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A bad situation

I'm looking for opinions as to how to resolve a situation that arose recently. I sold a preamp to a gentleman here on Audiogon for $150. From what I can tell he wanted to use the preamp as an inexpensive phono section. He sent me a money order and I in turn sent off the preamp via UPS insured, packaged up with plenty of bubble wrap so (in theory) it wouldn't get damaged. The preamp arrives, but, the selector switch is broken and evidently the switch is an oddball component that cannot be sourced. I know the preamp was working fine before I shipped it, I sure wouldn't sell a piece of broken equipment, not even for a $150. What's the equitable thing to do in this situation? Make a claim with UPS? Pay a tech to hardwire the premap, bypassing the selector switch? Refund his money and throw the thing away? I know, it's only $150 but at the same time there really ought to be a code of ethics we all try to follow. I understand the buyers disappointment and he may even feel like he's been screwed, I want to make this right. Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks, Jeff
jeffloistarca
msnloeth
57 posts
 
I do not like UPS anymore than any of the other shippers out there but filing a claim with them is very easy based on my experience last year. I bought a new power amp valued at almost $5000 and it arrived with some cosmetic damage. The shipper called UPS, a Security guy came to the house, looked at the amp and the box it was shipped in and within 3 weeks or so the shipper was paid for the damage. They in turn paid me. No problem. UPS also gave me the option of getting a brand new amp instead of taking money for the damage. I was not happy that the amp was damaged but UPS responded quickly and paid the claim promptly.
jayboard
301 posts
 
Jeff, I agree with the majority here, but I am bothered that even two people think that the buyer has some obligation to share the burden here. The buyer in good faith sends a payment in advance to the seller -- that's totally for the seller's benefit. To then make the buyer liable, even in part, for things that go wrong before he receives the component... well, you can see that if this were the standard, all kinds of mischief could be played, and the concept of a good faith transaction that we depend on here would be pretty thoroughly undermined. I know you'll do the right thing, but I would have hoped there would be no ambiguity about who is responsible here. I'm sorry about the bad luck you ran into.
moonwalker
2 posts
 
Jeff, Firstly, I would not ship via UPS because of the notorious service they provide. I have also heard from forums that it is very difficult to make a claim on damaged packages.

Secondly, you need to talk to the buyer to see what he wants to do ie. refund him the $ or reduce the price so he can have it fixed. It is the BUYERS call to make. You're the shipper and should be responsible for the danaged merchandise.

Thirdly, file a claim with UPS. Make sure the buyer has the damages packaging as UPS would like to inspect it.

lastly, I trust that you're a good guy as I see your postings on this site. Please make it right for the buyer.

Thanks
jeffloistarca OP
1,004 posts
 
I have to agree with all of your posts, the buyer expected something that works, and received a damaged unit. I sent him an email this morning advising him I will refund his money including shipping. It sounds like a lot of time and effort to try to get my $150 out of UPS so I'm not going to bother, hopefully the buyer can get it working one day and have something functional to make up for his aggravation. Thanks to all who took the time. Jeff
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
Jeff that is the correct thing to do. Justlisten I will have to remember never to buy an item from you, amazing
you think the buyer has any obligation here. Absolutely the seller has the obligation to deliver the product as advertised. If damaged in shipping that is still the sellers
obligation to make right. Jayboard I am with you and am disturbed by a couple responses!
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