Suffolk Mazda / Uk Mazda Parts - A Warning - Incredibly bad interaction with used parts seller

[Inutopia]

Just after some opinions and to possibly offer a warning. I’ve had a very bad experience with a seller of used Mx 5 parts.

I had cause to buy a used bumper for my NC. Long story, but I needed a replacement. I found one that looked decent on eBay, so i called the seller as they wouldn’t answer messages. Now I’m not a dummy, I know that thais bumper would be getting some minor repairs and of course a full paint. When I phoned the place (i think they might be known in the community) I was told the bumper was in good condition, and just needed ‘some high fill primer’ and obviously a paint.

Great I thought, and bought the bumper. Anyway, once it arrived to me I straight away saw damage that was beyond the remit of any primer, namely severe scuffing and a tear on the nearside wing, along with a crease on the front near the numberplate. So I sent pictures to my repair man. He said best look in person so the car went in for repair.

My repair man then came back to me with news that the bumper wouldn’t be repairable, as some of the missing material was right on the edged of the wing, where the filler would just fall out again sooner or later. Also the bulge on the front would be noticeable when painted.

So I had to get a new bumper and come back to the seller of the old one. When I phoned him (remember they didn’t reply to eBay messages) he was SUPER dismissive on the phone and told me i just needed a better repair man. This is without even seeing the extra damage I was claiming. We eventually agreed that I would send pictures via email.

After not hearing back for a few days I just opened a return on eBay, figuring it would force them to deal with me. I was not wrong. I just received this lovely message in reply:

“Bumper is in good used condition and requires minor repair and fresh paint - exactly as stated in the listing. If you or your chosen paint shop can not or will not do it then you simply need a better, more competent paint shop - you’ve just ignored the fact it’s 15 years old and needs painting and trying to scam us using ebays pathetic have heavily buyer biased returns policy - if you send it back for a refund we will without any hesitation take legal action to recover all costs involved - this is nothing more than you wanting a used panel to be ready to fit when the fact remains it was sold needing paint and is 100 percent as shown in the photos - you just want to avoid paying to have it painted. You can not claim a refund for an item that is as described, your lies and pathetic excuses are not justification for a return - you and ebay staff know it but yet here we are with you trying it on anyway…”

So that’s where we’re at now. They’re calling me a scammer, which I don’t even understand, threatening legal action (over a £160 bumper, very funny!), and I’m out of pocket for a bumper I can’t use. Lovely.

Happy to share the name of the seller/mazda specialist involved, but I thought I’d hold that detail back before hearing what people think. Personally I wouldn’t touch them again, and I’d be keen to warn others too!

Phew, vent over!

Edit to add in details of seller as a few people have asked and a couple have correctly guessed (imagine having a reputation so bad!).

The people who have guessed the identity are absolutely correct, it’s Suffolk Mazda, Autofix Suffolk, UK Mazda Parts etc.

Autofix Suffolk | Independent Garage | Ipswich

Mazda MX5 Eunos spare parts & accessories

Suffolk Mazda | eBay Stores

uk_mazda_parts on eBay

[MikeyC]

Was the damage not visible in the eBay listing? I.e., if you compare the eBay listing to the photos that you took of the damage, is the discrepancy immediately obvious?

[Inutopia]

No, the damage was not visible in the listing. It’s primarily to the nearside wing, which wasn’t photographed.

His pictures:

[Inutopia]

My pictures:

[MikeyC]

You can probably still access the original listing but if not eBay certainly can. I’d go back to eBay and send them your photos, point out the difference between them and the original listing, and go after the money. If you are concerned about the seller’s threat of legal action, take advice first. I have a friend who is qualified and would advise me, but you can often get a freebie when it’s this simple by just contacting a law firm and being very polite.

You could also take a look at this to see what parts of it apply: Online and distance selling : Distance selling - GOV.UK

That’s just my opinion, though, which is what you requested Good luck.

[IanH]

@Inutopia

My repair man then came back to me with news that the bumper wouldn’t be repairable, as some of the missing material was right on the edged of the wing, where the filler would just fall out again sooner or later. Also the bulge on the front would be noticeable when painted.

Notwithstanding whether the item is misrepresented, have you asked the opinion of a different repairer, are you confident in the competence of the one you have asked?

[Inutopia]

Fairly confident. He has now completed repairs on another bumper and the paintwork is to a high standard.

[Noddy_Dog]

Have you looked at whether you have built in legal cover, where your insurers have a legal team to first advise you, on your home insurance? It was previously included (rather than paying extra) on one of our previous home insurers.

Here’s an example of the type of cover I’m referring to: Legal Services explained | Home Insurance add-ons - Aviva

[TMW]

My View - Threat of action is merely a scare tactic. Are they a registered trader / company? If so, second had goods are still covered under the sale of goods act as not fit for purpose. You may well need a second opinion from another garage to confirm unfit for purpose.

Re the actual seller - Any reputable seller would work with the customer to promote good customer service to resolve the issue in a way that might have you shopping with them again.

Their response is not this. Their response is BULLYING. And I hate bullies. I say name them (so long as you are comfortable with that of course).

Hope you get this resolved!

[Davy_F]

Don’t be worried about their bullying tactics…go through eBay who I bet will side with you. There’s nothing the vendor can do to you if you go this way. I’ve had run-ins with the same types and they’ve always lost the case.

[Suggy]

Follow through with eBay “not as described” and send them your photos, as Davy_F suggested - takes a bit of time to get resolved but it’s worth it - good luck👍

[MickAP]

Yep go through the process of a refund/complaint via ebay. Their arrogance and bully tactics need to be sorted, I’d name and shame too.

[MikeyC]

That’s interesting, I was expecting it to only apply to things connected to your home, such as damages caused by a negligent tradesperson. It seems to be very broad, though.

Another option is whether the OP’s employer gives them access to an advice service. Some large employers provide their employees with access to advice and support lines that cover a wide range of issues. I used to work somewhere that did this.

[Paul_W1]

I searched eBay for NC “front wing” parts. There are a few minor front end parts listed in exactly the same colour as the wing in your photos, so I think I have possibly identified the seller. I visited them a few years ago when looking for some replacement seats. I didn’t buy.

[First_rider_off]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought that any “Internet” purchase is subject to a 14 day return rights for the customer even if the item sold is as described.

[NickD]

I think this says it all.

@Inutopia

if you send it back for a refund we will without any hesitation take legal action to recover all costs involved

Yes it can be annoying on eBay at times. I sent some tyres to someone who changed their mind and rather than ask to return them, they just opened a dispute which freezes all the money transactions going on. On top of which they are allowed up to 30 days then to return the product. But when all is said and done, those safeguards are there for both sides protection.
The threat is a stupid over reaction. I believe you have to pay the return cost, there may be exemptions over “goods not as described” but pretty much they would be “taking action” over the the delivery costs and listing fees. No one is going to do that unless you have run off with their partner or shot their dog.
The pictures actually look like they have been taken on their drive at home so potentially not really a business and the reaction is also more of a home garage seller rather than a business proper.
Just carry on doing what you are doing.

[Paul20v]

Distance selling laws as already mentioned in this post
Basically they dont have a leg to stand on and there bully tactics prove this,

Just a snippet below from the law as it stands on distance selling :

You must tell the customer they can cancel their order up to 14 days after their order is delivered. They do not need to give a reason for cancelling.

If you do not tell the customer about their right to cancel, they can cancel at any time in the next 12 months. If you tell them about the right to cancel during these 12 months, they have 14 days to cancel from when you told them

PS . as for this comment in his description as i take it you had the same comment or similar
distance selling laws still apply

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

Please ensure you are purchasing the correct part before you commit to buy as we are unable to offer refunds for items purchased in error.

Used panels / bodykits etc are exactly that - they are used and as such will no doubt have marks / chips / light scratches / minor damages etc consistent with a used panel.

Glass and fragile items are sent entirely at buyers risk as courier insurance will not cover them.

We go to a lot of effort to describe items as accurately as possible so please read all of the listing before you bid !

All mechanical items are checked and come from running and driving cars and come with a 14 day warranty.

Buyers are more than welcome to collect items in person from our office in Ipswich

[OrangeMX-5]

In our experience eBay online chat has been useful when dealing with “silly” sellers or buyers. At least always keep all discussions via eBay message system, it’s a bit clunky but makes a proper record.

[Sunzoffski]

The fact they threat with legal action shows you what kind of company they are.
If they are a registered business they have to accept returns, tax man will deal with the costs at a later date.

As someone that uses ebay often it’s up to them to provide accurate pictures of the condition. Why they didn’t just take pictures of the worst of the damage shows incompetence from the offset. Most places will use chalk and just highlight the defects.

[John_M]

Apropos of nothing in particular.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/fdbk/feedback_profile/uk_mazda_parts

Some interesting responses to negative feedback