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My worst on-line record buying experience EVER!
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 40,680
in Other Music
This really has me frosted. I recently made a multiple LP purchase from a Discogs seller (name to be withheld). I had made a purchase from this seller once before and it went quite well, so I gave it another go. Only this time, three of the records were obviously over-graded. The seller told me to return the records. I figured they were the cheapest in the lot and not worth the hassle of dealing with the return so offered instead to save him the return shipping cost and, instead, issue me a $3 refund- one dollar for each record. Much to my surprise and dismay, this is the response I got:
"Of course. Because not returning something you 'have issues with', when
given the chance to do so with a full refund including return shipping,
shows clear intention of motive. If I make a mistake (they happen, as we
are human), I pay for it with return shipping paid out of pocket by me.
But I've also been keeping detailed notes on items as a safety
precaution for the rare occasion that situations like this arise. Don't
do this to other sellers. You certainly won't have another chance to
ever do it with me.
Your message follows the form of the website that first published the info on how to get backdoor discounts on ebay purchases a dozen or so years ago, from starting out with thanking the seller for the quick shipping and then ending with the passive aggressive 'please advise'. Not only are sellers wise to this behavior, but sites like discogs and ebay have squashed the whole premise of partial refunds, feedback manipulation, etc. If you would have left me a negative, discogs would have removed it, and given you a strike on your account.
It's especially sad and offensive that I spend a whole lot of time play grading cheap records to accurately present the grade, not to mention the fact that my prices are low AND there is free shipping for 5+. But you wanted to go a step further and try to chisel an additional $3 from me. Not cool.
I'm not going to bother reading or responding to any further messages from you."
Your message follows the form of the website that first published the info on how to get backdoor discounts on ebay purchases a dozen or so years ago, from starting out with thanking the seller for the quick shipping and then ending with the passive aggressive 'please advise'. Not only are sellers wise to this behavior, but sites like discogs and ebay have squashed the whole premise of partial refunds, feedback manipulation, etc. If you would have left me a negative, discogs would have removed it, and given you a strike on your account.
It's especially sad and offensive that I spend a whole lot of time play grading cheap records to accurately present the grade, not to mention the fact that my prices are low AND there is free shipping for 5+. But you wanted to go a step further and try to chisel an additional $3 from me. Not cool.
I'm not going to bother reading or responding to any further messages from you."
Yeah, OK, no doubt this happens, but to accuse a second time buyer of this kind of nefarious behavior with no proof and given me no opportunity to respond (I tired to email him and was blocked)? I have never done the things this seller accused me of and I have made many purchases on both Discogs and eBay. This kind of seller does not encourage me to purchase on-line in the future. I wish I had a good record store near by so I could avoid such cretins.
Kind of blows me away how shitty some people can be. I'm returning the two worst records to him with no request for refund and am done with this seller FOREVER! Terrible experience!
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.
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I would be pissed if I were you. The seller sounds not so fab.
The seller Declutter on Amazon has fucked up on things. Deep Discounts will sell you things then send 2 of 5 and just never send the rest. We will not buy from either one of those again. (Apologies if I should have kept the names anonymous. I can always zip back in and edit.)
I hate to see you divorce Discogs. Maybe just that seller.
2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
With these types of services I expect a certain amount of shenanigans. The model supports it.
I balance that with all of the purchased records I enjoy.
Yeah, overall I've been happy with my purchases. I really try hard to scrutinize seller feedback as to avoid the one's who don't have it together but the problem is most people don't give honest feedback or the shady sellers are too quick to allow returns knowing a lot of people will do what you do and and just keep the item. Not that I'm criticizing you! I can see where that would be a lot less trouble than dealing with returns. I'm actually returning two of the records and NOT asking for a refund as a way of showing the guy I'm not trying to scam him. If he doesn't learn from that, he can go f himself because I won't waste my time or money with him again.
Think its always best just to come to an amicable agreement to discount because returning generally doesnt benefit either party.
Ive had a minor run in with a big company recently that sell used cds & vinyls they probably think Im chancing it. Ordered from them before and packing was poor but got lucky previously with items being okay. I ordered a couple of expensive records recently, first one was graded well but packed in a thin flimsy mailer with no extra card and then travelled from overseas. Creases all over the sleeve matching those on the mailer. No discount offered and I chose to keep because item hard to get and I never win on ebay.
Same story again last week, probably most Ive spent on an LP. This time I asked them to pack well before it was sent considering the value. Same story again, damaged sleeve and this time the record wasnt graded properly. I knew it was a risk buying which is my fault. I emailed them to see if they would discount but only option was to return. In the end I just chose to keep because it was a record I really wanted.
Yeah, buying from overseas is risky! I've had a couple of similar experiences and both were the same: got the package in the mail and looked at in horror while opening it, only to find that somehow, through the grace of the vinyl gods, they had survived with only minor cover damage. Lately, I have pretty much avoided overseas buying unless there's just no other option.
forward that reply to discogs....
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Yes, good idea. I sent Disogs admin a message and quoted all of the reply. I have no idea whate that will lead to but will see.
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10-16-2014 Detroit
In the sports card world (and I assume records) this is a classic scam and something sellers are very sensitive to. I see card buyers black balled frequently for this sort of request. Grading is subjective and if you're only looking for $1 per record back that doesn't indicate a wide gap in your perceived grade vs. his. To him, it feels like you're just trying to squeeze a discount. The general etiquette I've witnessed is either make the return or live with the deal. This middle ground gets very heated.
Again, I'm certain you are coming from a reasonable place but you've inadvertently stepped into a big sore spot for sellers. You may not want to hear this, but if he shares your username around other sellers will overwhelmingly side with him.
For sure! Unless it's a trusted seller, you just never know until they show up.