Discussions

My daughter and son-in-law just bought their first home and are in the process of renovating and such.  
 
They bought a used washer and dryer that was advertised on eBrandon. The seller lives out of town and actually brought the washer and dryer to their place.  
 
The dryer was plugged in, and turned on. It worked.  
 
The washer was plugged in, filled, agitated for a bit, advanced to the spin cycle. It seemed to be working. The seller was paid and he left. Then we ran the washer through a full cycle and it leaked badly. We suspect that it had sat for a while and the seals had dried out so it didn't take much for them to disintegrate.  
 
We tried texting the guy and calling him several times over the last week or two. We know that the number is right because in his voicemail he says his name. He has not had the courtesy to call or text back.  
 
I know that with used stuff, it is buyer beware, but what really makes me shake my head in disbelief is that this is someone who has a furniture refinishing business. I can't imagine anyone in that position not returning a call to troubleshoot. What kind of customer service is that??? This was his own washer and dryer, not merchandise from his business, but he is still building a terrible reputation.  
 
Years ago, we bought a used dishwasher. Shortly after it stopped working. It was the timer. We called the seller and agreed to go half and half on the part, which we were able to install ourselves. At least he had the decency to discuss it with us. Going halfers on the part seems quite reasonable under the circumstances.  
 
As a parent, it ticks me off that this guy would basically "stiff" my daughter and son-in-law like that. It's their first home and he doesn't care that he basically took their money.  
 
So just a warning - don't be afraid of wasting someone's time. Make sure that if you are buying something used, use it fully before giving them your money for crappy stuff.  
 
I am wondering if eBrandon has any kind of policy regarding people advertising and not honouring their merchandise/sales, so to speak. I wouldn't want anyone else to be taken in this way.

Unfortunately, that's the luck of the draw when buying used. You risk buying something that may not work, or work for that long. Sometimes it is worth buying brand new so you have warranty that you can fall back on.

RobbieRay said "Unfortunately, that's the luck of the draw when buying used. You risk buying something that may not work, or work for that long. Sometimes it is worth buying brand new so you have warranty that you can fall back on. "

I couldnt have said it better.

But, I really believe the onus is on the buyer. You run the risk every time you purchase used. Appliances work one day then, they don't. As for your dw, the guy paying 1/2, you got lucky, he was under no obligation to do so.

You got lucky with the other guy paying half and half the first time.  
 
The way I see it, when I sell something as soon as it leaves my property it's not my issue. Buyer beware for sure. If it leaves the property then you don't take back because who knows what the buyer could have done after it left your sight.

I agree that it is not the seller's responsibility at this point. Maybe he knew it leaked, maybe he didn't if he hadn't used it for a while. You took a chance buying a used appliance, now you have to pay to have it fixed.

However, I have to agree with everyone posting above. The seller has no obligations to you after the item is sold and off their property. Buying used is a bit of a gamble that buyers have to be aware of at all times. The only way to ensure quality with warranty is buying new.