Why I left negative feedback for Vinylconcepts
This is regarding ebay auction # 2456682183
The item for auction was a 2003 Subframe for a Honda CBR600RR.
End date of auction: 02/02/04
End bid price: $89.99
Shipping cost: $23.00
UPDATE 3/3/04: - Vinylconcepts contacted me today via email. He indicated that they were out of town on family business and would refund my requested difference of $39.99. In exchange, I will update my feedback page (here) and I will also remove negative feedback through squaretrade.
[original page follows]
Why I'm writing this:
I'm writing this because feedback gives a person very little room to explain
problems and inform other bidders. Plus, this transaction has just plain ticked
me off. I've been an ebay'er since 99, and I've never had a transaction
problem that I couldn't resolve until now. I figured you might want to know
about it and make your own decisions.
Series of events:
02/02/04 - Auction closes
02/03/04 - I paid $112.99 via paypal to the seller
02/10/04 - I emailed vinylconcepts asking for tracking #'s
02/12/04 - I received a FedEx pre-ship notice indicating the item was shipped
on 2/12 and delivery expected 2/18/04
02/18/04 - Item arrived (but I was out of town at the time)
02/21/04 - I opened the item and found it terribly bent and cracked
02/21/04 - I emailed vinylconcepts about the poor condition of the item
02/23/04 - I emailed vinylconcepts again since I had not heard any response
02/24/04 - I sent 2 more emails to vinylconcepts since I had not heard any
response
02/25/04 - I filed complaints with Squaretrade and Ebay due to no response
02/28/04 - I filed complaint with PayPal
Additionally, I've tried calling the number listed numerous times, but I have never gotten in touch with anyone.
03/02/04 - Today. Still NO RESPONSE from Vinylconcepts.
What would have made me happy out of the deal? $39.99. That would have prevented me from leaving a negative feedback. The subframe will need to be repaired to be used. I'm willing to do that, but would have only expected to pay around $50 for a subframe in this condition. Not the $89.99 I paid for a subframe that was ADVERTISED as "appears to be straight and ready to mount". It was FAR from straight and nowhere near able to mount.
This seller has had multiple complaints for the SAME problems. Items misrepresented and LATE shipping.
Probably what prompted me most to write this page though is the fact that I have a perfect ebay reputation (well, 1 neutral from a misunderstanding buyer) and vinylconcepts has a proven reputation for retaliatory negatives which I'm fully expecting from me leaving them a negative. However, I want YOU to know that as a bidder, I've done everything by the book in paying promptly and communicating effectively. I tried every possible means of contact (2 separate email addresses although one is not valid anymore and phone) but have received NO response.
At this point, I'm done and will let it rest. I could reverse the charge on my credit card, but I don't feel that's fair since I will keep and repair the subframe. However, it's also not fair that me as a consumer should have to eat $40 because of a false or incorrect advertisement.
In the end, this could be a big mixup and perhaps vinylconcepts is just on an extended vacation. Time will tell, and I am more than willing to update this page with anything that Vinylconcepts wants to say about this matter.
Questions? Email me