Will,
I just agreed with you on another post and now I have to disagree somewhat. First you are absolutely right in used gear from private owners there is no try before you buy. If you want that, pay retail. Assuming the buyer is truthful in the product description.
Now heres's my problem. If seller is ethical, great. What if the buyer is also ethical? Who is to determine who is ethical and not. It becomes one persons word against another.
"...if the equipment is damaged in shipping that is entirely a matter between the buyer and the carrier." In my situation, I bought a pair of B&W Nautilus 803's. Both speakers arrived damage. In one case the entire Nautilus tweeter was ripped off. Carrier dropped the boxes broke 3 inches of styrofoam and even the inspector said he could how the damage could occur. Results? Carrier denies claim for inadequate packaging. Apparently the original boxes weren't good enough. After writing them and also telling them I would file a claim in small claims court. They send me a form letter. It basically says their policy is to deal only with the shipper. ONLY the shipper can appeal the claim, ONLY the shipper gets paid, Only shipper can take us to small claims court etc. So for me I can't even deal with the carrier
What can I do? The shipper deposited my money 3 months ago. I'm sure if he helps me I can get them to pay the claim. As far as I know he is doing something. I am basically in the hands of the seller. Neither one of us are doing anything wrong. As far as I can tell we are both ethical. It is the shipping company that is not. Shouldn't the seller have some responsibility in cases like this? At least to deal with the carrier. Frankly I would prefer to deal with the carrier if they let me, I have more at stake.
Fortunately the repair is only $213. Could have been much worse.
I just agreed with you on another post and now I have to disagree somewhat. First you are absolutely right in used gear from private owners there is no try before you buy. If you want that, pay retail. Assuming the buyer is truthful in the product description.
Now heres's my problem. If seller is ethical, great. What if the buyer is also ethical? Who is to determine who is ethical and not. It becomes one persons word against another.
"...if the equipment is damaged in shipping that is entirely a matter between the buyer and the carrier." In my situation, I bought a pair of B&W Nautilus 803's. Both speakers arrived damage. In one case the entire Nautilus tweeter was ripped off. Carrier dropped the boxes broke 3 inches of styrofoam and even the inspector said he could how the damage could occur. Results? Carrier denies claim for inadequate packaging. Apparently the original boxes weren't good enough. After writing them and also telling them I would file a claim in small claims court. They send me a form letter. It basically says their policy is to deal only with the shipper. ONLY the shipper can appeal the claim, ONLY the shipper gets paid, Only shipper can take us to small claims court etc. So for me I can't even deal with the carrier
What can I do? The shipper deposited my money 3 months ago. I'm sure if he helps me I can get them to pay the claim. As far as I know he is doing something. I am basically in the hands of the seller. Neither one of us are doing anything wrong. As far as I can tell we are both ethical. It is the shipping company that is not. Shouldn't the seller have some responsibility in cases like this? At least to deal with the carrier. Frankly I would prefer to deal with the carrier if they let me, I have more at stake.
Fortunately the repair is only $213. Could have been much worse.