Having a problem with a buyer on ebay

[Scrimble]

Hey, I sold an NES and some games on ebay. I tested everything before listing and them again before shipping, and it worked just fine. The buyer said they received the package today but the controllers are broken. I asked them for more details and they said all they can do is press start on the second player controller but that's it.

Does anybody think that the controller port may have become disconnected during shipping? Do I tell them that's what may have happened and to open it and check? Should I refund them and have it sent back to me? Thanks for any suggestions/help

[Cornelius]

they should be able to test the controller in the player 1 port. That way they'll know if it is the controller or console.

I'm not sure I'd want someone opening an NES that I might have to take back. Not that it is hard to do, but some people just have bad vibes when it comes to electronics (i swear computers go psycho just from my wife walking in the room). If it were me, I'd offer a full refund of the auction price (not including your shipping and handling fee) and give it to them after you receive all of your stuff back. If everyone is being honest, the thing was damaged in transit, and you aren't responsible for that. Depending on the S&H you might have to eat the fees, and they might give you a negative even though you are just following eBay's standard policies.

tough call. good luck.

[FABombjoy]

I would say that the only way for a controller port to come disconnected in shipping is that, either it wasn't plugged in fully to begin with, or someone put an axe through the console. Those things are plugged in with a vengence.

Maybe they accidently let loose with some massive static shock when they plugged it in.

[ryborg]

If you think it was damaged in shipment, was insurance purchased? If so, make a claim.

Whenever I sell old systems, I always call them as-is. No refunds. I test all items/accessories so I know they worked when they left my office. If they purchased insurance, I will assist them in the claim, but if not, it's not my fault. It's part of buying second-hand electronics on ebay. There is always a risk something can happen, no matter how well-packaged an item is.
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[bangtango]

Hey, I sold an NES and some games on ebay. I tested everything before listing and them again before shipping, and it worked just fine. The buyer said they received the package today but the controllers are broken. I asked them for more details and they said all they can do is press start on the second player controller but that's it.

Does anybody think that the controller port may have become disconnected during shipping? Do I tell them that's what may have happened and to open it and check? Should I refund them and have it sent back to me? Thanks for any suggestions/help

You could have the buyer make a return. That is one option but you have to keep something in mind. There is no guarantee you'll be receiving the same NES or the same controllers that you sent him, if you catch my drift.

[Scrimble]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I offered a refund but they said they are gonna try to find different controllers or ask their local game store and ask what can be done?! So I guess I'll see what happens. Sounds a bit strange to me but it's probably nothing.


You could have the buyer make a return. That is one option but you have to keep something in mind. There is no guarantee you'll be receiving the same NES or the same controllers that you sent him, if you catch my drift.

heh well I copied the serial number just incase and remember a few distinct marks on the back of the controllers. Unless they switch all the casings ...