Am I overreacting or does this guy deserve a neg or a neutral?

[Kitsune Sniper]

I purchased this RAM stick for my PC on the 13th. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320616315914) The item was advertised as being new, but when I got it, I inspected it and saw that it had wear marks. You know how cartridge games can get dirt in the contacts due to wear? Well, this RAM has some. I've bought new RAM And it's not supposed to have these marks.

Also, even though I bought the item on the 13th, the item wasn't actually shipped until the 19th. The auction page (and My eBay page) made it clear that the estimated arrival date was supposed to be the 17th/18th, which means the guy listed the item with a "one business day after payment" shipment date. He sent a message on the 19th claiming it was "shipped out a few days ago" - but the Delivery Confirmation number ( 0309 1830 0000 5459 1569 ) says otherwise.

So what now? I don't want a refund, since I wouldn't get my $20 back. I think the price was fair. But I ALSO don't like to be lied to or given the runaround. I figured I'd ask you guys first... I dunno.

Thoughts?

[ryborg]

Calling a clearly used item brand new is pretty terrible if you ask me. However, is it possible the seller didn't know? Did it come sealed in the blister pack as shown in the photo?

[Kitsune Sniper]

The blister pack doesn't have a seal. It's one of those push-it-and-it-locks-shut ones. I've bought RAM in the past and that's how I've always received new RAM, so it didn't really bother me.

I was able to see the wear marks from the outside, without having to open the thing, which was what made me worry.

[megasdkirby]

I would first test the RAM to see if it works. If it does, I would kindly tell the seller that the RAM was used due to tthe fact that it had marks that indicates it was. Never state anything about a partial refund nor make the seller feel "under pressure". I say this because when I do that, I usually get a friendly response and the seller is kind enough to help me, either it be send me a replacement, give a partial refund, or just apologize. With an apology, I am happy.

Concercing DSR's...if the seller apologizes, I would not rate him/her at "ITEM CONDITION" but I would rate her/him for the rest.

[Tokimemofan]

I wouldn't bother complaining a local computer shop I go to sells its new sticks with a warranty sticker on the stick and placed inside the original box. the contact marks don't seem suspicious. If the marks are heavy then I might be more inclined to question the seller about it. I am a bit suspicious of the number of neutral feed back about a single type of problem.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I wouldn't bother complaining a local computer shop I go to sells its new sticks with a warranty sticker on the stick and placed inside the original box. the contact marks don't seem suspicious. If the marks are heavy then I might be more inclined to question the seller about it. I am a bit suspicious of the number of neutral feed back about a single type of problem.

1: I don't buy stuff from local stores. I don't think a $10-$40 markup on a piece of equipment is fair. I'm comparing this to stuff bought online at internet stores that don't sell used items. Furthermore, a local computer shop will usually let you examine the item prior to buying it. If I noticed the marks on something that was sold as new through the plastic packaging, I'd demand another item or just refuse to buy anything until they gave me something that was -truly brand new-.

2: The marks ARE suspicious. This RAM is supposed to be -brand new-. As in nothing has ever touched its contacts. They're supposed to be 100% free of any kind of markings or dirt.

3: If it was up to me I would've given the guy a negative immediately, but no, I preferred to ask for advice. You know why? Because I don't want to be one of those buyers who get blocked because they have a legitimate complaint about the items they received. I bought something that was supposed to be new and it wasn't. The seller also lied to me about when the item was shipped. What the hell am I supposed to think?

[Kitsune Sniper]

Well, I sent him a message.

He said he tested the RAM on his system and only made it past post. And that was it. He offered a $5 refund for the delay in shipping and the fact that it wasn't brand brand new. So I accepted it.

This wouldn't have been an issue if he'd mentioned that on the auction page... I would've been fine with that and paid the $20. Oh well, live and learn I suppose.

[megasdkirby]

Because I don't want to be one of those buyers who get blocked because they have a legitimate complaint about the items they received.

Unfortunately, due to the atmosphere and attittude Ebay has encouraged, many sellers will block buyers for just stating that they are worried or something minor, even if the buyer gives them positive feedback and all 5's in DSR's. This is because they don't want to deal what they THINK is a PITA buyer. This is silly, I know, but the fault lies entirely on Ebay and what they've created. I few months ago I asked a seller if the item included the manual (a Colecovision game) and he pretty much said "No, and since you are asking, you seem demanding and not worth the hassle to deal with. BBL for you." Fun, eh? All because I asked if the game came with manual. Sigh...

$5 off is not bad Kitsune. But yeah, he should state that in his listing to prevent future issues. Do you know if he added you to his BBL? I have a feeling he did.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I don't think he did, because he really did sound apologetic in his reply.

Ah well. I'm going to leave a positive since he came through in the end.

[JohnnyA]

Glad it turned out well in the end.