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Buyer is claiming damage that was done by him!

Hi group,
I sold a pair of mint Harbeths. I shipped them in original double boxed carton with original bonnets covering them. I just received this EMAIL from the buyer. I know that many ruin these speakers trying to pry  the magnetic grills off incorrectly. What is my recourse with this issue?
Thanks  much for your input!

This is the EMAIL I received from the buyer!

Hi. I picked up the speakers from FedEx yesterday. They arrived with some minor dents around the front top corners near the grille on both speakers. When I opened the outer box, I've noticed that one side of the inner box wasn't sealed on top and as a result the speakers came out of the top foam speaker holder. I guess the damage occurred from speakers bumping against each other. The grill cloth is also ripped near the dents. I've sent an email to Harbeth asking how much replacement grills are going to cost. I could probably live with those dents but grills might be replaced at some point. I'm still waiting on my amp to come back from service, so I have not even plugged the speakers in yet. Hopefully the drivers are ok.    
128x128yogiboy
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy OP
5,714 posts
 
@ fynnegan
The P3 is like all other Harbeths. You need a magnet puller to remove the Grills without ripping them! I supplied it with the speakers!
@axeis1
 Yes I do!
@dobnbav  
Insured them for full value! 
@whipsaw 
I want to break them in before I can compare them with the standard model!
guppy
133 posts
 
It is exceedingly obvious that the buyer tried to remove the grills and damaged the speakers, and as anyone who owns or has owned Harbeth speakers understands the grills are very difficult to remove and it is very easy to damage the speakers. Skylan sells a magnet device to remove the grills which is very worthwhile for Harbeth owners. Yogiboy seems to be a very honest audio enthusiast who is active in this forum and has sold many Harbeth speakers by sharing his opinions on this very fine company's products. It would be nice if Harbeth would step up and send the buyer a few new grills just to put an end to this unfortunate situation. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy OP
5,714 posts
 
@guppy
The distributor ( FIDELIS ) has shipped him new grills ( at my cost ). I shipped this magnet puller with the speakers but I guess this dimwit did not read my instructions. The only thing I got from this sale is a bad case of agida!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/MASTER-MAGNETICS-100-lb-Pull-Power-Handle-Magnets-96544/203613179
doubleblindtest
12 posts
 
Were the speakers insured?  If so, make a damage claim with FedEx.  How did he pay for the speakers, Paypal, credit card?  I would be concerned that he will put the transaction in dispute and get his money that way.  As much as it hurts, paying for new grills might be cheaper in the long run if that resolves it.  I hate when this stuff happens.  Good luck.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
⬆⬆⬆⬆

We already have that covered.
As long as Op refunds the $200 via original PayPal payment then it's on record that buyer has already agreed to a partial refund.

PayPal would then not be likely to stand by the buyer or even accept any further future claims with that in the books.
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