Got ripped off in the buy/sell forum, what to do?

[duronboy]

What's the procedure to deal with a rip off in the buy/sell forum? I bought something at a good price, and maybe the price was a little TOO good. I did receive the item, but it's non-functional, and would cost more to fix than the item's worth. The seller is refusing a refund, stating that either the item was damaged in shipping, or I myself damaged it. In my opinion, an item damaged in shipping is the seller's responsibility, but maybe y'all can weigh in on that? As far as me damaging the item, it's unlikely that what's wrong with it would happen by my mis-handling the item, or even that it would be damaged in shipping. The problem(from what I understand) is caused by the item being in an, even just slightly, dirty environment for an extended period of time, or long term wear. So, I started a claim with paypal, and we'll see how far that goes. I just want there to be some feedback from a mod on what to do, since the seller I bought this from has other items for sale at this time. I messaged Abel 3 days ago, but haven't heard back from him. I don't know what to do, here. I read the guidelines written by Abel, but didn't see any specific instructions for buyers in my situation. I fully admit the possibility of being blind, altho before I hit submit, I'll re-read anything stickified in the buy/sell forum.

The funny thing is, I purchased one item from the aforementioned seller just days before I bought the item in dispute. The first item arrived clean, and exactly as described. Most importantly, fully functional!

[Abel]

We've never had a problem like this...

What is the problem with the item?

[duronboy]

The shutter button is sticky. Presses halfway just fine. Initiates AF and metering, but upon pressing the shutter button fully, nothing happens with normal pressure. With a remote, the shutter actuates just fine. I reset all of the settings thinking it was a weird configuration of settings, but still nothing. If I apply enough squeeze, the shutter will actuate with the shutter button, but there's no way I could shoot an event that way. Suggestions online were to clean with canned air and to press and hold the button down firmly and rotate while pressed. The situation improved, and the shutter is easier to actuate, but nowhere near as easy as even my worst dSLR(dirtly, old Rebel XT). And, every few shutter actuations still takes a nearly impossible death-grip to take a picture.

[groovyone]

Also, in either case did you contact the seller? What thread is the item in question?

[Abel]

Originally Posted by duronboy

The shutter button is sticky. Presses halfway just fine. Initiates AF and metering, but upon pressing the shutter button fully, nothing happens with normal pressure. With a remote, the shutter actuates just fine. I reset all of the settings thinking it was a weird configuration of settings, but still nothing. If I apply enough squeeze, the shutter will actuate with the shutter button, but there's no way I could shoot an event that way. Suggestions online were to clean with canned air and to press and hold the button down firmly and rotate while pressed. The situation improved, and the shutter is easier to actuate, but nowhere near as easy as even my worst dSLR(dirtly, old Rebel XT). And, every few shutter actuations still takes a nearly impossible death-grip to take a picture.

Do you have any camera cleaning places there in DFW. I know we have a place here in Houston that can clean the shutter release. Professional Camera Repair on Richmond.

I'm sure the sale is a wash... Yes it seems you may have to spend an extra $50-$75 to get the shutter release cleaned but that's better than a complete loss.

[duronboy]

Unfortunately, Abel, due to the layout of the particular camera in question, complete dis-assembly is required for a full, proper cleaning of the shutter button. Anytime you talk about a complete dis-assembly of a modern dSLR, you're talking about a couple bills. It's not like cleaning the sensor.

Canon EOS 30D 40D 50D Shutter Button Repair - YouTube

Canon EOS 30D 40D 50D Shutter Button Repair - YouTube

[surlynkid]

Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading website in the world. mods actually do step in during such situations and call out the seller. it all depends on how much traffic you want here versus having them go elsewhere. mods can put pressure on a seller to refund and reverse the process or be forever hounded.

[duronboy]

Problem is, I can still count the number of posts the seller has with fingers and toes, and he registered only this month. I highly doubt he values his Pixtus membership enough to honor any sort of request by mods or admin.

[groovyone]

Pirate 4x4 is a whole different environment. I have an account there too.

[crazeazn]

where is the link?

[duronboy]

The more I look at that video the more I want to just try and fix it myself. I may try if paypal fails me. I've been fixing iPhone 3GSs and iPhone 4s and 4Ss for friends and friends of friends for extra cash, so I'm used to keeping up with tiny screws. Or I might have this thing converted to infrared, and see if they can fix that shutter while they're at it.

[groovyone]

Did you contact the seller?

You may want to verify repair price just to be sure before you tear into it.

[crazeazn]

whoa whoa, we have two issues here.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

whoa whoa, we have two issues here.

not anymore.. moved the other to a new thread

[Abel]

Originally Posted by duronboy

Unfortunately, Abel, due to the layout of the particular camera in question, complete dis-assembly is required for a full, proper cleaning of the shutter button. Anytime you talk about a complete dis-assembly of a modern dSLR, you're talking about a couple bills. It's not like cleaning the sensor.

Yes I am aware of how complex it is to disassemble a camera... Have you gotten any quotes? How long has passed since you sent the money to the seller via Paypal.

Originally Posted by surlynkid

Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading website in the world. mods actually do step in during such situations and call out the seller. it all depends on how much traffic you want here versus having them go elsewhere. mods can put pressure on a seller to refund and reverse the process or be forever hounded.

Keep in mind we don't even really know what thread and/or what seller is the one in question here since it hasn't been said yet even though we've asked. I can't call someone out if I don't know who it is even then I can't guarantee things will pan out. We have iTrader in place for negative feedback since our buy/sell section here is built on feedback from transactions...

Robin (duronboy), Have you left negative feedback for the seller as of yet?