Busted Epifani Cab from eBay

-=DanAtkinson=- · #1 08-17-2011, 07:33 AM

I'm experienced with eBay, but never encountered this specific situation, so any advice would be appreciated.

I bought a brand new Epifani PS-410 on eBay. The item arrived broken. There was no damage to the outside box, but no bubble wrap or peanuts were used, so the cab may have been knocked a few times. The tweeter screws had come loose and the tweeter was rattling around between the grill and speaker cones. I could only find 3 of the 4 tweeter screws in the box. When I tried to screw them back in, I found the screw holes were stripped.

So I contacted the seller. He wants to me send the cab to Epifani so they can fix it. The problem is I needed this cab for a wedding gig on Saturday, so I'll need to buy a replacement cab at Atlanta Bass Gallery. Plus, I'm not crazy about buying something brand new that needs repairs out of the gate.

I realize the auction indicates "no returns allowed". However, I know from experience this does not apply to items "significantly not as described" in the eyes of eBay.

I just want to make sure I'm not out of line telling the seller this busted cab shouldn't be my problem, and he should deal with Epifani on the repairs. Thoughts?

fenderhutz · #2 08-17-2011, 07:35 AM

If you paid via paypal you can file an "item not as described claim". Even if he insured it when he shipped it since he didn't use proper packing materials chances are it will not be covered by the claim. Paypal WILL NOT cover a damage claim, so when you call make sure you point out it was stated it was new and when you got it it wasn't. Don't try and pursue a damage claim but it was "not as described".

I am hoping you used paypal.

EDIT: Since it was an Ebay transaction you are super protected as a buyer.

-=DanAtkinson=- · #3 08-17-2011, 07:44 AM

Yep, I'm aware of the options I have, and that eBay would rule in my favor. I just want to make sure I'm in the right if I take that route. I don't want a negative karma hit.

**Chef** · #4 08-17-2011, 07:52 AM

If you want a quick fix for the gig, just rotate the tweeter so the mounting screws are hitting fresh wood.
If nothing else is wrong, that should get you functional for the gig while you work out the ebay thing.
Check driver magnets for the missing screw...

The seller has 100% feedback, so I expect something good will get worked out.

fenderhutz · #5 08-17-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=DanAtkinson=-

Yep, I'm aware of the options I have, and that eBay would rule in my favor. I just want to make sure I'm in the right if I take that route. I don't want a negative karma hit.

It didn't sound like the seller packed the item properly. That's their fault. I don't think you are going to get warranty service on shipping damage, but I don't know their warranty policy.

**Chef** · #6 08-17-2011, 08:02 AM

Did it come in an Epifani shipping box?

-=DanAtkinson=- · #7 08-17-2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Did it come in an Epifani shipping box?

Indeed.

**Chef** · #8 08-17-2011, 08:09 AM

Then, it should have had sufficient packing, one would think....
Shipping carriers can be rough.

Same thing happened with a cab I purchased recently, I just rotated the tweet, screwed it back down, and moved on.
In all other respects, it was fine, and it was less hassle for me than trying to return it.

Tampabass · #9 08-17-2011, 08:23 AM

As someone else mentioned, eBay has a policy now that basically amounts to "the customer is always right." Great if you're a customer, but not so great if you're a seller dealing with the wrong kind of customer.

So, worst case, if the seller is resistant to compensating you for the damage, you might gently remind him of the consequences of receiving negative feedback. Pretty sure that that will prompt some action, as it's all but impossible for a seller to get eBay to remove negative feedback from a buyer.

ddnidd1 · #10 08-17-2011, 12:27 PM

Recently, on two separate occasions I purchased Epifani cabs online.

The cabinets ship with large Styrofoam standoffs on each corner of the cabinet providing a little more than an inch of space between the cabinet and the shipping carton. This carton was then inside a second shipping carton. Both cartons were Epifani labelled and printed.

dmusic148 · #11 08-17-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

Same thing happened with a cab I purchased recently, I just rotated the tweet, screwed it back down, and moved on.
In all other respects, it was fine, and it was less hassle for me than trying to return it.

This.

sqadan · #12 08-17-2011, 02:52 PM

I just bought this exact cab in the classifieds here on TB... came safely packed in the original box with lots'o foam padding - hard to see how that could have happened in shipping unless it was really abused - or already damaged when packed.

Great cab BTW... hope you get it sorted out.

Laurie Bass · #13 08-17-2011, 03:11 PM

It would not hurt to E mail the seller and tell him what happened and include pics. He may be very understanding. I purchased a pair of speakers on E Bay a few years ago and upon opening the boxs,,one speaker had a rattle inside the cabinet. I removed the woofer and found the crossover circuit broken away from the support when the speaker leads attach. Also one of the coils on the crossover network was broken. I e mailed the seller,, added pics and asked if I can send one back for an exchange. Well the 2, I had were the only 2 he had to sell (Demos). So with that he told me to keep the speakers and refunded all my money plus shipping. I repaired the crossover network and coil and they work great. I gave him 100% Positive feedback and he did the same for me.

joevcool · #14 08-17-2011, 04:58 PM

Dan I think this is unacceptable. You should contact this seller. I cannot see how looking at your pix,he could not notice this.The only thing that sucks is you need the repair done by Saturday.If you wanted,not that you should have to,I would cotact Mr. Epifani directly and ask him if he could help you out. I just spoke to him last night about a PS 210 I wanted and where is is made,and he is really a nice guy,and very cooperative helping a person with questions. Hope this helps a little.

1n3 · #15 08-17-2011, 06:23 PM

It's hard to imagine how rough handling would pull out all the tweeter screws and leave everything else untouched. Seems more like a manufacturing goof - maybe oversized pilot holes or undersized screws.

I know it's new, and you expected it to be perfect. But IMO, this is not worth the hassle of a return shipment, especially when it's so easily fixed. I second Chef's advice. You could also glue some toothpicks in the existing holes to re-use those. Assuming the 4th screw can't be found, you're still under an hour after a trip to the hardware store, and you've got an cab for this weekend. Less time and stress than a return, I'll bet. And perhaps the seller will comp you a little for your trouble.

Zooberwerx · #16 08-17-2011, 06:38 PM

Errr....this is a little more common than one might think. Case in point:

NIB, too. Epifani sent me a call tag for the return. Looks a lot worse when it's a 10" driver, eh?

Riis

-=DanAtkinson=- · #17 08-17-2011, 07:37 PM

Holy cow! That's ridiculous.

Well, I ended up taking Chef's advice. I rotated the tweeter and used the 3 screws to secure it. The seller is mailing me a 4th screw. Obviously I had hoped my brand new cab would be pristine and defect free, but such is life.

It sounds splendid, by the way!