Buyer beware, a long story… short version.

[MikeD]

I’m in the U.K. and need an exhaust system for my LE so was delighted when a set came up on e-bay (item 120653141470), I bid and won and paid immediately by PayPal (5th Dec 2010).  A slight deviation here,  the U.S. version on e-bay shows shipping of $20, the U.K. version shows FREE Shipping,  anyway, next day I get an mail saying the shipping would be $55, confused but happy to pay because I wouldn’t like anyone to be short changed, I send the shipping charges by PayPal (7th Dec 2010)

I waited, waited and waited.

6th Jan 2011 contacted seller who replies 11th Jan 2011 saying that he sent them and will check with  Post Office but will refund if lost.  That was reassuring to me and removed any fears of being ripped off. 

13th Jan 2011 I sent for more info and got a reply saying items had been returned by customs and he would post again. Once again that was reassuring to me and removed any fears of being ripped off.

27th and 31st Jan 2011 I sent for more info and got No reply!
05th and 09th Feb 2011 I sent for more info and got No reply!

Next step is to contact e-bay because of the buyer protection thing, I was safe, right…wrong.  The last contact from the seller was 13th Jan 2011 and both E-bay and PayPal will only let you open a claim within a certain period (e-bay 60 days, PayPal 45 days) my time had run out on 18th Jan 2011.  That’s all the seller was waiting for, my time to run out.  I’ve sent numerous requests to his PM and also via e-bay on his other item for sale (item 120683026861) but no reply.  As a last ditch attempt, I’ve requested a refund through PayPal with the same outcome… no reply.

So if you see a set of LE exhaust pipes for sale or anything from Tomkat0111 or Tomkat01 (as he was known on this forum)... beware.  If you trust E-Bay and PayPal to protect you … beware.

A quick side note here,  I have purchased several items for my LE from both CG Products and private canard members in the U.S.A. and have had excellent service and prompt delivery so what has happened here?  rotten apple or bad egg?

MikeD (U.K.)

[Linda]

MikeD
Sorry to hear of your problems. Due to the short timelline for PayPal claim we missed one of the items and lost 800.00 due to broken items.  If you need to buy an item (and we all do from time to time) you could ask around on Canard Aviator if the seller is legit. Maybe it could help. This is a small community and most are honest to the core but scammer will do anything. EJ  N36EJ

[MikeD]

I'm still trying to get some form of communication with tomkat0001 but he's still plays dead.

Beware of his latest offerings on e-bay:
120687980124
120687989957
120687990245
120688307528

MikeD (U.K.)

[flyingwaldo]

Mike,
I see you have not commented on this on E*Bay.  His seller rating is very high.  You need to post there to warn buyers of other items.

[MikeD]

flyingwaldo
I was unable to give feedback because I was stupid enough to believe the parts were being shipped then when I stopped getting info from him it was past the 60 day mark, after this limit you cannot give feedback (so e-bay support informs me). 

MikeD (UK)