Ebay woe...however

[Chris_1984]

Basically, I've been sold a catering urn on eBay that wasn't as described. Now, whilst I'm out for blood from the seller (the concept of me returning it in the post at my own cost will probably have to be addressed) I want to see if anyone here can help me potentially salvage it.

It has 3 elements in it, but it is a 3 phase lead connection; I know this as the item description stated "will require a new plug & lead" which actually means "we've cut off the lead so you'll have to rewire it but we won't mention it in the item description"

How much faffing about to rewire it would potentially be required? Otherwise I may just have to end up using it as a mashtun

 

[calumscott]

If it's not as described you are entitled to your money back including postage. You did paypal it didn't you?

 

[Chris_1984]

Yeah, but the seller delivered it personally rather than fork out for postage. I however have no means of transport...

 

[calumscott]

Yeah, but the seller delivered it personally rather than fork out for postage. I however have no means of transport...

Ouch... I don't know how you'll get round that one.

 

[markmark]

Single phase to 3 phase inverter.....but they are not cheap :evil:

 

[Chris_1984]

Is there anyway I could remove the elements and perhaps use it outdoors over a gas burner?

 

[LeithR]

If its not as described you can appeal to Ebay themselves. The seller may have to come and pick it up again if thats how he chose to deliver it. The biggy is that it is not as described and it sounds like they may have used underhand tactics to avoid describing it correctly just to get rid of it, thats not on!!

 

[bobsbeer]

If it's not what you expected and can't make use of it I would register a dispute with E Bay asap. The seller may just come round and pick it up rather than get a bad report.

 

[Chris_1984]

Oh yeah - don't worry. As soon as I took a look at it (the seller literally dumped it outside and drove off) I knew I'd be onto eBay.
At the moment, I haven't touched it; i'm leaving it alone so I can take photos as proof that it isn't what was described.

 

[kentmark]

I'd definatly raise an ebay dispute. You never know, he may try ignoring you in which case ebay may just rule in your favour!

 

[Jeltz]

Where are you and the seller, it might be possible for a friendly local forum member to give you a lift to return it.

 

[Chris_1984]

I'm all the way in east laaaaandon and the seller is in deep dark Hertfordshire, hopefully bricking it.
They've got until next week to answer the case put to them in the ebay resolution centre...

 

[Kevin Wood]

Worth disputing it over Ebay, as said.

However, should that not work out, or you get a refund but the seller can't be bothered to come and collect it, all may not be lost.

There's no reason why one or more of the elements shouldn't be powered from a suitably rated single phase supply. The wiring will need rearranging for this, and you'd need to check the ratings of the elements, but there's nothing special about a 3 phase supply as far as heating elements are concerned. Obviously, contact someone who knows what they are doing for help if you are not competent with electrics.

 

[Chris_1984]

Justice has been done; the seller didn't even attempt to make contact and now eBay has ruled in my favour; full refund.
Now, just the matter of what to do with this big old lump of metal - unless the seller comes to collect it (highly doubtful) I should take some pics and open up the floor to you guys & see what you think...

 

[bobsbeer]

Glad you got your money back. :thumb:

 

[Vossy1]

Justice has been done; the seller didn't even attempt to make contact and now eBay has ruled in my favour; full refund.

:party: ...I've had this before...it still irks me when the seller does the 'no contact' option though....arse :nono:

 

[graysalchemy]

Probably totally embarrassed :lol: :lol:

 

[Chris_1984]

My goodness the audacity of the seller; I thought it was all done & dusted. Then I find that they've emailed me today to say:

"When are you going to return the boiler or when can we collect it?"


Kind of at a loss as to what my reply should be. I had no contact from them during the eBay dispute, and although I got a refund is the item technically theirs/mine?

 

[chrig]

Tell the seller that its out on the drive and they can collect when they wish, after all that's how it was delivered. They'll be quick if they think the scrap man might have it, make sure they are aware you won't be spending any time or money returning it.

 

[Chris_1984]

Aye, I also thought to tell them that it's also on an auction site but if they want it, they can buy it back...bit cheeky i know!



So far, all I've done is emailed back to say something along the lines of: "Am I correct in understanding that despite everything you now want it returned??"