[tenous]

Hi, I'm new to SEing. I've been reading quite a bit but I'm unsure of what method would be the best as an international buyer.
I bought a monitor ($320 total with shipping) from a large retailer on eBay, shipped by Pitney Bowes and then to my country by DHL Express.
Since eBay doesn't accept international returns, I was wondering if "Item not as described" (dead pixels or some other defect) would be a good method to use. Any advice?

[mothered]

Since eBay doesn't accept international returns, I was wondering if "Item not as described" (dead pixels or some other defect) would be a good method to use.

Check their terms to Identify how you're covered under the said circumstances.

shipped by Pitney Bowes and then to my country by DHL Express.

Is the DNA an option for you?

[tenous]

Since eBay doesn't accept international returns, I was wondering if "Item not as described" (dead pixels or some other defect) would be a good method to use.

Check their terms to Identify how you're covered under the said circumstances.

shipped by Pitney Bowes and then to my country by DHL Express.

Is the DNA an option for you?

DNA is an option, but it's a heavy item (8kg) and has tracking that will show it's delivered. DHL will probably take a picture of me with the product. (Here they don't leave it unattended). It's scheduled to arrive later today. Would DNA still work in this case?

Their terms say if the product is not as described (damaged, etc) I can ask to return it at the expense of the seller, and the seller has to either send me a label or give me a refund. But I don't know if it's that easy to "prove" it's damaged.

I'm reading your blog post about the DNA method right now.

[mothered]

DNA is an option, but it's a heavy item (8kg)

The weight has no relevance to the DNA method.

Whether It weighs 8kg or 800kg, It doesn't change the fact that you're purely claiming It didn't arrive, Irrespective of how heavy It Is.

and has tracking that will show it's delivered.

GPS/tracking Is a useless form of verification.

It only confirms delivery to an "address", and cannot conclude a "person-to-person" delivery. As such, you did not personally receive your goods.

DHL will probably take a picture of me with the product.

"Probably" suggests Inconclusiveness.

Try and establish whether or not It Is the case.

Would DNA still work in this case?

It depends on the circumstances of my comment just above pertaining to receipt of goods.

Their terms say if the product is not as described (damaged, etc) I can ask to return it at the expense of the seller

How do you plan to circumvent the return?

But I don't know if it's that easy to "prove" it's damaged.

You will be Instructed to provide the evidence.

[tenous]

DNA is an option, but it's a heavy item (8kg)

The weight has no relevance to the DNA method.

Whether It weighs 8kg or 800kg, It doesn't change the fact that you're purely claiming It didn't arrive, Irrespective of how heavy It Is.

and has tracking that will show it's delivered.

GPS/tracking Is a useless form of verification.

It only confirms delivery to an "address", and cannot conclude a "person-to-person" delivery. As such, you did not personally receive your goods.

DHL will probably take a picture of me with the product.

"Probably" suggests Inconclusiveness.

Try and establish whether or not It Is the case.

Would DNA still work in this case?

It depends on the circumstances of my comment just above pertaining to receipt of goods.

Their terms say if the product is not as described (damaged, etc) I can ask to return it at the expense of the seller

How do you plan to circumvent the return?

But I don't know if it's that easy to "prove" it's damaged.

You will be Instructed to provide the evidence.

It just got here. They didn't ask for signature or picture, just asked my name. But I've read ebay sides with the seller if the tracking shows it arrived, so I'm not sure if I should go with that method.
If I go with Item not as described, is it okay to show pictures I found on Google of the same monitor with dead pixels? I've removed the metadata and cropped it.

[mothered]

They didn't ask for signature or picture, just asked my name. But I've read ebay sides with the seller if the tracking shows it arrived, so I'm not sure if I should go with that method.

If eBay bases their decision purely on tracking confirmation, then disregard the DNA.

If I go with Item not as described, is it okay to show pictures I found on Google of the same monitor with dead pixels? I've removed the metadata and cropped it.

As said, you'll be Instructed on what to provide.

[tenous]

They didn't ask for signature or picture, just asked my name. But I've read ebay sides with the seller if the tracking shows it arrived, so I'm not sure if I should go with that method.

If eBay bases their decision purely on tracking confirmation, then disregard the DNA.

If I go with Item not as described, is it okay to show pictures I found on Google of the same monitor with dead pixels? I've removed the metadata and cropped it.

As said, you'll be Instructed on what to provide.

Okay, so I opened an 'item not as described' case and the seller automatically approved the RMA. I received an email from eBay saying the seller can't provide a shipping label, but they'll pay for the return once I send it back. They say I should contact the seller with a quote saying how much it'd cost to ship the product back to them. The thing is shipping the item back to them would be more expensive than the price of the item itself, so maybe if I mention that to them they'll send a refund without having to return the item? The email says if the seller doesn't come up with a solution in 3 days I can contact eBay and they'll solve the case. I still don't know if eBay will ask me to return it after getting the refund. Sorry if this is confusing. What should I do? Any advice?

[mothered]

The thing is shipping the item back to them would be more expensive than the price of the item itself, so maybe if I mention that to them they'll send a refund without having to return the item?

Yes do that.

Inform them of the shipping cost, whereby It's not viable to return the product due to the cost of freight on your end. See how they respond to It.

I still don't know if eBay will ask me to return it after getting the refund.

If so, you'll be out of pocket for the reason mentioned above.

If It comes to that, communicate It to eBay

Sorry if this is confusing.

Not at all.

It's perfectly understood.

[tenous]

Update after more than a week of waiting: Refund successful!
The seller offered to help with $30, they couldn't cover all the expenses, so ebay put the case on hold to give them some more time. Then the seller offered me a $100 partial refund but that's not what ebay asked for so they closed the case in my favor.
Btw, it's a huge seller, I didn't screw a small business.

[Nabeshin]

That's quite the score! Just wondering, which country did you order it from and where was it shipped?