I bought a Singer model 99 sewing machine in a cabinet that I loved at a local antique store. Since it needed work, I sent it to a person on EBay that sold me my Featherweight. He told me he was going to exchange my machine for one that was already refurbished if I didn't mind. As long as it was the same machine I had no problem with that. Now to get to the problem and my need for advice. The machine didn't arrive when he said it would. After waiting a few days we contacted him via EBay since he has a "store" on there. A few days later I received an email from his son saying he had major heart surgery but his son would send out my machine. Ok thus far :wink:

When the machine arrived it doesn't work. The wires going into the machine are bare, one isn't even attached to the machine, etc. I paid him $135 to refurbish this machine plus shipping and I got back a machine that can't be used. I paid through my PayPal account but this was a month or so ago since I was waiting for him to respond to my numerous phone calls and emails.

I feel guilty compaining to PayPal about this transaction since I know he has been ill and may not even be with us but I also can't afford to throw away $135 on a machine that doesn't work.

My question, sorry this was so long, what would you do.

File a complaint.

I agree, file a complaint.

Definitely, file a complaint! He shouldn't have switched them. I think he should have fixed yours and returned it. It's possible the son sent the wrong one, too. But, anyway, file a complaint.

you need to file a complaint before this happens to someone else

Please, file the complaint before too much time goes by.

You only have the word of an email from his "son" that he has been ill. Maybe he has, maybe he hasn't. Maybe he fell on hard times himself or damaged your machine or didn't have one to send you. You don't really know. I hope he is okay, but with online transactions, you need to protect yourself first. Especially if no one will return a phone call or email.

You need to file a complaint with PayPal. They will refund your money until the problem is taken care through them. That's one of the advantages of paying through them.

Have you corresponded with this seller letting them know that you are not happy with this trade? I think PayPal/ebay requires you to allow the seller to try and make good on the transaction first.
Then if they don't, you have the right (and should) contact PayPal for reimbursement.

Even if Dad is incapacitated, he still has a responsibility to his sellers. So yes, do follow through to either get a working machine or a refund.

contact paypal. the family of the man should be taking care of things in his absence and although we all know (life happens) that does not mean you should be taken advantage of...or ripped off. I would also send the son a copy of the correspondence you had with his dad, and let them know that what you received is not acceptable. but after contacting him (who knows he may just refund your money himself) then contact paypal, and also remember to put the feedback on the ebay...contact them too. if he has a store they should be notified there is a problem

Paypal will not put up with unsatified custmers. Please file the complaint. If you don't he may do the same thing to another great quilter. Please let us know the outcome of your problem..