out it's cars instead

I did buy a new car recently - a Skoda Superb and very nice it is too. It has keyless start and entry - just leave the key in your pocket.

You can accidentally leave the fob in the car and lock it. If you do the car detects the key is inside and cracks the boot open but does not lift the door. that means if you know it is unlocked you can just open the boot and get in through it (hatchback and estate there is no saloon).

And it does lock the doors when you start moving but it is all definable in the menu settings.

 

[Wizard9999]

Had to come look to see what was happening on ebay and it turns out it's cars instead

I did buy a new car recently - a Skoda Superb and very nice it is too. It has keyless start and entry - just leave the key in your pocket.

You can accidentally leave the fob in the car and lock it. If you do the car detects the key is inside and cracks the boot open but does not lift the door. that means if you know it is unlocked you can just open the boot and get in through it (hatchback and estate there is no saloon).

And it does lock the doors when you start moving but it is all definable in the menu settings.

Sounds superb - I know, but somebody had to say it.

Skoda cars have completely shed their past as far as I can tell, but their naming department needs a kick up the backside for that one, all a bit "the lady doth protest to much, methinks"

Terry.

 

[RogerS]

Too much technology in modern cars IMO. Just more stuff to go wrong. And bloody expensive to put right.

 

[Rod]

They said that about ABS when that was first introduced but your right about the expense - thankfully things don't seem to go wrong as much in modern cars despite their complexity.
Apart from "Active Headlights" (which go round corners) my new car's got "Headlight Assist" where in theory you leave the cars main beam headlights switched on. It has a camera in the windscreen that senses car rear lights and lights coming towards it - swivelling each light as required independently.

Rod

 

[Rob]

Too much technology in modern cars IMO. Just more stuff to go wrong. And bloody expensive to put right.

I entirely agree with that sentiment. When I were a lad you could fix most things on your car with a trip to the breakers yard for the errant part and after a weekend of getting covered in grease, your car AND your masculinity were restored.

Now, the flippin' mechanics plug a laptop into my engine before they can tell me what's wrong with the dam thing!

Now where's that tub of Swarfega (rant over) :shock:

 

[RogerS]

Solutions looking for a problem IMO.