Tuesday, November 6, 2012

ebay fail: the liability of not looking closely at listings

I have a special spot in the kitchen reserved for a mid-century atomic style clock. And, I have been looking at eBay listings for mid-century atomic clocks for a long time. I finally spotted the perfect clock. Before you can say "buy now," I entered a bid.

mid-century atomic clock

This picture is from the actual listing. Don't you think the Indian on the wall is a nice touch?

After entering my first bid, I was immediately outbid. Which caused me to pause and think twice. No, of course not. I quickly entered a "max" bid. Ha!

What were the signs I overlooked?
  1. Brief description: "It's a beautiful piece of mid-century design that would look perfect in your mid-century atomic ranch home.  It is in perfect condition but needs a new battery. 16" diameter."  It has the dimensions because I emailed the seller and asked.
  2. Blurry Picture (see above)
  3. Weird Seller Feedback: Buyer rated seller a "neutral" and mentioned shipping; the seller called him a jerk.
And what did I get? One beat-up, scratched, rusted, non-working mid-century atomic (?) clock. I hung it in the office to remind me of my foolishness. Oh, and it doesn't keep time, not even a little.

Dents and scratches.


mid-century atomic clock


Rust. 

mid-century atomic clock


Dents and rust combo shot.



Annie is perplexed. I usually have such good taste.

mid-century atomic clock


Disappointed.

Annie the calico cat


Maybe I can parlay it into something like Dana's clock wall?


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16 comments:

  1. Awww, so sorry you were disappointed. I hate when that happens. I'd contact the seller for a refund and file a claim with file a claim with eBay if necessary since it wasn't as described.

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    1. I have used eBay for years and am debating the merits of riling up this seller. Honestly, it is the first time I have felt a bait and switched. But I did do it to myself. Maybe I'll contact the seller just to see what the reaction is.

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  2. Hmmm...maybe I can't watch the election returns and type a comment that makes sense at the same time...LOL

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    Replies
    1. Haha. I debated the merits of posting this during the middle of the election returns.

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  3. If the description said 'perfect condition' and you got something that's scratched and rusty, you have the right to complain. Just make a negative feedback, voice your disappointment and see what happens.

    I know it's such a pain and you don't want to deal with it, but just give it a try:)

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    Replies
    1. Okay. I have sent the seller a note that I would like to return based on "item not as described." We shall see. I will report back.

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  4. Can you believe I have never bought anything from ebay?!
    I'm so old fashioned and like to see and feel something with my very own eyes and hands before I part with cash (probs missing out on lots of really good stuff)
    Your clock looks awesome from a distance, but I feel your pain. I would've been very upset and cross with myself too - you've been lied to and taken advantage of, and that's just wrong. I'd complain.

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    Replies
    1. Kylie, you have never known the joys of eBay? When it works, it works EXCELLENT. When it is bad it is oh so horrid. It is honestly smart to stay away. Actually I am curious as to what will happen. I have never tried to return anything on eBay. Nor have I had anyone complain about anything I have sold on eBay. It is not the end of the world. I needed to learn the lesson for sure.

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  5. I'd definitely get your money back! He even described it as Mid-Century, and while it is made in the style, it certainly isn't of that period.

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    Replies
    1. I know. I was being such a dork. Had I checked yours or Dana's blogs I would have figured out my error. I am normally not so hasty.

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  6. What a shame!! I love the look of the clock itself.
    I heard Otto's "Disappointed!!!" (from a Fish Called Wanda) when I read your post. Hope seller co operates should you choose to get your money back.xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seller still quiet. It would be simple to get a new clock piece for the back. I can make this work!

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  7. Have you tried Etsy? I love the prices and the community of sellers.

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    Replies
    1. I have tried it a tiny bit. I usually do okay with eBay. First time for everything! I will give Etsy more of a look see though. Thanks!

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