eBay Seller Refuses to Refund for Sending Wrong Item

iwearpants on 02/04/2020 - 23:38
Last edited 03/04/2020 - 09:25

Summary:

I ordered PC3-8500 but was sent PC3-8500R. Seller refuses to refund.

Waffle:

  • I've been looking for some DDR3 PC3-8500 RAM to beef up an old (but usable) computer
  • I found an item listed as: HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 Hynix 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3-1066MHz Dimm
  • Apart from the product title and product dimension there is no other details about the product in the description
  • I went ahead and bought two sticks of the item
  • Was disappointed to find out they were server RAM instead of non-ECC
  • Contacted the seller about it, provided the following: photo
  • The seller got back to me and said I should have checked the Part Number before buying

To determine whether RAM is of ECC type or not, I apply any one of the following criteria:

  • If it's described as "Server RAM"
  • If "ECC" is specified in the title
  • If an R is specified as a suffix in the module name: eg. PC3-8500R

For all intents and purposes, the title suggests the item is of non-ECC type.

Further to this, the same seller sells another similar item with the following title:

HMT151R7BFR4C-G7 Hynix 4GB DDR3 PC3-8500R 1066Mhz Ram (At a totally different price point to the item I've bought)

Note the R suffix in the module name.

I check on model numbers all the time, only if a product feature is not or can not be adequately specified in the title or description.

But for RAM, these basic features can and have been able to be adequately specified in the title and/or product listing.

Whether maliciously or unintentionally, the seller has decided not to do so.

I have gone back and forth with them a few times, and they haven't shown any intention to refund.

My last correspondence with them I have suggested they should refund me the money (plus postage) and I will happily send the item back to them but haven't heard from them as yet - they are slow to respond from day 1.

Unlike almost any other thing, if something is the wrong colour, has one missing feature that you don't use, you can generally re-purpose it and suck it up, if you're nice. But there is literally no other use for server RAM.

So my question is, what are my options, if any?

Computing

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Comments

  • Hybroid on 02/04/2020 - 23:40
    +3

    https://resolutioncentre.ebay.com.au/

    I'm going to be honest, I do agree with seller that it's your responsibility to ensure compatibility, not theirs, as they've provided the correct model number.

    Having said that, fill in a return request above and it'll get processed. No point tic-tac'ing with comms they're not bound by.

    • iwearpants on 02/04/2020 - 23:44

      Thanks Hybroid, that's where I was going to head if seller is not being co-operative, but I guess I wanted some feedback if I have a strong case or not. Can seller put wrong (imho) information in the title and blame the buyer for not checking product number?

      [Edit] Didn't see your edit

      • Hybroid on 02/04/2020 - 23:48

        Edit:

        OP clarified received R model instead of regular, so yes, you can submit a case to say "I received an item that does not match the seller's description." and it'll initiate a refund process they have to comply with.

        • stirlo on 03/04/2020 - 11:07

          Even the Regular model is ECC though. Missing R or not the part number HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 only exists as ECC.

          The buyer might be able to get a refund because ebay is very buyer friendly but they are not in the right here. They didn't botherr checking the part number, the seller delivered what they ordered, it was the wrong product becasue the buyer failed to check what they were buying.

  • Tech5 on 02/04/2020 - 23:56

    TBH, when I buy ram, I look for "Non-ECC". So literally the flip side of the coin of what you are saying. If it says nothing, I assume it is server/ECC.

    They haven't misrepresented the item. You may have a case because ebay like siding with buyers, but you don't have an ethical case.

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:00
      +1

      Based on your criteria, I will be missing out on at least 80% of deals because most consumer grade RAM does not specify ECC at all.

  • Axelstrife on 03/04/2020 - 00:00
    +3

    Sounds like a failure to know what you where buying.

    You ordered "HMT151R7AFP4C-G7" ram which is what you received is it not?

    You should offer to pay return postage if they would accept a return.

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:02

      I did receive HMT151R7AFP4C-G7. But I didn't receive PC3-8500 RAM

      • Hybroid on 03/04/2020 - 00:10

        I see what you mean now, then yes, simply return it as incorrect item.

        • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:11

          The label says PC3-8500R

  • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2020 - 00:01
    +2

    So what you ordered had no "R" and the photo shows R? I think you need to shorten your story and make that clear.

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:04

      There are many ways to specify whether an item is server RAM or not. The suffix R is only one of them.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2020 - 00:07

        Is that imgur picture what was delivered or the ebay item pic?

        • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:08

          That's my pic. They had a generic IT pic. Not even a picture of a RAM stick.

          • [Deactivated] on 03/04/2020 - 00:12

            @iwearpants: Then I would shorten the story a lot and pursue it as the serial numbers being different.

      • callum9999 on 03/04/2020 - 09:23

        Yes, and you need to clarify that. From your post I was under the impression that they sent exactly what they advertised and that you had just blindly assumed it was what you needed.

        Get rid of all the waffle and simply say "I ordered PC3-8500 but was sent PC3-8500R".

        • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 09:26

          Done.

        • whooah1979 on 03/04/2020 - 09:30

          HMT151R7AFP4C only comes in one version and that is an ECC version.

          The listing is for HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 which is what was delivered.

  • whooah1979 on 03/04/2020 - 00:08

    I found an item listed as: HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 Hynix 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3-1066MHz Dimm

    These are a ECC ram.
    Hynix 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3-1066MHz Ecc Registered CL7 240pin Dimm HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00PMX6XMO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_5mEHE…

  • whooah1979 on 03/04/2020 - 00:12

    Is this the right listening?
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174150120806

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:12

      Yes, that's the one.

      • whooah1979 on 03/04/2020 - 00:14

        It looks like a server. It’s reasonable to think that the ram is for a server.

        • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:14

          Based on the photo?

        • Hybroid on 03/04/2020 - 00:17
          +1

          Nah, it's a generic pic. I agree with OP now. Listing clearly states PC3-8500 and they received PC3-8500R which isn't the correct model number they purchased. Definitely entitled to return and full refund.

          • dcep on 03/04/2020 - 01:43
            +2

            @Hybroid: that's not the model number

  • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 00:22

    Thanks for the feedback everyone. I lodged a claim with https://resolutioncentre.ebay.com.au/ as Hybroid suggested.

    I'll let you all know how it goes.

    • HeWhoKnows on 03/04/2020 - 08:40
      +2

      Also part number forms part of description and when checked in these links says its both Registered and Server RAM

      As per 2nd link:
      HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 - Hynix Hmt151r7afp4c-g7 4gb (1x4gb) 1066mhz Pc3-8500 Cl9 Dual Rank X4 Ecc Registered Ddr3 Sdram 240-pin Rdimm Memory Module For Server

      BUYER ERROR !

      STOP COMPLAINING AND APOLOGISE TO THE SELLER AND OZB COMMUNITY !

      • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 09:06

        I would like to apologise to everyone in the OZB community for hurting their feelings.

        Especially to the individual who downvoted my question:

        Based on the photo?

  • Coops1 on 03/04/2020 - 08:26
    +2

    Listing details has server comments and pictures and comments all thru it. You have a case still, but it was fairly obvious what it was…no way I would rely on an R or ECC being a be all and end all.

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 09:10

      So you are saying I should ignore the specific attributes that defines this product and instead look at the decoration the seller has used?

      • whooah1979 on 03/04/2020 - 09:31
        +2

        HMT151R7AFP4C-G7 doesn’t come in non-ECC version.

        • Coops1 on 03/04/2020 - 09:52
          +2

          Exactly, google search immediately identifies it as registered. I take it back, shouldn’t be able to send it back it all. The “R” excuse doesn’t cut it.

  • HeWhoKnows on 03/04/2020 - 08:37
    +2

    Seller has NO obligation to refund as this is buyers error.
    The "Correct" desription when looked up brings up that its Server RAM

    See here:
    https://www.skhynix.com/eolproducts.view.do?pronm=DDR3+SDRAM…

    This SK Hynix DDR3 SDRAM Registered Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) series consists of 1Gb A generation.
    These are intended for use as main memory in server and workstation systems, providing a high performance 8 byte interface in 133.35mm width form factor of industry standard.
    It is suitable for easy interchange and addition.

    • Bargin Boy on 03/04/2020 - 10:03
      +1

      If it's for an old hp, you need a certain type of ram. There is new old stock that works from New Egg. The new sticks have different memory modules that conflict with hp. Will list a product code later today.

      • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 10:42

        Is this comment for me? It's for an Acer. You're right. The newer DDR3 modules are not compatible with the older PCs

        • photonbuddy on 03/04/2020 - 15:43
          +2

          This response tells us you are somewhat aware of the vagaries of RAM.

          When purchasing things that may or may not work, it's the part number you should be looking at to determine if the item is what you wanted.

          A simple 30 second Google search on the part number would have told you what you were buying.

          The seller shipped you the part they had listed in their listing.

          While it certainly sucks you now have items that aren't suitable, don't blame the seller for your lack of research.

          And yes … I've done things like this before … and yes … I also wanted to blame someone else for my mistake.

          • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 16:19

            @photonbuddy:

            This response tells us you are somewhat aware of the vagaries of RAM.

            I thought my "Waffle" above should have displayed that in abundance.

            And yes … I've done things like this before … and yes … I also wanted to blame someone else for my mistake.

            Give me an example where this has happened to you

  • Krogers on 03/04/2020 - 10:27
    +2

    they should refund me the money (plus postage) and I will happily send the item back to them

    That's not how it works. You send back then get refund. They have supplied it as described so you pay return postage as this is a change of mind return. The seller doesn't accept change of mind returns so you don't have a case.

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 10:28

      Thanks for your comment. That's my suggestion for the transaction. If they agreed, of course I'd send it back first.

  • OzHunterNSW on 03/04/2020 - 13:20

    Just send it back…. keep proof… lodge a claim: Not as Described

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 14:18

      Thanks. Return process initiated. Let's see which way it goes.

  • The mikky on 03/04/2020 - 20:13

    Just buy an old server so you can utilise the ram. Problem solved.

    • iwearpants on 03/04/2020 - 20:28

      I might have to. Have you got any recommendations?

      • The mikky on 03/04/2020 - 21:06
        +1

        Hmm not off the top of my head, but also don’t forget workstations that utilise Xeon processors can use ecc ram. And there are some motherboards that don’t care about ecc, just doesn’t utilise the ecc part of it.

  • hikaru78 on 04/04/2020 - 00:47

    PayPal do return shipping reimbursement

    • iwearpants on 06/04/2020 - 11:52

      Thanks. Luckily didn't have to go through that this time around.

  • iwearpants on 06/04/2020 - 11:52
    -3

    Seller has accepted my return request.

    They have offered the following alternatives:

    • Drop off parcel at parcel drop off point if possible. Parcel pickup (by parcel company I assume) not reliable atm
    • If drop-off not possible, they will refund money plus postage

    So why couldn't they offer me this the first time I raised the issue?

    • stirlo on 06/04/2020 - 16:09
      +1

      Because you were in the wrong. You bought the wrong product then tried to blame the seller for delivering eaxctly what you ordered.

      • iwearpants on 06/04/2020 - 16:39

        Thanks Stirlo!

      • iwearpants on 06/04/2020 - 17:50

        Btw. I assume you are quite happy with the listing and if you were the seller you would make no changes. Is that correct?

        • stirlo on 06/04/2020 - 19:12
          +2

          No issues what so ever. They are a store specialising in server parts and clearly stated the model they delivered. Not their fault you were too stupid to google it. Uneducated buyers demanding returns like this just drive up the costs for everyone else. Go buy your RAM from Harvey Norman.

          • iwearpants on 06/04/2020 - 22:00
            -1

            @stirlo: As a seller you are quite happy to:

            • Put up a generic pic
            • Put up the wrong title
            • Put absolutely no description of the item in the body of your listing

            Further, after a potential customer has initiated a return relating to a possible misleading listing:

            • You are quite happy to leave the listing as-is
            • Call the customer stupid and uneducated; And
            • Think the customer should just go and purchase the product else where

            If that is the case, can I interest you in a browser plugin that would do exactly that.

            For every eBay listing, (let's keep it to PC parts for now), it would:

            • Replace all photos with one generic photo
            • Randomly add or remove one letter to the title (We'll keep the title legible)
            • Remove all product description (Add product dimensions - if available)
            • It will retain the Product Number, of course

            As a customer, is that something you would use on eBay?

            • Coops1 on 07/04/2020 - 09:00
              +1

              @iwearpants: Just count yourself “lucky” you got a refund. Nothing was wrong with the listing, totally your fault.

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