I am trying to be calm and rational, but really do not know which way best to proceed... so I hope to hear from you clear thinkers in this forum.
I have just been swindled by an eBay seller. There is no doubt in my mind that it was an intentional and bold bonking. An item (hp computer) was shown in pictures and represented as complete; "as pictured, as is"...
I won the auction, and got the box today. It was packed in conformal foam. Inside, the computer had been stripped (even forcibly) of some critical parts, leaving it quite useless. This obviously happened prior to the foam packing.
It is now a spare parts depot only... can't use the thing as it sits now. To try to repair the damage to make it functional would require finding ANOTHER unit with the right components in place. The parts had been clearly visible in the original auction page pictures. But they were gone before it ever left their warehouse.
Naturally, I am angry. This seller has many glowing eBay feedbacks and VERY few negative. But I am beginning to decide that there is a DISINCENTIVE to complaining on eBay about anyone.
I have all good feedback myself. I like this fact. I COULD write what I think of the seller on eBay, but in his feedback and his response to mine, he can rebut my assertions any way he likes-- so IF I care about MY eBay reputation, it almost pays just to keep my mouth shut and move on, doesn't it?
Is this how to handle being conned? Is it just a case of "be a man and accept the risks of online auctions-- you are gonna get taken sometimes, and that's that"?
Or is there a better way to deal with a crooked seller? Have any of you had similar experiences, and what did you find yourself doing for redress or as warning to others?
Geez. I LIKE eBaying, have good experiences most of the time, but this one BITES. I mighta bid on the thing assuming the parts were non-functional and I could fix them; but to get the idea that the parts were considered "for the taking" AFTER I bought the unit, and may be a future auction, or a part of a refurbished unit that they sell-- well, makes me feel quite "used".
--- So. What do you all think is "the wise course"?
-- glynn.