2. misc-audio
  3. 174534-102527

Buyer Dispute

I would like to have some opinions of a remedy for this issue:

I purchased a pair of B&W 804D3 loudspeakers through Audiogon in August 2021. They were shipped in original containers by freight. The boxes arrived damaged with some holes in the boxes, but no damage to the speakers accept for one very small spot, which could be repaired with a drop of stain. However, neither tweeter was functioning. A multimeter revealed an open circuit across both voice coils. The seller said that they worked before shipping but offered to send me replacement tweeters under the previous owner' warranty which I agreed to. However, and here is the rub; Because of supply chain issues, Bowers and Wilkins did not, and still does not have the tweeters in stock. I have been waiting 6 months for the seller to provide the replacements from B&W, but they continue to be out of stock. In short, I paid nearly $7,000 in August 2021 for speakers that I still cannot listen to.

Any opinion on a path to resolution?

 

kirbymydog
tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,090 posts
 

 “These speakers were purchased from my local dealer new in May 2020.  They are in perfect condition and are an amazing pair of speakers.  I decided to upgrade them to the store's demo pair of 802's.  The store personnel delivered and set them up originally, and they returned to box them back up for resale”.

This sounds to me like a guilty seller providing an "excuse" prior to the sale. Maybe I am just suspicious, but it  paints a picture that is meant to preclude the complaint he knew would follow the sale.

I would file a complaint immediately and demand a refund with interest.

kirbymydog OP
36 posts
 

I asked to return them for refund several times. His last response was:

I'm not willing to do anything else.   I do not feel responsible for the backorder of parts.  You are free to purchase tweeters on your own and I'll still swap the other ones which you can resell later

ghasley
2,507 posts
 

@kirbymydog 

 

Hoping for a positive outcome for you. You have been too nice, too understanding and too flexible and by doing so, it ran out the clock for your remedies. The seller was and is behaving inappropriately in this transaction. You should only purchase in the future from nice people like yourself. You may miss a deal here or there but you won't have to erode/suspend your character or who you are in the process. Best wishes.

sokogear
1,097 posts
 

Did he tell you they were covered by manufacturer's warranty? You can't expect him to be involved if some problem should arise in the future within the warranty period.

Some manufacturers only honor the warranty for the initial purchaser. They work with their dealers to resolve the problem. IMHO if something is DOA, you get a full refund and seller pays shipping both ways. Warranty or not. 

Personally, I would not buy something at this price level without some dealer involvement, even if he is selling it on consignment for someone, you have an assurance that everything is in working order. It's worth the extra 20% for the peace of mind. 

Better yet, if possible, buy things that are within driving distance so you can check them out and drive them home yourself. Also avoid any possible shipping damage.

frogman
7,473 posts
 

Well said, ghasley.  +1 

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