Returning Defective Products online?

[Pngwyn]

So I bought a moshi palmguard for my laptop for $25 bucks.. said it was new when I bought it. It arrived in some terrible packaging, defective item, missing a few items as well as the original box.

The seller is asking that I pay return shipping with tracking before he can refund me.. is that right? I bought it off Amazon (3rd party user) and I filed a claim with Amazon.. his reply is "buyer doesn't want to return item but wants a refund" which isn't the case.

I haven't been in this situation a lot, and usually when I am, the seller offers to pay return shipping. I am just wondering morally, legally, and whatever else, who's at wrong here? Am I obligated to pay return shipping?

 

[WillEH]

Hey.

Taken from Amazon's policy on returns:

"If you receive an item that is different to what was described, or that is clearly in worse condition than indicated, please contact your seller directly to report the defect or damage within 14 days of receiving the shipment. You should be able to reach an amicable agreement with one another. If necessary, you can return your item to the seller for a refund. If you need to return an item due to a fault on the part of the seller, you can request that the seller also reimburse you for return postage costs, however please bear in mind that the seller is only obliged to refund you the total cost of the order in these circumstances. To be eligible for a refund, you must contact your seller within 14 days and you will need to return the item to your seller in the same condition you received it within 30 days of shipment. "

Therefore yes he should pay for the post & packaging.

 

[Pngwyn]

That's a bit of a mislead, though.

"the seller is only obliged to refund you the total cost of the order in these circumstances"

That means that I am, indeed, responsible for return shipping costs while he was only responsible for his own shipping costs. Seems pretty unfair to me. He could have sent me a rock for all that it matters, and I'd have to send it back to him and pay shipping out of my own pocket?

Well, I could always fold it up and send it back in an envelope and save myself some money, it would further ruin the product, but it would be well deserved if you ask me :\ Not like he should be selling the item in it's current condition anyways.

 

[WillEH]

That's a bit of a mislead, though.

"the seller is only obliged to refund you the total cost of the order in these circumstances"

That means that I am, indeed, responsible for return shipping costs while he was only responsible for his own shipping costs. Seems pretty unfair to me. He could have sent me a rock for all that it matters, and I'd have to send it back to him and pay shipping out of my own pocket?

Well, I could always fold it up and send it back in an envelope and save myself some money, it would further ruin the product, but it would be well deserved if you ask me :\ Not like he should be selling the item in it's current condition anyways.

Make sure you rate him bad.