Has this happened to you?


I have been a buyer/seller an Audiogon for about a year-and-a-half now. So far, I have received nothing but positive reviews as a buyer and a seller. I only sell known good gear and even above and beyond the 7/14 day buyback policy I do whatever it takes to make things right with my buyers. However, two months ago I sold a working amp to a buyer. Just recently I got a message saying it hums. So, I suggested the usual troubleshooting tips and was waiting for the results before I decided to buy it back or fix it (if it was in fact even broken). Instead I get my first negative feedback including a statement to the effect that I knowingly sold a defective amp. I disputed the feedback and it is now under review. I sent a subsequent message to the buyer stating I would buy it back or fix it and pay the shipping. If it turned out to be not broken he would incur the cost of the shipping. Sound fair enough? So far I have not heard back from the buyer. Meanwhile my rating has dropped from 100% to 83%. I'm thinking the dispute should be resolved in my favor. I'm sure some of the rest of you have had similar experiences to this? I mean it's not the end of the world I suppose but still.....
128x128whitesmoke
+1 sfall. 

How many days later did your buyer notified about the problem after receiving the item?  
Did you by chance follow up with the buyer after he received the item? 

Some of the older amps have ground loop issues which can be easily fix by removing the ground pin on PC. 
First, I would contact Audiogon and explain the situation. They are aware of such things and can help you sort things out.
Second, I, too have heard of buyers doing such things.
The buyer of my Vandy 3a sigs had someone do much the same thing. The worst part was that he didn't notice the negative feedback until it was too late to respond.
Third, if none of the above results in a positive resolution, then explain to future buyers what you have experienced. In my case, I accepted my buyer's description of what happened, and felt he deserved the benefit of the doubt.
Bob
- And, yes, he deserved it.
Thanks for all the replies, folks. The buyer finally responded to my email and is willing to take my advice as regards grounding issues and is willing to revise his feedback rating.

for me it's substantially simpler:

1. used amp can get technical problems any time from purchase and cannot be guaranteed.

2. most likely you get bad feedback removed by admins and no need to hassle buying back and paying extra shipping.