2. misc-audio
  3. 1034906102

Potential problem with sale.

I didn't see this possible dilema addressed in the archives. My question has to do with a product you sell being properly represented, no functional or comsmetic issues, but not being compatible with the buyer's system. Case in point-- I have recently sold a dvd player (Camelot) which when hooked up to the buyer's 16:9 tv (Panasonic) produces uneven blackbars when playing a 2.35:1 movie in progressive scan mode-thin bar at the top and a wider bar at the bottom. The buyer is going to trade his tv for a Mitsubishi tomorrow and hopefully this will be a non-issue. I had no problems with my Sony XBR2. What is my obligation to the buyer if the new tv performs in the same manner? Am I to let him return the player to me for refund? My opinion is that sales on Audiogon are final and not a trial of the equipment (if properly represented). I have good feedback, and wouldn't want that to change because of this transaction. I am interested in the views and opinions of other Audiogoners as to this situation. Thanks for your time and input.

Jeff Strossner
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xjstrossner
itsalldark
182 posts
 
Jeff, I sold a Krell KRC-3 to a guy last year. It was in like new condition with original box,warranty etc. Worked perfectly in my system. Diconected it , packed it and shipped to the next state over which UPS delivered the very next day! He calls me and tells me that the unit has a wicked buzz. So I co through all the grounding issues to no avail. I told him to return it to me on his dime and sold it to the next person in line and they were thrilled with it. I would, and did take it back. I knew there was nothing wrong with it, but felt it was the correct thing to do. Hope this helps, and good luck.

Bill
esun
32 posts
 
I think that part of the general good will of Audiogon is that people should take things back if there is reasonable cause. If any buyer contacted me about a problem within the first few days of receiveing something from me, I would take it back, even if I had never noticed the problem before, or it had been damaged during shipping. If an item does not work for the buyer, even if it worked for you, then you should take it back. Also, how you represent and rate your equipment in an ad cannot possibly describe your item as well as seeing and using the item in person. Because we are all buying items sight unseen, it is important to extend the courtesy of taking returns, and expect (hope) that others extend the same courtesy. However, I think shipping is fair game. If they want you to refund the money, they should pay for shipping back to you. Just my opinion, others may differ on this.
dtsag
119 posts
 
If it is a compatible issue, you have no obligation to do anything.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Anyone who buys something to be shipped should realize there is the possibility that it could be damaged in transit. If this unit doesn't function correctly with his next TV, I think it would then be safe to assume something could well be wrong inside the case. It's a bummer, but the buyer should take it to the shop to find out, and make a claim with the shipper if need be. It's hard to get satisfaction that way though in the absence of obvious box damage, so if I were the seller, I'd probably offer to split the repair cost, but I see no reason for you to have to take the piece back and pick up the repair tab by yourself (unless you did a lousy packing job). Best of luck!
soundsgr8tome
28 posts
 
I agree with Dtsag completely. It's the responsibility of the buyer to know if what you are selling is compatible. Your responsibility is to accurately represent what it is you are selling. If you do that, and it doesn't work for the buyer, then that may be a problem but it is not yours unless you CHOOSE to take it back upon yourself.
The result is: that now YOU have the problem and HE/SHE no longer does.
I don't know about you but one of my cardinal rules is that: Whenever someone brings me a problem, and tries to give it to ME, I make it very clear that they will LEAVE with the problem. Because if they give it to ME, then I now have the problem, and THEY no longer do.
A lot of folks will try to do that to you...don't let'em.
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