I've never really been burned on ebay before.  I've had dealings that weren't ideal but never felt “taken”.  I consider myself a fairly understanding person and try not to complain as often as I probably could.  Well, I've come upon something I can't just ignore.  Recently I bid on an auction and won.  The title described the items as “New” and the description neither confirmed, nor denied this.  The auction was for a book bag and lunchbox that we had decided would be the perfect gift for our daughter's birthday.  I e-mail the seller confirming the color of the items since the photo made them look pink instead of red.  The seller never tells me that either of the items are used and with the title claiming “new”, why on earth would I think to ask?

So the package arrives.  I paid $8 shipping for them to ship it wrapped in paper (no box, just paper and tape).  Even less pleased when I see that shipping cost just over $5, I dismiss this since I did in fact agree to the $8 by bidding.  I unwrap the package and notice that the book bag has a mark on the front pocket.  Then I see that the mirror they mentioned is scratched up.  I flip the bag over to find soiled spots on the back and a scrape on the strap.  Starting to get more and more irritated and wondering if I should have to clean a “new” item, I unzip the bag to retrieve the lunchbox they've placed inside.  This is when I find that the interfacing used to attached the picture of minnie to the front is tearing out and ANOTHER CHILD'S NAME IS WRITTEN IN THE BACK IN BLACK PERMANENT MARKER!  This bag is obviously NOT “new”.  The lunchbox looks great and is still in the packaging but the backpack is not acceptable.

I did get a good deal on the combo but I would have never bid on a used bag that I would be giving my daughter for her birthday!  I've e-mailed the seller about my dissatisfaction and haven't heard back.  I don't know what to do about the party tonight.  I'm very frustrated over this but am waiting to leave negative feedback so I can give the seller a chance to redeem herself.  Hopefully this transaction will have a happy ending.

Here's a link to a photo opp of the bag's major issues.