I bought a bulk lot of G3s, the seller's exact words were "A wonderful collection of ponies who have all been much loved. All pretty good condtion." Much loved? I think the little girl who owned them must have hated her ponies! By no stretch of the imagination are they in "pretty good condition". The breezies have had their wings and feelers ripped out and their carts drawn on. Most ponies have pen marks, are filthy, have hair cuts, symbol rubs, they could be nothing but bait. There are maybe 2 ponies out of about 15 that could be fixed. The rest I wouldn't even give to an op-shop in that condition. I'm so angry I don't even know how to broach the subject with the seller.

Ouch! That's rough. Where did you buy the ponies from? Here, eBay, TradeMe? I think that's going to determine how to proceed.

Oh wow! how disappointing! she said they were "much loved".. which could imply bad condition.. but then again she also calls them " a wonderful collection of ponies" " in pretty good condition". that certainly doesnt sound like its true
Clones is right - it will help to know where you got this lot from so we know where to go from here

I would agree with everything that has been said! That is just not right and you should report the seller!

Thanks for your help everyone. It's a lot off Trade Me. I am very upset over it, but I would like some ideas on how to proceed diplomatically without sounding emotional - the last thing I want is disgruntled or retaliatory feedback. The seller also said in the auction that it was a reluctant sale - and as the ponies will only end up being thrown out or donated as custom bait (yes, they are that bad), I feel I should offer them back to the seller?

I do realise (now) that much-loved can be a euphemism for crap condition... but then "pretty good condition" contradicts that. I do feel they were misrepresented. There was a picture in the auction, but it wasn't big enough to tell the condition of the ponies. I just relied on the seller's description.

I have put them all back in the box and put it out of sight because looking at the ponies like that brings tears to my eyes. It's not the money so much as the disappointment.

I would definitely contact the seller. Like you said, don't get emotional about it. Stick to the facts and try to avoid 'emotion' words in your correspondence. I would say something like, "I am very disappointed with this lot. The ponies were described as being in very good condition, but they are filthy, and have haircuts and stains. The picture did not show any of these flaws. I would like to be refunded my money and I will send them back to you." You may be out the cost of shipping. If you are pushy enough (or feel like pressing the issue) you may insist she pay return shipping too, but that may be a deal breaker and make things messy.

If she responds positively, great! If not, does Trade Me have a resolution center, like eBay does? I would go through them to make all contact. Hopefully, it'll work out smoothly. Good luck!

Foalpatrol - If you haven't contacted her yet one suggestion I can make is to start off with something nice. Like say "I appreciate the fast shipping" or something to that affect.

It starts off the conversation on good terms.

If you have nothing good to say about the transaction maybe you can say something like "I hope your holidays are going well".

That and sticking to the facts without getting too angry will help you to get her to fix the problem without drama.

Just wondered if I could PM my draft to someone? Not sure I'm comfortable posting it. No, there is no resolution centre on Trade Me or a place to "report" her, and the staff do not enter into feedback disputes, so if the seller gets mad and puts bad feedback, there's nothing I can do. Both the seller and I have 100% positive feedback and I'm sure she won't want hers ruined either.

RockinPrettyBeats wrote:

Foalpatrol - If you haven't contacted her yet one suggestion I can make is to start off with something nice. Like say "I appreciate the fast shipping" or something to that affect. It starts off the conversation on good terms. If you have nothing good to say about the transaction maybe you can say something like "I hope your holidays are going well". That and sticking to the facts without getting too angry will help you to get her to fix the problem without drama.

This is a very good tip! People seem to be more open for issues if you don't sound too offending and also mention a good thing. I'm sorry your ponies turned out to be such a dissapointment Defenitely contact the seller!

Hi Foalpatrol

What a ick situation. I agree that you should contact the seller. No one likes receiving or giving neg feedback, and this might work to your advantage depending on your approach.

It's a very disappointing situation and I feel for you. I'm in the midst of a deal gone bad on TM. I detest conflict, but have finally placed a neg feedback in an attempt to stir some action out of the seller. Hopefully you at least get a response out of yours! She clearly has a weird idea about what 'pretty good' condition is, and I think you have fair grounds to be unhappy about it.

foalpatrol wrote:

Just wondered if I could PM my draft to someone? Not sure I'm comfortable posting it. No, there is no resolution centre on Trade Me or a place to "report" her, and the staff do not enter into feedback disputes, so if the seller gets mad and puts bad feedback, there's nothing I can do. Both the seller and I have 100% positive feedback and I'm sure she won't want hers ruined either.

Feel free to send it to me. I am very good with wording things. Have helped others with things like this before.

Thanks so much Clones! PMing you now.

Marlin - sorry to hear about your bad experience on TM. I hope it gets sorted out.

Thanks for the advice everyone, will keep you posted.

Feel free to PM me as well, I've been dealing with Trademe for years!

I would also offer to read your message but it looks like you have plenty help already
Saying something positive about the transaction (even though it can be difficult when you are upset), is something I always do personally. It has good results . I hope that your seller will be reasonable and accept a return. Wishing you all the best with this

Thanks Loa & Ringlets. Clones gave me a couple of pointers and the email has now been sent. I started off on a positive note, hopefully she will take it well. Playing the waiting game now! Will let you know what she says.

EDIT:
Received an email back. Not sure where to go from here. She apologised and said she never meant to mislead about their condition, and that she didn't think they were that bad, and she actually thought I got a bargain (huh?), considering a new pony costs $20+ (no it does not).

But she has agreed to refund my money. The email was full of emotive language, like "it's Christmas" and telling me how hard it was to part with them, and not to send them back as her daughter will be devastated. She wants me to donate them to a charity shop as that is what she had originally planned to do. I honestly don't think they are suitable for donation.

Like her, I want the ponies to be loved. Her daughter has made it bloody hard! What on earth should I do with them? Clean them up as best I can and hope the charity shop doesn't biff them out?