Wanted For Free: Bad transaction experience advice

[sanibel sailor]

I bought a set of Raymarine ST60 instruments depth/wind/speed from a guy on this board with his assurances that they worked. I checked them immediately on arrival. The knotmeter was DOA, no numbers/light on display. I contacted the seller and returned it promptly. He confirmed receipt. He was to have an electronics friend check it and get back with me. Two weeks later, no response, so I inquired. He said the guy was out of town but he would refund the money I paid for the unit. That was 6 or more weeks ago now, messages are not being returned, although his profile page shows he still frequents the board.

I have been polite so far and tried to resolve this privately, but feel that unresponsiveness suggests poor intent.

I doubt there is any recourse thru the forum, other than peer pressure. Any suggestions?

[belizesailor]

How did you pay for the items?

[sanibel sailor]

check, unfortunately

[belizesailor]

Oops. For future reference, Ive found PayPal useful in situations like this.

[model 10]

Who is this SOB? Where does he live?

[Calypso52]

Riggear was this you?

Yes, all it takes is one bad apple to spoil the whole bushel, grrrr. I have purchased a bunch of stuff from this forum (and sold a bunch of stuff) and only one item was a disappointment in my view. Virtually everyone has been prompt and follows through on their commitments. That is why Ebay has buyer and seller ratings. Perhaps this board needs to consider something similar.

In the meantime, I scan through the seller's posts to try to get a flavor for them. And yes use Pay Pal and use the "Buy goods and services" payment option instead of "Transfer money" option. If the seller balks, may be worth paying the fee as a bit of insurance.

If you don't get satisfaction, then by all means, call him out by name.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by Vasco

For future reference I would not buy anything from a board member that only has 9 posts.

This and the paypal advice is best heeded...

I've bought about 10 items here with nothing but spectacular salty friends made...

[Tingum]

So post the guys name so no one else gets screwed!

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by Tingum

So post the guys name so no one else gets screwed!

Better yet, after forwarding copies of all of the interactions & correspondence to a mod (for review), have them post his name & handle as a Sticky, in the For Sale section(s).

[nigel1]

I think this thread has talked itself into being closed.

John, report your concerns to the mod team, we might not be able to help much, but at least it wont be a lynch mob.
A couple of posts on this thread are going to be deleted, as a false accusation has been made.

[riggear]

Hi Everyone,

A:- refund HAS sent

B:- nice to see people looking out for fellow boaters

C:- One would think that "Cruisers" would be understanding of delays of mail and Internet connections while off sailing. Not always easy. Of course those that just sit at the dock playing online would know off this reality.

PEACE... Happy Holidays


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