Is this a reasonable request?

Squirtsquirt · 09-02-2005, 06:54 PM

OK, so I have been alerted to a certain situation, and I just wanted to know if this would be a reasonable course of action to take.

Regarding an eBay auction someone won--after getting the end of auction notice, the winner receives an email from another party stating that the picture of the particular pony was theirs, and used without permission by the seller. Is it out of line for the winner to then email the seller asking for another picture? To verify first of all if the auction is described accurately (ie actual pony, condition and included items) and secondly if the emailer was just trying to keep someone from buying for whatever reason?

I just hoped I didn't actually advise in a negative way, but to me, personally, I don't think that should be an issue to want verification from the seller. What do others think?

Moondust · 09-02-2005, 07:19 PM

That's utterly reasonable to want varification (you might want to try and clarify what you are asking, though I knwo that you are trying to be PC or something, but I had to read that 3 times to understand what you were asking!)

You don't even have to mention the stolen pics if you're nervous; you could just ask for a closeup shot of said damage, or of the symbol (make up some excuse about how these ponies always suffer symbol damage or something...check this pic against that custom pony database of symbols though) or some other random body part (like the left eye...)

Of course, being the winner means that you are obligated to buy the item unless you can prove that you're being taken advantage of. Were you left with the web address of where to access said stolen pic?

I hope that the winner of this auction gets what they paid for in the condition stated. Asking for a picture is not a big deal, expecially if the pony is expensive or rare.

~Moondust

Spooky · 09-02-2005, 07:21 PM

That seems reasonable, whoever (I couldn't tell if it was you/a friend who one the auction) won it should e-mail the seller asking for some actual pictures of the pony that they are selling, or confirmation that the picture they used was, in fact, theirs, and that the third party was lying. If they are honest, they shouldn't become hostile/back out, and provide the pictures requested.

If the seller becomes hostile, as in, they start cussing le winner out, or tell them that they're not going to sell the pony to them, then le winner shouldn't finish the transaction, as in, not send any money, namely if they become hostile. Am I making any sense, or am I confusing you??

Baggins Lover · 09-02-2005, 07:42 PM

I owuld be completely honest and tell the seller that someone has told me the pics were stolen, and while you are not accusing them of anything the person who emailed could be a scammer, you would appreciate it if they could take a clear pic of the pony on todays news paper (so you can see the date and know its a new pic). If I was the seller, I'd be a bit narked, but at the person who emailed to say it was a stolen pic, not the buyer, that is if the seller is genuine of course.
If the seller won't send new photo's, you could always contact ebay for advice, and keep all the emails, they will be useful if you have to make a report.

diet otaku · 09-02-2005, 07:48 PM

sounds perfectly reasonable to me. as the buyer, i would simply email the seller and state that i was informed the pictures used in the auction are actually the property of someone else, and would appreciate it if the seller could provide supplemental pictures to verify the item's condition. i would add that i understand many sellers "borrow" pictures from other auctions for many reasons, such as a broken digicam, but it would ease my mind if the seller could supply additional pictures so as to confirm exactly what i have purchased. seems only fair to me.

Lilithdrff · 09-02-2005, 08:09 PM

Sounds completely reasonable for me. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't expect any less from the buyer. The seller has a responsibility to show the buyer exactly what they're getting, and the buyer has every right to ask for additional pictures/descriptions of the product they are purchasing.

Merry Treats · 09-03-2005, 02:37 AM

What they said.

If they blow up and can't provide proof.. to Ebay headquarters I'd go.

Angelus · 09-03-2005, 03:37 AM

I think misrepresentation of the item in question is one of the easier ways to break an ebay contract. It's definitely within reason.

Peppermint Truly · 09-03-2005, 07:40 PM

I don't think asking for a picture is bad, especially if the seller used someone else's pic. The truth is it's better for both the seller and buyer to have a true pic of the item so there are no problems *after* the item is sent and paid for and everything.

Squirtsquirt · 09-04-2005, 02:31 PM

Thanks! I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being totally rude or anything when I advised to ask for a pic! This is someone else, that just happened to email me to ask advise on what to do.

I guess the seller did respond, and said they had searched for a general picture because her camera wasn't working at the time, and didn't know that was someone else's picture, blah, blah, blah. I saw both, and the used one is definitely showing a better pony, but at least the seller does have the same one with the same items included. Not perfect, as she'd said in an email, but her description does say "good condition" so I'd give her that.

Hopefully everything works out for them, but it's always better to get a second, or more!, opinion.