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
ghasley
2,507 posts
 

Absolutely I would have a conversation with the dealer and the seller. Be extra nice but communicate that all you wanted were working speakers, as advertised by his employee. Communicate that you gave the seller the benefit of the doubt as well as a nauseatingly lengthy amount of time to remedy the problem. Explain that the seller represented his employment with the authorized dealer as evidence of his credibility. You extended the credibility because the dealer is a legitimate B&W dealer. If there is a representation problem, it actually exists between the seller and his employer as it wasn’t you who made the inference.
 

Now, explain that you are a man of principal and that you arent going anywhere. The last point is the one that usually results in a satisfactory resolution. Explain that you have no issue whatsoever with the idea of spending $100,000 in legal fees if they force you to chase this to ground. Its the principal of the matter.

mofojo
2,308 posts
 

Saying they were working before shipment is complete BS. They didn’t magically die during shipping. I would demand my money back including shipping. If you are willing to keep waiting for the replacement tweeters I would be demanding some compensation for you sitting there speakerless for half a year when none of this was your fault. 
 

if it gets nasty you can pull the social media card. I got into it with a not to be named company and after I talked with their corporate and explaining I would dedicate all my free time to tenaciously MFing them on social media they changed their tune. 
 

If mentioned I missed it, did they give you an eta when your tweets would finally be delivered? 

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

Dang ghasley you and I are like minded. There is a time and a place for all things including a plane ride.. 6 months, no speakers, 7K.. I’d be gittin’ ticked.. BUT be cool and FERM for now..

Tell the seller it's OK if he puts another pair on hold to take care of you first. Rip them off a new pair.. Like that's never happened.. GIVE ME MY SPEAKERS!

BTW my face is RED and I ain't drunk.... YET!!! Add a little gunpowder to my drink please..

Regards

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,784 posts
 

Why did you give the seller positive feedback? That sure does not look good for you to get any kind of a refund!

rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

@kirbymydog, I truly envy your calm,cool,level head.  

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