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A bad situation

I'm looking for opinions as to how to resolve a situation that arose recently. I sold a preamp to a gentleman here on Audiogon for $150. From what I can tell he wanted to use the preamp as an inexpensive phono section. He sent me a money order and I in turn sent off the preamp via UPS insured, packaged up with plenty of bubble wrap so (in theory) it wouldn't get damaged. The preamp arrives, but, the selector switch is broken and evidently the switch is an oddball component that cannot be sourced. I know the preamp was working fine before I shipped it, I sure wouldn't sell a piece of broken equipment, not even for a $150. What's the equitable thing to do in this situation? Make a claim with UPS? Pay a tech to hardwire the premap, bypassing the selector switch? Refund his money and throw the thing away? I know, it's only $150 but at the same time there really ought to be a code of ethics we all try to follow. I understand the buyers disappointment and he may even feel like he's been screwed, I want to make this right. Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca
moonwalker
2 posts
 
Jeff, Firstly, I would not ship via UPS because of the notorious service they provide. I have also heard from forums that it is very difficult to make a claim on damaged packages.

Secondly, you need to talk to the buyer to see what he wants to do ie. refund him the $ or reduce the price so he can have it fixed. It is the BUYERS call to make. You're the shipper and should be responsible for the danaged merchandise.

Thirdly, file a claim with UPS. Make sure the buyer has the damages packaging as UPS would like to inspect it.

lastly, I trust that you're a good guy as I see your postings on this site. Please make it right for the buyer.

Thanks
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
I have to agree with all of your posts, the buyer expected something that works, and received a damaged unit. I sent him an email this morning advising him I will refund his money including shipping. It sounds like a lot of time and effort to try to get my $150 out of UPS so I'm not going to bother, hopefully the buyer can get it working one day and have something functional to make up for his aggravation. Thanks to all who took the time. Jeff
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
Jeff that is the correct thing to do. Justlisten I will have to remember never to buy an item from you, amazing
you think the buyer has any obligation here. Absolutely the seller has the obligation to deliver the product as advertised. If damaged in shipping that is still the sellers
obligation to make right. Jayboard I am with you and am disturbed by a couple responses!
lesteryoung's avatar
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lesteryoung
7 posts
 
The moral of this story seems clear, and is a message that I cannot stress enough in the purchase, sale and shipment of audio equipment--DO NOT USE UPS!!!! Sooner or later they will get you. I set up my own FedEx account and have everything possible shipped through FedEx. It does cost more, but damage is much, much less likley to occur. Shipment is also more reliable-- UPS often misdirects its packages to places other than the stated destination and can dissappear for weeks-- I have never had this problem with FedEx.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,657 posts
 
I would love to hear what "cornfedboy" has to say about this. I always respect his opinion in these matters.
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