Buying parts from a forum member....

[Plantman]

I realize there is no policy and we live under the "buyer beware" theory, but hypothetically, if another forum member were to sell something defective, or the wrong part, to another member, would it be unreasonable to ask for a refund? Minus shipping costs?

I mean we are all here to help each other out, for the most part.

Just trying to figure out if there exists an "unspoken policy" or not.

Thanks

[The Warden]

I don't know of any unspoken policy, but I tend to agree with your sentiments on this...

Actually, I'm trying to get a door latch from a forum member (well, technically a forum member; I think he only got on this site to part out his car, and has never posted outside of the "Parts" FS forum)...and am having a bear of a time getting in contact with him.

*sigh*

[Brian Carlton]

Hey Plantman,

I hope my kit is not defective. It had better not be after all the testing I did with it

Did it make it all the way down I-95 yet?

[Plantman]

BC,

I got it and it looks like a really professionally made kit.

Kudos to you and the consultant GSXR.

I kind of worried on tackling it as the vacuum lines throw me for a loop somewhat. I'll try in the next day or so.

Regarding the initial post, I don't have a problem.......just asking in case.

I guess if one were so inclined, one could sell incorrect/defective parts get paid and then just forget it.

I have sold a couple of parts to Engatwork with no complaints and would gladly refund any $$$$ if parts were defective or incorrect.

[Brian Carlton]

I have not removed all the vacuum lines yet on the 603 like Dave has done. Right now I have just removed the line to the valve and plugged the supply.

I agree with you. If you are selling parts to other forum members, you have an obligation to ensure their satisfaction. If the part does not fulfill their expectations, then you take it back, no questions asked.

My kits are offered under the same terms. The community of the forum is much more important than the petty cost of a part.

[Plantman]

Well it seems that my "hypothetical
situation is becoming a real one.

I purchased a part from a member that turned out to be the incorrect one. I asked for an exchange/refund and my requests are being ignored.

The member is posting regarding other threads, as recently asyesterday, so he cannot claim to not have internet access.

Any suggestions on how to handle this?

It's not about the money altogether, it's that the general perception on this board is that it exists to help other Mercedes owners in their quest to maintain theirs cars.

It's about a feeling of trust that a fellow member will not screw you over, just to make a sale.

Of course there will always be people who don't give a rat's ass and just want to make a buck, regardless of how.

Should the member be exposed? Should I forget about it and learn my lesson? Should others be warned?

An inquiring mind wants to know.

Thanks

[Brian Carlton]

I would give him every possible opportunity to respond. I would e-mail him several times, over the course of 10 days to give him ample time to respond. I would specifically request that, if he does not want to take the part back, he should provide a proper response as to why.

I would send him a PM via MercedesShop just in case his e-mail is not functioning.

Since you have his address, I would send him a letter requesting that he take the part back.

If he still fails to communicate after multiple requests for dialog, via multiple sources, then he needs to be exposed. We would not want such a person to continue posting on the forum if he has no sense of community.

[sixto]

If you've exhausted the basic lines of communications, consult with the parts forum moderators. They might notice a pattern with the seller.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

[engatwork]

I would not sell something that I would not want to purchase myself for the price I am asking.

We should put that parallel flow condenser into service over the next week or so Plantman and the compressor cools me off every day.

[Plantman]

BC, Your ideas are pretty good but I'm not going to waste too much time chasing him.

I know he's on th enet cause he has other posts floating arounf that he's responding to.

I have sent PM's and emails and no respose.

I'll wait another day or so and let out who he is. If he has a legitimate reason for not returning my emails and pm's and makes good, I'll apologize afterwards.

At the very least, I figure I should get a return email saying I'm not getting nothing back, then I can stop wasting time.

I'd just like to make sure no one gets focked with higher priced items.

[Brian Carlton]

Sounds like you have already done all of your homework regarding this situation. My only reason for caution is that if, by some quirk, he did not get your e-mails, then you would be tainting an individual prematurely. An apology, after the fact, does not always remove the suspicion that is placed upon the individual.

I would advise the forum of his identity as the absolute last resort.

[lietuviai]

I've had 100% satisfaction from the forum members I have bought parts from. I would not hesitate to buy anything from them again.

[Plantman]

Originally posted by lietuviai
I've had 100% satisfaction from the forum members I have bought parts from. I would not hesitate to buy anything from them again.

Wanna buy a wood console that I can't use?

[lietuviai]

Originally posted by Plantman
Wanna buy a wood console that I can't use?

Is that one of those that is made to fit in the slot between the seats? I doubt I could use it because that's were I keep my 1.5L bottle of drinking water.

[coachgeo]

Originally posted by Plantman
Wanna buy a wood console that I can't use?

what car is the wood console for? The one between my seats is shot. (83 300DT) so is the trim on the glove box.