Looking for advise on an unfortunate situation

[ssoden]

I'm a little puzzled on how to handle an unfortunate situation, looking for some advise from other members. I purchased a bow from an other member. I called to talk with them about the bow, we had a very nice long conversation. We talked about the bow, they stated how beautiful the limb veneers where, that they were the original owner of the bow. Really liked the person, it's always nice to meet new people.

Well the bow arrived today, I unpackaged the bow and on the face of the bow it had several white streaking in the glass on both limbs. I was shocked to see this because the seller never mentioned one word about the streaking. I've seen streaking in glass but this was much above normal. The bow is around 5 years old.

I contacted the seller by email within 15 min. of receiving the bow, confronting him that I was surely disappointed that the didn't tell me about the streaking!  His response;

Well send it back,it came that way I didn't like it either. It's way more than half off. I'm not paying the shipping back. I'll mail you a check.

It's nice that he will refund me the bow money but because of his dishonestly it will cost me around $40.00 to send it back. The tone of his response is what got me the most!!!   How would you handle this???

[Orion]

Not much you can do about it.  The seller should have been more forthright, but he wasn't.  Always a good idea to ask for pictures.  If you don't like the streaking, send it back and get a refund.  I would think you should be able to mail it for less than $40.  I send longbows and particularly 3-piece TDs around the country for around $20 insured.  Chalk it up to experience. 

[Steelhead]

Ofcourse the streaking should be mentioned.It devalues the bow and you may not purchase it at all to begin with.Or see about discounting the price more with an offer if you want it anyway.

A description and pics would be most helpful for the buyer in making a fair and sound decision on purchase.

Some have light streaking,some moderate and some have alot of streaking.Sounds like it was alot of streaking.

The 40$ out of pocket for you is not fair in return shipping really.The streaking should have been mentioned forthrightly.

I might split it with him as a kind gesture.I Would not want to eat it all.

If I really really loved how it shot and I could live with the streaking.I might possibly offer him a lowball price for the horrible cosmetics and see if that worked.Thats a whole different thing

I once traded a custom bow that had really bad streaking.I told the buyer who I knew.It was really bad.Like as bad as it could get.He said no problem because he wanted it for a hunting bow and was not concerned.I lowered the value appropriatly and all was good.

[Friend]

If I were not able the flaws, then I would return it.

Allowing the disappointment to simmer will absolutely do you no good and may be destructive. It is worth far more than $40 to be rid of a thorn in the side.

Our greatest disappointments will be incurred from others and ourselves. We must both realize that humanity is flawed and has the propensity to remain weak. A vital commitment of the Trad Gang core is to maintain integrity and when we fall, we get up and endeavor to uphold this virtue. We are always beginning again.

Tomorrow offers us hope that the sun will shine in our lives if we merely choose to raise the shade.

[GCook]

If you like the bow, if it shoots for you and it feels good in the hand, you might contact the bowyer about the finish.  Maybe he can help right the wrong with a touch up.

It doesn't change the slight of the deal you were crossed on.  But perhaps it can make the sting of it less.

[ssoden]

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and suggestions. First to clarify the buyer did send me pictures to view however not of the cosmetic issues, all the limb pictures were from the back of the bow, which now makes sense.
 I did shoot the bow after work and the bow shoots great, so Steelhead I do like your thoughts on possibly working a deal on a cost reduction to retain the bow. If he isn’t willing, then it will go back. I paid for the bow using PayPal and would like for him to refund me using PayPal not a personal check.
I’ll let you know how it goes 😊
 
“God is the only source of hope that'll never disappoint. When we place our faith in him, he provides joy, peace, and hope that overflows”

[Wudstix]

Best of luck to ya.
 

[Caranthir]

Before you complain too much, reverse roles and ask yourself if you might be a little cranky yourself. Humans are flawed, including yourself, so have a little grace and learn your lesson. $40 isn't too high of a tuition for the school of hard knocks.

[jrstegner]

I'd like to hear his side of the story, and see the bow. I assume this is a high end bow.  If you got it for way less than half price of a new one I can't see complaining at all. If you can't deal with streaks in glass you better stick to colored glass. They don't make streak -free clear glass anymore. I won't build a set with wood any darker than myrtle anymore. The last Gordan's I got looked pretty good, but it wasn't flawless. The last Bearpaw I used was so bad I painted it, pretty frustrating when you use a set of $80 veneers.

[Mark R]

Hey Steve I don't think your being cranky at all, if what your stating is correct looks like the seller had no intention of stating the obvious about the bow and  was hoping you would accept the bow as is. I have not used the Tradgang classifieds but I hope they have experience in helping you with your situation.

[joe vt]

With what you have presented thus far, it seems to me the seller was somewhat withholding the streaking aspect of the limbs. It is a well known issue with veneers that are dark. But his comment about not liking them when he received the bow AND not including a photo of the limb sides where the streaky is; just appears sneaky and not being transparent with the physical look of the bow.



I would be disappointed and more disappointed that I have to eat the costs of return shipping. But, it might be better than keeping the bow.



You did not include the cost of the bow and I am not suggesting you do. But consider if you really got a deal because the seller stated its way more than half the cost of new.


Tough choices to make no doubt.

[Terry Green]

Where did you buy the bow???..

[Sam McMichael]

He should have disclosed the flaws immediately. The fact that all limb photos were from the reverse side of the bow indicates he was deliberately hiding something. This is not a good way to do business. I have only bought a few used bows but not without either seeing the bow in person or a complete set of photos. Sorry you got burned.

[Terry Green]

From your history.... you did not buy the bow from our classifieds.... just for clarification as it puts a bad light on us as an insinuation ..... if I'm wrong... email me.

We have only had 3 incidents in 5 years.... and we will not be blamed for bad deals elsewhere....all 3 off those incidents where miss communication.....

We aren't going to promote good or bad from other sales venues...

We really do appreciate your contribution to Tradgang....

AGAIN.... IF I'M WRONG PLEASE EMAIL ME.

[Terry Green]

I have emailed seller.....

I will be contacting him as I want our classifieds to be stellar
...

Follow up to come...

[Terry Green]

I have received an email from topic starter... and left him a message.... we will get to the bottom of this...

Thx...

[Terry Green]

Seller and I have chatted

[ssoden]

 Just a quick update that everything has been cleared up and would like to thank the moderators for all their help in the matter. I thoroughly enjoy shopping in the classifies and look forward to many more purchases with the great members of Trad Gang.

God Bless

[Terry Green]

No worrie now.... all is fine .... 

[Terry Green]

All is well with transaction as it stands now
... thx guys