So I listed an old record player as defect, for spares and repairs for 20bucks on Ricardo. It was brought by a buyer and during shipment the end of the tonearm snapped. Now the buyer who is swiss is threatening legal action and complaining of the high shipping cost for an item that is defect. Although clearly listed as defect.

thoughts?

Maybe he was fully aware that it was damaged, but he bought it anyhow for parts, particularly the tonearm. And it arrived damaged. Who knows?

I just read that one can claim compensation from swiss post on items damaged on delivery. Ive read so many horror stories about Ricardo buyers and sellers taking legal action for silly things I hope this does not escalate.

I'd be pissed off too if I paid over the odds for something not properly described. Physically broken is different to defect. If your ad implied that the arm wasn't broken then I'd say you're at fault and a "typical Ricardo seller". If the ad was clear then I wouldn't say that :-)


My bad. I didn't read the post properly.

it was only 20chf and damaged by swiss post during shipping, buyer can claim from them but instead sends threatening emails to me. Why would I be at fault? It was sent as described and well packed.

Sorry I mis-read your post. I guess the question is who should claim from the Post. I suppose they might claim it wasn't packed well enough. What does the guy say in his emails?

maybe it helps you:
last week I got a package from a Swiss on-line shop, it should be two big glass container, they come to my house completely broken. I was not at home when it come, they left it in the building entrance as usual.

I contacted seller, who contacted Post, and than I went on according to this procedure:
https://www.post.ch/en/sending-parcels/damage-or-loss
but instead of taking the package to Post, as it was too big, I printed photos of damage, notice from Post and bill from seller.
Post clerk wrote down a protocol, told me that usually they need to see the packet but ok, let it be this time, I signed the protocol, than she pay me out in cash, the whole worth of broken things.
I inform the seller, who thanked me.
So, clearly the Post pays for damaged things. Yes, it's an annoying process, but that how it is. Just communicate this to buyer, and tell him he needs to go to Posta and first complain with them.

Usually the seller claims from the post - you paid the postoffice, so the contract is with you.


Some couriers will refuse to deal with the buyer, and tell the buyer to ask the seller to open the insurance claim.

Since this particular issue is about Fr. 20, if it were me selling, I would write to the buyer:

I advertised the record-player as old and defective, which is it.
I packaged it well and posted it to you in good faith. When I did so, the arm was intact.

It is most regrettable that the arm broke during the post/delivery, and I am sorry that happened to you.

Formally, correctly, the Post Office is liable for such damages. To claim from them, you or I would have to go through their formal procedure.

However, as I wish to bring this matter to a peaceful close as efficiently as possible, and the amount is so small, I shall refund you the purchase price of Fr. 20, on the understanding that this matter will thereby be completed and ended, for both you and me. Unless I hear otherwise from you within 48 hours of this mail, I will go ahead with this, and take it that it that you agree to this compromise, so that we can close our files.

Although I would not start by offering to cover the postage costs, if, within 48 hours, the seller replies (as he might) that that's not a good enough offer, and he wants a refund of the postage, too, then I would agree to that. My reason would be that I'm a busy person and I'd want to get this matter dealt with, so I can put it behind me with no further threats of any damages coming my way, and move on to other parts of my life.