Ebay scam

Just a heads up on a new scam from Ebay sellers.

They deliberately misdescribe, send you the wrong product, then delay accepting a return and giving a refund until you give up!

A while ago I "bought" some relays on Ebay from China. What I got was a small packed of electrical connectors. No big deal as only pence were involved. I contacted the seller who apologised for the mistake and asked me if I wanted a refund or would I wait for the original order? I said I would wait. Of course, the order never turned up, the seller changed his listing (no deliveries to my area now), and I never got my relays! The value is so small that it's not worth bothering.

Fast forward. I need a new carburetor for the quad. Found one advertised for my model, pictures looked good, with the supplier's address was near London, so I went ahead and bought.

The carb has arrived but it is not suitable for my quad as the choke is not operated by cable but what appears to be a set screw. That couldn't be seen in the photos because the hole is covered by a plastic cap. A spark arrestor is also missing, but I saw that in the pictures and it is not essential.

I've asked to return and for a refund. The seller is now procrastinating and making offers. The tactics seem to be to delay things so I'll give up. That ain't gonna happen! Just be aware.

The annoying thing is I've found the correct carburetor advertised on Amazon and Ebay at approximately the same price, but in the USA. It is full spec but OEM and with good reviews. But the shipping and handling is over £50. At that price, I could buy from a dealer. None of the carbs listed on Alibaba are suitable, except one. Minimum order 50 units. Anyone tried asking for a sample? Why is it that the UK always has to lose out? Being scammed too really annoys me!

Living where I do (Scottish Highlands), I do a lot of shopping online and buy a lot off Ebay, mostly from established sellers. Increasingly buying stuff from China! Most of my experiences have been good, so very disappointed when they are not.

This guy is still trying to string me along. Now wants me to post five star feedback before he will give a refund. I don't think so!

Talking of scams, this on Gumtree tonight almost had me reaching for the phone when the brain woke up!

https://www.gumtree.com/p/plant-tractors/1992-massey-ferguson-390-tractor-and-loader/1317968048

carpenter1 said:

Slightly off topic but ebay related. Should you get back the postage, if the item was not as described?

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Speaking personally (so opinion, not necessarily the law), I think you should. If someone causes you harm, a court should decide that you should be put back in the sitiuation you were in before in so far as money can do that. But I suspect consumer legislation may say different. Speak to consumer protection.

Ha! So it appears that the Chinese read TFF!

Just received a notification that I've been given a full refund via Ebay/Paypal! Not been informed of any address for a return yet though.

Incidentally, the item was a carburetor for a Honda TRX350 quad. It was listed as "for a TRX350 Rancher..." etc. but when it arrived there was no attachment for a cable controlled choke, so no effing good to me. Only £28 so I suspect most would have written the cost off. You can't see that the little hole for the choke cable isn't a slide fit (as it should be) but has a threaded insert because of a plastic cap.

I suppose I'm bound to give this little towrag a half decent feed back now. But I think I'll be telling Joe Public that the carb isn't suitable for a TRX350, though!