Can you help me figure out a fair solution (used curriculum issue)

[Nakia]

I posted WTB ad on here and on homeschool classifieds for some books for our science curriculum. I got an email from a lady who said she had them. I made sure several times to ask and make sure they were the newest 2009 editions, and she assured me they were and even linked the books from Christian Book Distributors. So, I get them today, and they are NOT the newest editions, but the editions from 2003. I was totally misled, and I am furious! Sure, we could use these, but I really wanted to newest editions, and I already bought the accompanying CD for the 2009 edition. I sent her a check, which hasn't even cleared the bank. I am so tempted to stop payment on it, but I won't until I try working it out with her. I have emailed her, but I wanted to bring it before the hive to determine what a fair solution is. I want my money back, plus shipping for sending them back to her. Is that fair? Or am I just sh*t out of luck? It wasn't a large amount of money, but when things are tight, every dang penny counts.

 

And usually this wouldn't really bother me, but she included a catalog for some kind of home business she has. The nerve!! ugh

Edited August 7, 2010 by Nakia

[hornblower]

I would put a stop payment on the cheque. If she wants the items back, she can paypal you the money in advance for shipping costs back.

 

I don't have a lot of tolerance for that sort of thing.

[Tap]

I posted WTB ad on here and on homeschool classifieds for science curriculum. I got an email from a lady who said she had them. I made sure several times to ask and make sure they were the newest 2009 editions, and she assured me they were and even linked the books from Christian Book Distributors. So, I get them today, and they are NOT the newest editions, but the editions from 2003. I was totally misled, and I am furious! Sure, we could use these, but I really wanted to newest editions, and I already bought the accompanying CD for the 2009 edition. I sent her a check, which hasn't even cleared the bank. I am so tempted to stop payment on it, but I won't until I try working it out with her. I have emailed her, but I wanted to bring it before the hive to determine what a fair solution is. I want my money back, plus shipping for sending them back to her. Is that fair? Or am I just sh*t out of luck? It wasn't a large amount of money, but when things are tight, every dang penny counts.

 

And usually this wouldn't really bother me, but she included a catalog for some kind of home business she has. The nerve!! ugh

 

Depending on your bank, they may charge steep fees to cancel the check. I would call and ask. If they do not charge, then I would absolutely stop payment. Then if she wants them back, she can send you a check to cover postage both ways, or you can tell her you will keep them and resell them to recoup your costs. If you have to pay to stop payment, you will have to consider if the cost is worth it.

 

I hate it when people are dishonest in a transaction like this.

[Nakia]

Depending on your bank, they may charge steep fees to cancel the check. I would call and ask. If they do not charge, then I would absolutely stop payment. Then if she wants them back, she can send you a check to cover postage both ways, or you can tell her you will keep them and resell them to recoup your costs. If you have to pay to stop payment, you will have to consider if the cost is worth it.

 

I hate it when people are dishonest in a transaction like this.

 

It will cost me $8 to stop payment. I hate to do it, but I might, especially if she doesn't come through with an acceptable solution by Monday morning.

[Nakia]

This kind of crap makes me want to just purchase all my curriculum brand new. Of course, we can't afford that. :glare:

[Tap]

It will cost me $8 to stop payment. I hate to do it, but I might, especially if she doesn't come through with an acceptable solution by Monday morning.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to do it ASAP before the check clears the bank and you are left with nothing. This seller is dishonest, and I wouldn't expect them to honor any verbal agreement you make on the phone. I would call the bank today and do it.

[Murphy101]

I would put a stop payment on the cheque. If she wants the items back, she can paypal you the money in advance for shipping costs back.

 

I don't have a lot of tolerance for that sort of thing.

 

:iagree: yep. Do it pronto!

[hornblower]

I wouldn't hesitate to do it ASAP before the check clears the bank and you are left with nothing. .

 

Well, she wouldn't really be left with nothing. She can turn around & sell this stuff (assuming it's in sellable condition) to someone else....though admittedly she might not recoup all her costs, esp with an $8 bank fee.

 

Sucks all around :glare: & I know what it's like when you're watching your pennies. Who needs this type of aggravation. Grrrrr.

[Nakia]

Well, she wouldn't really be left with nothing. She can turn around & sell this stuff (assuming it's in sellable condition) to someone else....though admittedly she might not recoup all her costs, esp with an $8 bank fee.

 

Sucks all around :glare: & I know what it's like when you're watching your pennies. Who needs this type of aggravation. Grrrrr.

 

No, I won't recoup my costs since they are an older edition, and I paid a fair price for the newer edition in good condition. I am leaning toward stopping payment on the check and asking her to refund me shipping costs to return them to her. I'd also like my dang $8 stop payment fee too. That's pushing it though. I'll be lucky to get this settled amicably. I guess I have learned a couple of lessons: only buy from established WTM sellers and don't send a check unless you know the person. At least with paypal, you can get your money back pretty easily as a buyer.

[Guest ME-Mommy]

No, I won't recoup my costs since they are an older edition, and I paid a fair price for the newer edition in good condition. I am leaning toward stopping payment on the check and asking her to refund me shipping costs to return them to her. I'd also like my dang $8 stop payment fee too. That's pushing it though. I'll be lucky to get this settled amicably. I guess I have learned a couple of lessons: only buy from established WTM sellers and don't send a check unless you know the person. At least with paypal, you can get your money back pretty easily as a buyer.

 

:iagree: with stopping payment on the check and I'd at least ask for Paypal refund of shipping costs to return the materials to her and the $8 stop payment fee.

 

Sorry you're having this problem...:grouphug:

[QueenCat]

:iagree: with stopping payment on the check and I'd at least ask for Paypal refund of shipping costs to return the materials to her and the $8 stop payment fee.

 

Sorry you're having this problem...:grouphug:

 

:iagree: I would stop payment, and return the items to her once she has given you the $8 stop payment fee, and the cost of shipping. She blatantly lied to you. She showed you pictures of what you wanted and put something different in the box. If you wait until too late Monday, you may find the check cleared.

[Nakia]

I just put in the stop payment. I didn't really think about it clearing over the weekend, but I guess it could. I am still fuming. And yes, I think I will ask for the $8 stop payment fee as well. She did lie.

 

Thank you all for the advice! I hate stuff like this.

[StephanieZ]

I think you should stop payment on the check. Then, return the stuff to her only if/when she FIRST fully reimburses you your bank fee AND pays the return shipping costs up front. I'd only accept a non-cc paypal payment that is in the "personal" category from her. . . Or, wait until her check to you has cleared. I wouldn't trust her as far as you can throw her. You are entitled to be "made whole" IMHO

[Nakia]

I think you should stop payment on the check. Then, return the stuff to her only if/when she FIRST fully reimburses you your bank fee AND pays the return shipping costs up front. I'd only accept a non-cc paypal payment that is in the "personal" category from her. . . Or, wait until her check to you has cleared. I wouldn't trust her as far as you can throw her. You are entitled to be "made whole" IMHO

 

Thank you. I guess I am just shocked that someone would be so dishonest. Especially since I stated MULTIPLE times I wanted the 2009 editions, and she linked the editions I wanted. I'm glad that we have the first part of our science curriculum since we start Monday. I am going to just order the rest new.

 

Why do people lie? I highly detest dishonesty!

[Tap]

Well, she wouldn't really be left with nothing. She can turn around & sell this stuff (assuming it's in sellable condition) to someone else....though admittedly she might not recoup all her costs, esp with an $8 bank fee.

 

Sucks all around :glare: & I know what it's like when you're watching your pennies. Who needs this type of aggravation. Grrrrr.

 

I assume she paid higher price than an older version would sell for. Add in the shipping she already paid and after time/effort/packaging to sell it again...I would say she would end up with... nothing.

[Nakia]

I assume she paid higher price than an older version would sell for. Add in the shipping she already paid and after time/effort/packaging to sell it again...I would say she would end up with... nothing.

 

Yep, pretty much. That's why, with the hive's wise advice, I went ahead and stopped payment. And when/if she reimburses me with the $8 stop payment fee and the return shipping fee, she can get her books back. If she doesn't want to do that, I guess I will sell them or more likely, donate them to someone in need or possibly that Book Samaritan place someone was discussing here a while back.

 

I used to be such a softie. I'm glad I'm finally getting some sh*t in my grit, as my mom would say. LOL! Couldn't do it without you guys.

[Night Elf]

Well, if she meant to be completely dishonest, she did a bad job of it. I can't believe she sent materials before a check cleared. I don't mail things out until I receive payment. I was shocked when Ray at Horrible Histories (is that the name?) sent me my books the day I mailed the check to him. I wondered if he had never encountered a dishonest person. I was happy at the service, but just surprised that people do that these days. :)

[fhjmom]

Are you are using AIG God's Design series? If so, I can see it being a careless mistake instead of being a blatent attempt to be dishonest. When you asked about hte 2009 editions, did you state that you wanted the "full color" editions"? The reason I ask is because I have also been looking for the AIG God's Design series (I am looking for Heaven & Earth) and there is a black & white version that has the same covers as the newer, full color version. From a picture, they look the same. If the seller merely looked at the picture and didn't carefully read the discription, she may have thought y'all were talking about the same version. I'm not even sure they are considered different editions (the full-color shows to be the 3rd edition).

 

AIG has apparently made a lot of changes to the way this curriculum is published and sold in a very short amount of time so I can understand there being some confusion about it. They have also recently changed the way the Teacher supplements are published and they were out less than a year, from my understanding.

 

Now I am not saying it is not the seller's mistake. I still think you deserve what you asked for and should be "made whole" as another poster put it. I just wanted to offer a point of view that may show the seller to be less than diligent instead of outright dishonest. I hope she is willing to admit her mistake anbd do that for you without much more hassle.

[EJCMom]

Have you notified her that you put a stop payment on the check? Also, I think from a legal standpoint, now that you've cancelled the transaction you pretty much have to send the book back. You can't keep the money and the book. KWIM?

 

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. So far I've only had good luck buying used stuff on here...well, with the one exception of the FIAR book that wasn't in nearly as good of condition as had been represented...but now I'm leary after reading your story! :grouphug:

[Jean in Newcastle]

Are you are using AIG God's Design series? If so, I can see it being a careless mistake instead of being a blatent attempt to be dishonest. When you asked about hte 2009 editions, did you state that you wanted the "full color" editions"? The reason I ask is because I have also been looking for the AIG God's Design series (I am looking for Heaven & Earth) and there is a black & white version that has the same covers as the newer, full color version. From a picture, they look the same. If the seller merely looked at the picture and didn't carefully read the discription, she may have thought y'all were talking about the same version. I'm not even sure they are considered different editions (the full-color shows to be the 3rd edition).

 

 

 

Wouldn't it be as simple as looking at the copyright date for that edition?

[MariannNOVA]

I would put a stop payment on the cheque. If she wants the items back, she can paypal you the money in advance for shipping costs back.

 

I don't have a lot of tolerance for that sort of thing.

 

this

[Nakia]

Well, if she meant to be completely dishonest, she did a bad job of it. I can't believe she sent materials before a check cleared. I don't mail things out until I receive payment. I was shocked when Ray at Horrible Histories (is that the name?) sent me my books the day I mailed the check to him. I wondered if he had never encountered a dishonest person. I was happy at the service, but just surprised that people do that these days. :)

 

I don't get it either.

 

Are you are using AIG God's Design series? If so, I can see it being a careless mistake instead of being a blatent attempt to be dishonest. When you asked about hte 2009 editions, did you state that you wanted the "full color" editions"? The reason I ask is because I have also been looking for the AIG God's Design series (I am looking for Heaven & Earth) and there is a black & white version that has the same covers as the newer, full color version. From a picture, they look the same. If the seller merely looked at the picture and didn't carefully read the discription, she may have thought y'all were talking about the same version. I'm not even sure they are considered different editions (the full-color shows to be the 3rd edition).

 

AIG has apparently made a lot of changes to the way this curriculum is published and sold in a very short amount of time so I can understand there being some confusion about it. They have also recently changed the way the Teacher supplements are published and they were out less than a year, from my understanding.

 

Now I am not saying it is not the seller's mistake. I still think you deserve what you asked for and should be "made whole" as another poster put it. I just wanted to offer a point of view that may show the seller to be less than diligent instead of outright dishonest. I hope she is willing to admit her mistake anbd do that for you without much more hassle.

 

I know what you mean about it being a bit confusing. AIG completely redid the God's Design series in 2009. Yes, I made it perfectly clear many times that I wanted the 2009 full-color editions, and she stated every time that that's what she had, even going so far as sending me a link from CBD of the new ones and stating that's what she was selling. I went back and reread the emails we exchanged several times to make sure we had both been perfectly clear. I just don't see how this could have been an honest mistake.

 

ETA: The ones she sent have the old covers. The copyright is 2003.

[Nakia]

double post

[Tap]

I don't get it either.

 

 

 

I know what you mean about it being a bit confusing. AIG completely redid the God's Design series in 2009. Yes, I made it perfectly clear many times that I wanted the 2009 full-color editions, and she stated every time that that's what she had, even going so far as sending me a link from CBD of the new ones and stating that's what she was selling. I went back and reread the emails we exchanged several times to make sure we had both been perfectly clear. I just don't see how this could have been an honest mistake.

 

ETA: The ones she sent have the old covers. The copyright is 2003.

 

Because some people will just take what they get, and not complain just to be a Nice Nelly and not rock the boat.

 

Glad you are standing up for yourself.

 

Unless she was selling both and accidentally sent you the wrong one, she is either very dishonest or at least grossly ignorant, and shouldn't be selling online.....I suspect...dishonest.

[Nakia]

Have you notified her that you put a stop payment on the check? Also, I think from a legal standpoint, now that you've cancelled the transaction you pretty much have to send the book back. You can't keep the money and the book. KWIM?

 

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. So far I've only had good luck buying used stuff on here...well, with the one exception of the FIAR book that wasn't in nearly as good of condition as had been represented...but now I'm leary after reading your story! :grouphug:

 

I would really like to settle this amicably. I don't need the books and I will gladly send them back when I get my refund for shipping fees and the stop payment I have had to issue. She has not responded to my email from earlier today, so I haven't had a chance to tell her that I issued a stop payment.

 

Wouldn't it be as simple as looking at the copyright date for that edition?

 

Yes, the copyright of both books is 2003.

[fhjmom]

I don't get it either.

 

 

 

I know what you mean about it being a bit confusing. AIG completely redid the God's Design series in 2009. Yes, I made it perfectly clear many times that I wanted the 2009 full-color editions, and she stated every time that that's what she had, even going so far as sending me a link from CBD of the new ones and stating that's what she was selling. I went back and reread the emails we exchanged several times to make sure we had both been perfectly clear. I just don't see how this could have been an honest mistake.

 

ETA: The ones she sent have the old covers. The copyright is 2003.

 

 

With this info it does sound like she was being intentionally dishonest. Sorry that happened! I have been too wary of buying used unless I can hold it and see it on these books because of all the changes, but it sounds like you were as thorough as you could have been. As I said before, I hope she is willing to make it right. It stinks you are having to put up with the hassle!

[Sebastian (a lady)]

I posted WTB ad on here and on homeschool classifieds for some books for our science curriculum. I got an email from a lady who said she had them. I made sure several times to ask and make sure they were the newest 2009 editions, and she assured me they were and even linked the books from Christian Book Distributors. So, I get them today, and they are NOT the newest editions, but the editions from 2003. I was totally misled, and I am furious! Sure, we could use these, but I really wanted to newest editions, and I already bought the accompanying CD for the 2009 edition. I sent her a check, which hasn't even cleared the bank. I am so tempted to stop payment on it, but I won't until I try working it out with her. I have emailed her, but I wanted to bring it before the hive to determine what a fair solution is. I want my money back, plus shipping for sending them back to her. Is that fair? Or am I just sh*t out of luck? It wasn't a large amount of money, but when things are tight, every dang penny counts.

 

And usually this wouldn't really bother me, but she included a catalog for some kind of home business she has. The nerve!! ugh

 

This whole thread makes me quite happy about putting my books up on Paperback Swap. Sure I only get a credit for each title, regardless of what it is. But I also don't have to deal with checks clearing, different editions of books, etc. And given the paltry amounts that folks want to pay for used curriculum, one credit (that I can use on any other books in the system) probably isn't a bad deal.

 

(BTW: I'm putting up all the homeschool books that I need to shed before we move again. Here's my bookshelf.)

 

[Didn't mean for this to come out sounding like an ad. I just don't have time for the sort of hassles that come with selling books online for money.]

[OnTheBrink]

I'm so thankful you're not talking about me!

[Nakia]

This whole thread makes me quite happy about putting my books up on Paperback Swap. Sure I only get a credit for each title, regardless of what it is. But I also don't have to deal with checks clearing, different editions of books, etc. And given the paltry amounts that folks want to pay for used curriculum, one credit (that I can use on any other books in the system) probably isn't a bad deal.

 

(BTW: I'm putting up all the homeschool books that I need to shed before we move again. Here's my bookshelf.)

 

[Didn't mean for this to come out sounding like an ad. I just don't have time for the sort of hassles that come with selling books online for money.]

 

I love PBS! I have gotten so many great books there, and I'm getting ready to list several!

 

I'm so thankful you're not talking about me!

 

 

:lol: No way!

[AlaskaGrownFamily]

Oh man, what a bummer! Glad you're sticking up for yourself!

[jujsky]

I'd put a stop-payment on the check and give her the option of paying you to send the items back to her. You asked all of the right questions prior to purchasing these materials and she outright lied to you. The fact that it wasn't a large amount of money is irrelevant. She lied.

[Tap]

Tangent: If you want a seller to cover your costs returning a defective/wrong/ not as described item *do not* buy through ABE...

 

:iagree: I had a horrible time getting a refund from a seller in the exact same senario as this post. I asked them to confirm they were selling a specific book by NDC, they confirmed, I ordered. It wasn't the same book. The seller was in Europe, despite saying it shipped from USA, and I had to pay international shipping to send it back.....ABE would do nothing to facilitate the situation.

[hornblower]

Tangent: If you want a seller to cover your costs returning a defective/wrong/ not as described item *do not* buy through ABE...

 

Yes - this is true. I've had issues with abe too.

BUT, I do buy a fair # of used books & save a lot of $ this way so I just expect to have some losses & absorb them. I've only had a few probs with abe & I've had TONS of great experiences with them too.

[Nakia]

What is abe?

[fhjmom]

What is abe?

 

I was wondering the same thing?

[Tap]

What is abe?

 

Abebooks.com

 

 

It is a discount seller

[Margo out of lurking]

It will cost me $8 to stop payment.

 

Yep, for $8, I'd stop payment ASAP.

 

My goodness, you asked her to confirm the edition, it's not like you were just assuming they were new. Protect yourself; she's already shown that she's not that interested in maintaining a good relationship with a buyer.

 

It's a brilliant idea, whoever said to let her Paypal you the money to return the items. The return shipping charge should NOT be your responsibility, although if it were me, I would pay extra for delivery confirmation.

[Nakia]

It's funny because she always emailed me right away when we were communicating about the purchase, but it has been over 24 hours since I emailed her yesterday without a word back. :glare:

[Jean in Newcastle]

It's funny because she always emailed me right away when we were communicating about the purchase, but it has been over 24 hours since I emailed her yesterday without a word back. :glare:

 

It is the weekend though. Some people don't check in here on the weekend. Or so I heard. . .;)

[Nakia]

It is the weekend though. Some people don't check in here on the weekend. Or so I heard. . .;)

 

Wow, that just doesn't sound possible. Oh wait, it's not possible for me. Others have stronger wills, I'm sure. :D

[Nakia]

Well she emailed me back, and she tried to say she wasn't dishonest, but the proof is there in the emails. She said she hasn't deposited the check, so I can mail them back and she will not cash the check. I just emailed her back and said I had issued a stop payment for the check, and that I would like to be refunded for the $8 fee in addition to the return shipping charges. We'll see what she says to that. I have a feeling it won't make her happy. But after posting here, I decided I really had no reason to believe it would be settled amicably and issuing the stop payment on the check was the right thing to do. At this point, I have no reason to believe she will be honest with me, right? It makes me so uncomfortable to deal with this kind of thing. :tongue_smilie:

[elegantlion]

Wow, that just doesn't sound possible. Oh wait, it's not possible for me. Others have stronger wills, I'm sure. :D

 

:lol::lol: I have no clue what you mean.

 

Well she emailed me back, and she tried to say she wasn't dishonest, but the proof is there in the emails. She said she hasn't deposited the check, so I can mail them back and she will not cash the check. I just emailed her back and said I had issued a stop payment for the check, and that I would like to be refunded for the $8 fee in addition to the return shipping charges. We'll see what she says to that. I have a feeling it won't make her happy. But after posting here, I decided I really had no reason to believe it would be settled amicably and issuing the stop payment on the check was the right thing to do. At this point, I have no reason to believe she will be honest with me, right? It makes me so uncomfortable to deal with this kind of thing. :tongue_smilie:

 

If it was a honest mistake she should have no problem refunding your shipping. I'm a big believer in giving people a huge benefit of the doubt. Usually because when I cause a ruckus I end up being wrong or feeling guilty.

 

The only thing I could (and your e-mails probably address this) is that sometimes once you've used a curriculum you don't realize there are updated versions, especially if they're fairly new updates. Since you specifically asked about copyrights, that would have been a flag for me to check if I was the seller. Hope it all turns out well for you.

[Tap]

Well she emailed me back, and she tried to say she wasn't dishonest, but the proof is there in the emails. She said she hasn't deposited the check, so I can mail them back and she will not cash the check. I just emailed her back and said I had issued a stop payment for the check, and that I would like to be refunded for the $8 fee in addition to the return shipping charges. We'll see what she says to that. I have a feeling it won't make her happy. But after posting here, I decided I really had no reason to believe it would be settled amicably and issuing the stop payment on the check was the right thing to do. At this point, I have no reason to believe she will be honest with me, right? It makes me so uncomfortable to deal with this kind of thing. :tongue_smilie:

 

I am glad you heard from her, so you at least know you are moving closer to a resolution.

 

I hope she sees that even if it was an honest mistake (copyright and picture of the cover mismatch? I don't think) and not blatant dishonesty, it was entirely her fault and she should happily refund your stop check fee plus and shipping costs, if she wants them back. I guess she will have to decide if the added costs are worth her time/effort of reselling or if she should just tell you to keep them for the hassles.

[Nakia]

I am glad you heard from her, so you at least know you are moving closer to a resolution.

 

I hope she sees that even if it was an honest mistake (copyright and picture of the cover mismatch? I don't think) and not blatant dishonesty, it was entirely her fault and she should happily refund your stop check fee plus and shipping costs, if she wants them back. I guess she will have to decide if the added costs are worth her time/effort of reselling or if she should just tell you to keep them for the hassles.

 

She emailed me again and she does not think it is fair for her to pay for me to ship them back. She also says I jumped the gun in issuing a stop payment. I explained to her that I couldn't have been expected to trust that she would not cash the check when she had been dishonest during the transaction. She told me to keep the books. I really don't want the books. I would like for her to have them back so that she can sell them.

 

Just checked my email again, and she says she wants to settle this and make it right for me. But at this time, she doesn't have the $12 to refund me. So I will just hold them and when she pays me, I will mail them out to her.

 

I feel bad about how this went down, but I have to stand up for myself. I really wish we could buy all our curriculum new, but it's just not possible. I sell old stuff to buy new, just like I'm sure lots of you all do. It's always worked well, until now. I'm sticking to WTM for buying and selling.

[Tap]

Okay, lets give her the benefit of the doubt and say it was an honest mistake.

 

There are two parties involved a buyer and a seller.

 

The buyers role is to advertise correctly and answer any questions truthfully. She went to the trouble to link a website, to use as verification that it was the correct set. I have seen both covers, they look very different. You specifically asked about a certain copyright year. The didn't match. You specifically asked for color. They were in black and white. There were 3 chances for her to realize the error.

 

As a buyer, you need to make sure you are specific in your questions. You need to establish communication and ask any questions you can think of that would make the transaction less than acceptable to you. You did both by emailing her and mentioning both the copyright and the color copy preference. There was nothing else, as a buyer, to reasonably do. You have to trust that when she answered your questions specifically, that she knew what the questions were, and answered them appropriately. Short of asking her to photograph her copies, you could not have known she was making 3 mistakes!

 

It was entirely seller error. There was no 'buyer is partially responsible' part of this. She should be happy your bank only charges $8 I have heard of $20+ charges for this service. You are asking to be reimbursed ONLY for the cash out of your pocket. She should take your offer and be happy you aren't adding on handling fees too!

Edited August 9, 2010 by Tap, tap, tap

[Nakia]

Okay, lets give her the benefit of the doubt and say it was an honest mistake.

 

There are two parties involved a buyer and a seller.

 

The buyers role is to advertise correctly and answer any questions truthfully. She went to the trouble to link a website, to use as verification that it was the correct set. I have seen both covers, they look very different. You specifically asked about a certain copyright year. The didn't match. You specifically asked for color. They were in black and white. There were 3 chances for her to realize the error.

 

As a buyer, you need to make sure you are specific in your questions. You need to establish communication and ask any questions you can think of that would make the transaction less than acceptable to you. You did both by emailing her and mentioning both the copyright and the color copy preference. There was nothing else, as a buyer, to reasonably do. You have to trust that when she answered your questions specifically, that she knew what the questions were, and answered them appropriately. Short of asking her to photograph her copies, you could not have known she was making 3 mistakes!

 

It was entirely seller error. There was no 'buyer is partially responsible' part of this. She should be happy your bank only charges $8 I have heard of $20+ charges for this service. You are not asking to be reimbursed ONLY for the cash out of your pocket. She should take your offer and be happy you aren't adding on handling fees too!

 

Thank you so much. It makes me feel better when someone puts it out there so clearly.

[Cinder]

It is the weekend though. Some people don't check in here on the weekend. Or so I heard. . .;)

 

I actually know a young couple that didn't check email on weekends. The dh would only check it at work because they still had dial-up at home. That was all their financial situation could tolerate and they were fine with it. They figured anyone that needed to contact them could always pick up the phone. :D

 

Cinder

[anotherbrother]

Okay, lets give her the benefit of the doubt and say it was an honest mistake.

 

There are two parties involved a buyer and a seller.

 

The buyers role is to advertise correctly and answer any questions truthfully. She went to the trouble to link a website, to use as verification that it was the correct set. I have seen both covers, they look very different. You specifically asked about a certain copyright year. The didn't match. You specifically asked for color. They were in black and white. There were 3 chances for her to realize the error.

 

As a buyer, you need to make sure you are specific in your questions. You need to establish communication and ask any questions you can think of that would make the transaction less than acceptable to you. You did both by emailing her and mentioning both the copyright and the color copy preference. There was nothing else, as a buyer, to reasonably do. You have to trust that when she answered your questions specifically, that she knew what the questions were, and answered them appropriately. Short of asking her to photograph her copies, you could not have known she was making 3 mistakes!

 

It was entirely seller error. There was no 'buyer is partially responsible' part of this. She should be happy your bank only charges $8 I have heard of $20+ charges for this service. You are asking to be reimbursed ONLY for the cash out of your pocket. She should take your offer and be happy you aren't adding on handling fees too!

 

:iagree: Very well put. The OP definitely made the right choice.

[KS_]

 

Tangent: If you want a seller to cover your costs returning a defective/wrong/ not as described item *do not* buy through ABE...

 

That's interesting, because I've returned at least 2 different orders through Abebooks and they refunded my money completely (including return shipping, except on the order that had free shipping to begin with). I always liked ordering through them because the company itself is the one that does the refunds, not the seller, so it was a very easy process for me. . .

[Tap]

That's interesting, because I've returned at least 2 different orders through Abebooks and they refunded my money completely (including return shipping, except on the order that had free shipping to begin with). I always liked ordering through them because the company itself is the one that does the refunds, not the seller, so it was a very easy process for me. . .

 

Maybe it is like Amazon in which some of the materials are theirs and some are private vendors. OR maybe they have changed the policy due to problems.

 

When I had my issue at Abe, they flat out told me they don't get involved in transaction disputes, refunds or any issues with sellers 'not as described'.

 

My case was cut and dried, different NDC. They had the wrong picture and NDC on the site, they blamed Abe for the mismatch. BUT I had emailed them and asked them to double check the NDC before I purchased, and the seller said it was accurate (very hard to find book). I shouldn't have had the issue I did for the refund, but since it was up to the seller to refund my money....it took a L.O.N.G. time. I had to pay $17 for international shipping to send them the book before they would refund my money. I was out $35 for several months, as the whole process worked itself out. Even after 2mths, when I asked Abe to contact the seller to put a fire under their ***, Abe refused saying they don't get involved.