Ebay rant - it's for a van not a truck

[Jimbotronics]

Sorry - it's so long but I needed to rant....

First off, I know there is a very good article here on the board under FAQ that defines how to convert the column to a truck. However, that's not the point - the fact I was bidding on a truck column and not a van column is.

I came across an auction that clearly stated "truck" 67-72 c10. Where as I would normally have emailed the seller and asked questions, it was at the auction's end and there just wasn't time. I received the item very promptly and well packaged. I was so excited that I imediately ripped it out of the box - first thing I notice that it has a flat connector and not a horseshoe style plug, then sure enough I placed it next to my old column and the shaft is longer. I emailed the seller explaining that I was upset that I didn't get what was advertised. Here's his response as well as my response to his response..lol I don't mind critisism so who's in the right?

Subject: Re: Tilt steering column

We purchased the column on ebay a good while back to use in a truck which we were planning on restoring but ended up selling. If you will check out some of our other auctions you will see that we have been selling a lot of truck parts. We purchased it for a truck and assumed that it was correct, we have had several inquiries and gave everyone that asked the length of the shaft as one ebayer told me that was where the difference was. It was never our intention to sell anyone anything which was not correct as we purchase most of our parts on ebay also.

We am very sorry that the column isn't what you expected, if you would like to return it we will happily refund your payment less shipping as our policy states.

Thanks,
Mary


My response: (haven't gotten a reply from this response yet):

Here’s the problem with your statement – If you’re going to sell something, do your homework and find out what you’re selling. Had you advertised it as a van column I wouldn’t have bought it and we wouldn’t be having this conversation (I can pick van columns up all day for under $75, which is about what you would get for it when you re-list it as a VAN column).

I feel the honest and proper thing to settle this would be to refund me the difference in value or you eat the cost of shipping in both directions. Remember, you listed it wrong and should be no fault of mine. I challenge you to show me anywhere in your auction that it remotely mentions the possibility of being a van column. I think you knew it was a van column and that’s why you didn’t have better photos of it.

You’re like the camel’s back, the last six or seven things I have bought off ebay hasn’t been what was listed and I’ve left positive feedback anyway because I didn’t want a negative myself. You know what, I’m tired of it – If you don’t agree with my requests, I’ll contact fair trade and then I will leave you a negative feedback.

Please understand, I’m not trying to be an ass - I’m putting a lot of money into a complete frame-off project. I bid,won, and prompty paid! For what reason do you think it’s fair that you send me something falsely advertised that I have to alter and 'make work'?

Thanks,

Jim