Please help need advice quickly- I have to send a letter to the seller

Geminiz06 · Aug 1st, 2008, 06:54 PM

Ok I'll give a short overview. I just bought a botkier puddle satchel- very rare. Ok now the seller did indicate that it had darkened areas- but that it made the bag look distressed and not bad. The pics depict this (but it looks more blended), probably due to the flash. I'll try to post pics. Now I received it and it's a lot worse in person.Now I'm a seller too, so I know that every little flaw might not be seen, and that this is a subjective critque. So I'm not saying that they lied, cause they didnt- but it is much worse condition in person- the flash made the bag look better.

Now because I really do love the shape of the bag- and I dont like eBay drama. I just decided to go today and see how much it would cost to clean it- I was going to do that anyway. I just didnt expect the bag to be this damaged- But it still has potential KWIM- If the professional is really good. But they told me it would cost approx 150 to clean

I paid 149 for the bag. So now I'm torn. I wanted to tell the seller what I was feeling as they have a 2 day return policy- and I couldnt go to the city yesterday- to check the price of the cleaning, so I went today, now I have to send them something

This is what I wanted to write the seller is this ok? Please give me advice I have never been in this position before- And have not sent the letter yet.

This is the letter that I was thinking of sending

Hi,I took a look at the Botkier yesterday & thought that the darkened areas were a lot more noticible in person. Sometimes you need to see something in person, to grasp the extent of the damage. I also noticed that the corners of the bag had wear & a pen mark in blue at approx. 1" is on the top of the bag. But since I do really like the bag,I decided to see how much it would cost to have the bag prof. cleaned. So I went today & they said that since the bag was very damaged that it would take multiple processes for them to fix it's multi issues. Which will cost more money fix than just having a general cleaning, which is what I was only intending on doing. Now while I really do like the bag, I just cant see myself paying 150 on top of the 161 just to have it look decent again. I hope you can understand- If you dont want to go through a return or having to relist- then I wouldnt mind- working something out, but I will leave that up to you.

Geminiz06 · Aug 1st, 2008, 06:58 PM

Ok now you see the shadowed areas on the sides- well thats a dark brown in person its also towards the middle and runs down toward the bottom- And since the leathe is slightly rouged- it skips color- the op is dark then underneath is light

the back has this problem too

gro3602 · Aug 1st, 2008, 07:02 PM

I think the letter is ok.

But did the seller disclose all the defects (besides the photos?)

What is this bag worth new?

(What I mean is, if the bag is worth 1000 and you paid $161, then obviously you paid for a very used bag...........)

I suggest posting the link to the auction to review what photos the seller posted and also what seller states in listing.

kimberf · Aug 1st, 2008, 07:25 PM

I think the overall tone of your letter is very nice. You may want to be a little bit more direct (it's hard -- I'm the same way and tend to err on the indirect side when I have to address a problem). I think you should come out and say what you'd like to receive. Something to the effect of: I'd like to work something out with you. The two options that would work well for me are: 1) I return the bag to you for a refund, or 2) you provide a credit/refund of X amount (not sure how much you are looking for here) toward the specialized cleaning to restore the bag. Please let me know which option you prefer. Still be extremely polite and nice, but clearer regarding what sort of remedy you're seeking. That way you avoid having them come back with an offer of $10 toward cleaning or something like that.

Geminiz06 · Aug 1st, 2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimberf

I think the overall tone of your letter is very nice. You may want to be a little bit more direct (it's hard -- I'm the same way and tend to err on the indirect side when I have to address a problem). I think you should come out and say what you'd like to receive. Something to the effect of: I'd like to work something out with you. The two options that would work well for me are: 1) I return the bag to you for a refund, or 2) you provide a credit/refund of X amount (not sure how much you are looking for here) toward the specialized cleaning to restore the bag. Please let me know which option you prefer. Still be extremely polite and nice, but clearer regarding what sort of remedy you're seeking. That way you avoid having them come back with an offer of $10 toward cleaning or something like that.

OMG You are soooo right. I am being very indirect- because I dont want to be proceived as a problem buyer, or as rude. Thank you for your input, i totally get what you mean

Geminiz06 · Aug 1st, 2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gro3602

I think the letter is ok.

But did the seller disclose all the defects (besides the photos?)

What is this bag worth new?

(What I mean is, if the bag is worth 1000 and you paid $161, then obviously you paid for a very used bag...........)

I suggest posting the link to the auction to review what photos the seller posted and also what seller states in listing.

the bag is probably worth 600 retail

they said that it was darkened in some areas - but that this gave the bag a distressed look and just generalized the condition of the bag. I dont think they were trying to deceive anyone- it's just that the flash made the bag look a lot better. And they didnt specify that it had a pen mark on the top in the front or the the corners specifically had wear- too them- But not everyone is that specific- they did however provide a lot of pics- but they looked good- so I wasnt worried-

What can I say sometimes you do have to see it in person KWIM? I guess its all subjective in that way- and the only way that a person can know for sure is if they picked the bag themselves.

It's still fixable but expensive to fix because they also have to spot treat the pen mark and the darkened areas are a deep brown oh and then there are also the corners.

I wont list the exact auction as- I dont know if the mods approve of that

Geminiz06 · Aug 17th, 2008, 06:20 PM

Ok Update info: They gave me my full refund minus shipping, with no hassels

But here's the catch- this seller is trying to sell the bag- for what is now the 3RD TIME- with the Same Description- Mind you I was the second person to return this bag.

They have however added 2 extra pics- I guess since I told them in my letter- that the pics really didnt show the magnitude of all the damage- they now decided to add 2 more to there list. But it still doesnt show- all of the damage nor is the extent being described- so I will now post the pics of the bag myself- so that way- if someone does choose to purchase this bag- then at least they will know exactly what they're getting

P.S.- I'm not at all trying to be mean or slander anyone's name (which is why I havent posted the listing)- I am just trying to look out for those, who are going to waste their money on shipping and their time- When it is clear that this items description should be changed

karmenzsofia · Aug 17th, 2008, 06:42 PM

Sorry I came in late to this discussion. I was going to tell you that most likely the seller would not go for a partial refund and prefer to get the bag back to resell it. So it is. I know how you feel because this happened to me recently. I received a bag that had water damage (front and back), scuffs, blackened and worn out conrners, dye transfer (from jeans) and very dirty lining--none of which was noticeable in the photos. However, the seller insisted she didn't know what I was talking about, that she had "never seen anything" even though the leather store said it would cost almost $200 to fix it. Anyway, like you I loved the bag (the shape, color...) and was considering a partial refund and use the money to fix the bag, but the seller asked for the it back.

You're always very, very nice and kind, Geminiz, so we know you're not trying to hurt anyone by posting the photos, but actually trying to protect those interested in the bag by providing more exact information about its condition.

menopausalmama · Aug 17th, 2008, 06:57 PM

you would think a good leather cleaner would clean it.....
I clean my Balenciagas when they need it....
JMHO

Geminiz06 · Aug 17th, 2008, 07:43 PM

^ thats what I was hoping for- But when you see the extent of the damage- then you'll see why the cleaning place quoted me such a high price

Karmen- thanks for your kind words

Geminiz06 · Aug 17th, 2008, 07:46 PM

Geminiz06 · Aug 17th, 2008, 07:48 PM

Ok since I cant resize the pic- I've decided to place the rest of them like this
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0292.jpg- first corner
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0293.jpg- the stain
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0295.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l.../HPIM0296.jpg- pen mark and discoloration
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0297.jpg
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l.../HPIM0298.jpg- one corner
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0299.jpg

Geminiz06 · Aug 17th, 2008, 07:52 PM

So If you gals see the Botkier Sasha Satchel in pudding- and you dont think that this suits the quality that you are looking for then I would definetly avoid

As you can see the pics DEFINETELY DO NOT SHOW THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE
HTH

uab*mom · Aug 17th, 2008, 09:26 PM

I am happy you have had a good outcome!

Although I am late to this discussion, I just have to say it.
Just WHAT are some people DOING to their bags????????

karmenzsofia · Aug 17th, 2008, 09:28 PM

[ooops, sorry!]

Aug 1st, 2008, 06:54 PM	#1
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Please help need advice quickly- I have to send a letter to the seller Ok I'll give a short overview. I just bought a botkier puddle satchel- very rare. Ok now the seller did indicate that it had darkened areas- but that it made the bag look distressed and not bad. The pics depict this (but it looks more blended), probably due to the flash. I'll try to post pics. Now I received it and it's a lot worse in person.Now I'm a seller too, so I know that every little flaw might not be seen, and that this is a subjective critque. So I'm not saying that they lied, cause they didnt- but it is much worse condition in person- the flash made the bag look better. Now because I really do love the shape of the bag- and I dont like eBay drama. I just decided to go today and see how much it would cost to clean it- I was going to do that anyway. I just didnt expect the bag to be this damaged- But it still has potential KWIM- If the professional is really good. But they told me it would cost approx 150 to cleanI paid 149 for the bag. So now I'm torn. I wanted to tell the seller what I was feeling as they have a 2 day return policy- and I couldnt go to the city yesterday- to check the price of the cleaning, so I went today, now I have to send them something This is what I wanted to write the seller is this ok? Please give me advice I have never been in this position before- And have not sent the letter yet. This is the letter that I was thinking of sending Hi,I took a look at the Botkier yesterday & thought that the darkened areas were a lot more noticible in person. Sometimes you need to see something in person, to grasp the extent of the damage. I also noticed that the corners of the bag had wear & a pen mark in blue at approx. 1" is on the top of the bag. But since I do really like the bag,I decided to see how much it would cost to have the bag prof. cleaned. So I went today & they said that since the bag was very damaged that it would take multiple processes for them to fix it's multi issues. Which will cost more money fix than just having a general cleaning, which is what I was only intending on doing. Now while I really do like the bag, I just cant see myself paying 150 on top of the 161 just to have it look decent again. I hope you can understand- If you dont want to go through a return or having to relist- then I wouldnt mind- working something out, but I will leave that up to you. Last edited by Geminiz06; Aug 1st, 2008 at 06:57 PM. Reason: eta

Aug 1st, 2008, 06:58 PM	#2
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Ok now you see the shadowed areas on the sides- well thats a dark brown in person its also towards the middle and runs down toward the bottom- And since the leathe is slightly rouged- it skips color- the op is dark then underneath is light the back has this problem too Last edited by Geminiz06; Aug 1st, 2008 at 07:02 PM. Reason: eta

Aug 1st, 2008, 07:02 PM	#3
gro3602 BAL RAOKVILLE Location: shhhhhhhh	I think the letter is ok. But did the seller disclose all the defects (besides the photos?) What is this bag worth new? (What I mean is, if the bag is worth 1000 and you paid $161, then obviously you paid for a very used bag...........) I suggest posting the link to the auction to review what photos the seller posted and also what seller states in listing. __________________ Guide on wholesale scams! Exposing "Wholesale" websites that sell counterfeits !! Monaco-babe, aka paparazzi-girl, aka moda-da, aka fashionanyone has been MIA for a year now. Is she in a French Jail? http://www.moda-davictims.com/

Aug 17th, 2008, 06:20 PM	#7
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Ok Update info: They gave me my full refund minus shipping, with no hassels But here's the catch- this seller is trying to sell the bag- for what is now the 3RD TIME- with the Same Description- Mind you I was the second person to return this bag. They have however added 2 extra pics- I guess since I told them in my letter- that the pics really didnt show the magnitude of all the damage- they now decided to add 2 more to there list. But it still doesnt show- all of the damage nor is the extent being described- so I will now post the pics of the bag myself- so that way- if someone does choose to purchase this bag- then at least they will know exactly what they're getting P.S.- I'm not at all trying to be mean or slander anyone's name (which is why I havent posted the listing)- I am just trying to look out for those, who are going to waste their money on shipping and their time- When it is clear that this items description should be changed Last edited by Geminiz06; Aug 17th, 2008 at 06:25 PM. Reason: eta

Aug 17th, 2008, 06:42 PM	#8
karmenzsofia Incurable Gypsy Location: alwayZ on the moVe kuZ I'm sUpa kOoL	Sorry I came in late to this discussion. I was going to tell you that most likely the seller would not go for a partial refund and prefer to get the bag back to resell it. So it is. I know how you feel because this happened to me recently. I received a bag that had water damage (front and back), scuffs, blackened and worn out conrners, dye transfer (from jeans) and very dirty lining--none of which was noticeable in the photos. However, the seller insisted she didn't know what I was talking about, that she had "never seen anything" even though the leather store said it would cost almost $200 to fix it. Anyway, like you I loved the bag (the shape, color...) and was considering a partial refund and use the money to fix the bag, but the seller asked for the it back. You're always very, very nice and kind, Geminiz, so we know you're not trying to hurt anyone by posting the photos, but actually trying to protect those interested in the bag by providing more exact information about its condition. __________________ ~ KZ's ~ Wishful Thinking List: Miu Miu Coffer in Anthracite Hayden-Harnett Lorca in Violet Tod's New D-Bag Media Tote in Clay Belen Echandia Hug Me in Glossy Black MK Astor Large Drawstring Satchel in Vanilla

Aug 1st, 2008, 07:25 PM	#4
kimberf Member Location: California	I think the overall tone of your letter is very nice. You may want to be a little bit more direct (it's hard -- I'm the same way and tend to err on the indirect side when I have to address a problem). I think you should come out and say what you'd like to receive. Something to the effect of: I'd like to work something out with you. The two options that would work well for me are: 1) I return the bag to you for a refund, or 2) you provide a credit/refund of X amount (not sure how much you are looking for here) toward the specialized cleaning to restore the bag. Please let me know which option you prefer. Still be extremely polite and nice, but clearer regarding what sort of remedy you're seeking. That way you avoid having them come back with an offer of $10 toward cleaning or something like that.

Aug 17th, 2008, 06:57 PM	#9
menopausalmama Member Location: PEI CANADA	you would think a good leather cleaner would clean it..... I clean my Balenciagas when they need it.... JMHO __________________ menopausalmama

Aug 17th, 2008, 07:43 PM	#10
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	^ thats what I was hoping for- But when you see the extent of the damage- then you'll see why the cleaning place quoted me such a high price Karmen- thanks for your kind words

Aug 17th, 2008, 07:46 PM	#11
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York

Aug 17th, 2008, 07:48 PM	#12
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Ok since I cant resize the pic- I've decided to place the rest of them like this http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0292.jpg- first corner http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0293.jpg- the stain http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0295.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l.../HPIM0296.jpg- pen mark and discoloration http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0297.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l.../HPIM0298.jpg- one corner http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/l...6/HPIM0299.jpg Last edited by Geminiz06; Aug 17th, 2008 at 07:50 PM. Reason: eta

Aug 17th, 2008, 07:52 PM	#13
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	So If you gals see the Botkier Sasha Satchel in pudding- and you dont think that this suits the quality that you are looking for then I would definetly avoid As you can see the pics DEFINETELY DO NOT SHOW THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE HTH Last edited by Geminiz06; Aug 17th, 2008 at 07:53 PM. Reason: ETA

Aug 17th, 2008, 09:26 PM	#14
uab*mom Member Location: Texas, USA	I am happy you have had a good outcome! Although I am late to this discussion, I just have to say it. Just WHAT are some people DOING to their bags????????

Aug 17th, 2008, 09:28 PM	#15
karmenzsofia Incurable Gypsy Location: alwayZ on the moVe kuZ I'm sUpa kOoL	[ooops, sorry!] __________________ ~ KZ's ~ Wishful Thinking List: Miu Miu Coffer in Anthracite Hayden-Harnett Lorca in Violet Tod's New D-Bag Media Tote in Clay Belen Echandia Hug Me in Glossy Black MK Astor Large Drawstring Satchel in Vanilla Last edited by karmenzsofia; Aug 17th, 2008 at 09:43 PM.