2. misc-audio
  3. 1345927301

Selling dispute. Please comment.

I recently sold a pair of mono amps and checked the box that indicated the original manual was included. I never use the manual for something like this and just assumed the manual was in the box as there were some various papers from the manufacturer in the boxes.

The buyer got the amps safely and they are in perfect condition as described. I shipped the same day the item sold. Unfortunately the manuals were not in the boxes the amps came in. These were the original boxes, but the manuals are not there according to the buyer.

I sent him the link to download the pdf of the manual. He is not happy with that. I offered to print a color double sided copy (on good stock) at Kinkos for $20 (at my expense) and ship that to him. He says that the original manual was promised and that I have to deliver that to him. And that he dervers two of them since the amps came in two separate boxes. He is threating to kill the deal and dispute with audiogon and paypal.

I admit that I'm in the wrong for mis-stating that the manuals were included. I will attempt to order the manuals from the manufacturer on Monday, but I don't know that the manufacturer will provide them even if I pay for them.

I'd appreciate comments regarding this problem. Thank you.
jaxwired
afranta
180 posts
 
On that point, I see clearly wrong ads all the time. In fact, the guy that sold me these exact amps, his ad said they came with "Remote". He checked the "Remote Included" box on his ad when he listed it. Now, of course power amps don't have remotes. However, should I make him give me my money back because he did not ship the remotes?

Of course that's not really the same situation. Yes, the buyer is being more exacting than most of us would be, but there's no real value in speculating about why he's being difficult. You clearly want to do the right thing. If you can't get an original manual from the manufacturer (and you might ask them whether they come one per pair of monoblocks), then have him ship the stuff back to you and refund him all of the money when you have them. I'd make it very clear, though, that if there's a fingerprint on them, you'll send them right back to him. (And I'd arrange to check them out before officially taking delivery.)
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
To those who say that the absence of a manual diminishes the value of the amps, I would ask them to provide evidence for that claim for the amps in question.

Hopefully the manufacturer will provide you with a replacement manual. But I wouldn't be surprised if your buyer objected to that, since Audiogon ads say "original accessories" and the replacement manual isn't the "original" manual. That sounds absurd, but so does demanding a refund on the basis of a manual. What is the feedback of the buyer like?

Jax, I agree with you on all counts. I respect that other people feel differently, but frankly I'm surprised you don't have more support on this. IMO, there are only two explanations for the buyer's behavior...

1. Buyer's remorse.
2. OCPD.

Neither one is your problem.

Bryon
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
If I put myself in the buyer's shoes I'd feel a bit cheated. Strong word I know but the ad was misleading. Like you though Jax, I wouldn't have any need for the paper manual and your apology would be sufficient.
If this buyer is insistent on the original manual I would cancel the sale and have the amps returned. Move on to the next buyer.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
You didn't know that the manuals were missing? How do you know that they weren't in the box? Maybe they were. Keep us posted if you get the original manuals, and if the buyer still wants to back out. Good luck.
theo's avatar
theo
2,666 posts
 
Unfortuneatly some get somehing stuck in their craw and can't let go. I think we all possess a little of this trait. Sad to say the ad read "manual included" and therfor if the manual in not there, the sale is not complete. But if you do obtain a manual from the manufacture, don't open the envelope leave it sealed so that he will know it as a factory original, or better yet have it sent directly to him. If it is not available then I would suggest offering him a partial refund for the cost of printing a PDF manual and a little something to compensate him for the trauma he seems to be going thru. But let him have it printed at Kinkos or you may be chasing your tail again with a "I wanted 20# paper and you used 18# copier stock" complaints. Now, personnaly I like to have the original, call it a quirk, but I feel I would be much more upset if it had a knob missing or a dent. After all it is an amp, most are capable of connecting an amp without the instructional DVD. Yes he is being a "pain" but he had expectations based upon the advertisment. Tough call for both sides, good luck, some times a buyer can be a challenge. But after more than 30 years in sales , most situations can be resolved with reasoning and appeal to sensible logic.
More to discover