Have I been jipped? (EvilBay)

[jaykeMURD]

So I purchased a used Rode NT1A from Ebay recently. The seller seemed new, under 20 feedback, but nothing negative. Seemed like a poor communicator, but I've dealt with that before. Slow to respond, ship etc.


Anyhow, I got the mic a few days ago and to my suprise didn't come with the screw on "cap" for the bottom. You know, the part that screws on the mic body to secure it to a mic mount.

Upon further inspection, the small screw near the bottom, is stripped beyond recognition. That's suspicious enough, but there's also a small piece of tape holding the serial number band down at the edges....like it's been removed at one point. And to my dismay, there is no serial number in the serial number box....WHAT THE HELL!

Have I been duped!!!

Is this a clone!?

There is a capsule inside, I can see it. But I'm currently unable to test the mic to see if it even works!

Now I'm beginning to think the mic is empty. It seems rather light, but I'm not very familiar with that kinda thing.

Just for some of you detectives, here's a link to the auction.

Should I be contacting Ebay?

I emailed the seller 3 days ago with no response.

I'm becoming increasingly angry. I've never been jipped on Ebay yet!!!!!!

 

[MadAudio]

The NT-1A is a very light mic.

The picture the seller has is a bit out of focus, but you can tell the bottom ring is missing - if you've seen one in person before.

"Gently used?" With a stripped thread? Right.

Looking at mine....

Hey! The serial number is blacked out! But I got mine from AMS so it can't be a fake, can it? No wait, just checked and the serial number is on the original box and the pouch.

Did it at least come with the shock mount? The NT-1A new includes a shock mount, and that would be kinda slimy in my eyes not to sell it with the mic.

 

[mshilarious]

No red flags on the seller. They have sold similar items with + feedback. They don't have recent unusual activity.

They did, however, describe this as VGC and clean, looks great, and works even better. So clearly there is some misrepresentation going on.

I am assuming you paid with Paypal, so don't panic.

First, why can't you test the mic? Find a way to test it, quickly. Then send another calm email to the seller with your findings. If it works, but the condition disappoints you enough not to want it, say you want to return it for a full refund. If you want to keep it, ask for a reasonable discount. Be specific and polite in what you are seeking.

If you get no response, pull their contact info off eBay and call them, again stating your specific demands politely.

If that fails, file complaints with eBay and Paypal within 30 days of auction close.

Finally, the LAST thing you do is leave feedback. Hold on to that as an unspoken bargaining chip (don't state it, that would violate eBay rules). If you neg them now, they make become less inclined to deal with you. Keep your powder dry; you have 90 days from auction close to leave feedback.

They are vulnerable to negative feedback as they sell relatively high-ticket items and they don't have much feedback. A neg will hurt them badly; if they are smart, they will deal with you promptly.

If or when you do leave them a neg, state your complaint calmly and factually. That will make your comment more powerful, and their response ineffective.

Be aware they will probably retaliate with a neg. This is why you want to hold off negging as long as possible, unless you feel it becomes necessary to protect other buyers.

Good luck.

 

[ido1957]

Allow a reasonable amount of time for the seller to defend him/herself. If they don't respond promptly, or with evasive answers leave neg feedback and report them to eBay....Returning it for a refund is always a positive option....see if they go for it....

Sorry about your problems - I've had, like you, only good experiences in the past with EvilBay......

 

[Madguitrst]

Yes, you have been mislead, no doubt about it.
I disagree on waiting for anything.

First off, Ebay can't help you, as you will quickly find out.
All they do is give you a way to document communication or lack thereof.

However, Paypal is your friend.

Make sure to copy and save the Ebay page.
Get your facts together.
Open a claim with PayPal and be specific about the facts.

If the seller doesn't respond in a reasonable amount of time to Paypal the should be able to get your money back.

Heck, you might end up with the money and the mic.

 

[jaykeMURD]

Thanks guys.

I've emailed the seller, calmly and politely of course! I've given him 3 days to respond, but of course I'm pretty leinant (sp?) so a day or so is considered. After no contact I'm going to PayPal.

I see now that I should have just bought new!!!

 

[kidvybes]

Upon further inspection, the small screw near the bottom, is stripped beyond recognition. That's suspicious enough, but there's also a small piece of tape holding the serial number band down at the edges....like it's been removed at one point. And to my dismay, there is no serial number in the serial number box....WHAT THE HELL!

...I can tell you that the Rode mics from a few years back had the serial numbers written in with fine-tip black marker (the serial number is also on the inside of the mic as well)...my NT1000's serial number rubbed off with just average use...and the black logo band itself was peeling as well...so those symptoms you mention sound typical of the real Rode product...I'm pretty sure your mic is authentic, just maybe a slight bit abused...

 

[mentalattica]

Definitely demand what you are seeking from the seller rather than letting him/her take lead. It makes me sick when someone screws you on ebay by falsely advertising the condition of items. If the mic works up to spec, personally I would shoot for a discount because for about $50 bucks more you could have purchased it new. JMO.

 

[jaykeMURD]

Oh yes, forgot to mention, the mic does work fine.

I just want a refund. I was buying a like new mic, but got a slightly abused one instead. Definatley NOT what I payed for.

Maybe this is a sign....I should save a bit longer and get an NTK!!!

 

[mshilarious]

If the seller doesn't respond in a reasonable amount of time to Paypal the should be able to get your money back.

I don't think that's true in this case. The seller isn't eligible for Paypal's Buyer Protection Policy because they don't have enough feedback. So Paypal will only mediate the same way eBay will.

Ultimately, you have a credit card chargeback, but if you don't go through the hoops of the complaint process first, Paypal will get mad. You also usually have to return the item in that case. Be sure to take pictures before you return anything, and return it with signature confirmation.