eBuyer.com - sold used Hitachi hard drive that didn't work - told had to pay to return item to eBuyer.com

# 25 for August 26, 2003

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on August 25, 2003:

From:

RE: eBuyer.com - sold used Hitachi hard drive that didn't work - told had to pay to return item to eBuyer.com

EBUYER.com a UK based company.

I purchased a Hitachi hard drive, when received it had a sticker stating that it was a "servicable used part", the screw heads were wrecked and the drive made more noise than a car engine. The drive could not be recognised by any computer I tried it in.

When trying to contact Ebuyer they have a premium rate line that directs you onto their web-site where you attempt to gain an authorisation code. After a week they sent me a code and stated I had to pay for return ( this is against UK law), the goods had to be in "pristine condition" otherwise they would refuse the goods and charge my Visa card with return carraige (also against UK law).

Dilemma the goods were damaged, scratched and had markings where the previous owner had attempted to ensure he did not get the same drive back.

There was no way they would accept the drive back, this thought was confirmed by many other disgruntled customers who had gone through the same process with no joy.

Hitachi will not issue a returns number as it already has one, from the previous time it was returned to them, so I am out of pocket for approx $75.

They are now selling in the US.