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Topic starter
08/10/2026 9:24 am
The 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Skiff I posted days ago did arrive, but it has been very disappointing. I have been unwell and this was not what I had hoped to find, when I opened the box that arrived yesterday. The box was completely undamaged but, inside, the model had been wrapped like a dead fish in newspaper, with no protection for the parts and the windshield could not have survived the wrapping process, so he must have known it was no longer attached, just like the RR mascot and the side mirror. When notified of the condition I was told any damage was caused by the shipper, and we all know a pristine box is not likely to gain any sympathy from the shipper (Herrmes, in this case). In addition, as I was not the one contracting with Hermes to deliver the package I have no standing to make a claim with them. This seller couldn't grasp this simple bit of contract law. Either way, it is obvious he took no care with this model and told me: 'You can return it at your expense but only if you do so in the condition in which it was sold.' He wants me to repair his model and return it at my expense. It took me several seconds to fully grasp what he was suggesting. This is a first for me, but I'm not going to do battle with a moron, so I immediately filed a claim with eBay for resolution.
On eBay.de many of the sellers have a disclaimer stating that they are 'not responsible for damages sustained in transit,' as if this was a universally accepted policy. Of course, that's pure nonsense, but I sense many unsophisticated buyers let themselves be taken in by it and don't complain. Could I repair this model when I am feeling better? Possibly, though the side mirror was broken in such a manner as to make any repair a precarious one, at best. The windshield was sheared off at the base, and the mascot has a jagged edge, making reattachment iffy. But, most of all it is the principle. I don't like bullies and there are a multitude of ways he could have handled the situation and create a win/win. He chose to bluster and bluff his way out of taking responsibility and that doesn't work for me.
Original photos:
Photos on arrival, including two showing the model upside down in the newspaper wrapping:
This topic was modified 4 weeks ago 2 times by GDH
08/10/2026 9:47 am
Yes! That's a huge letdown. I usually mention negative feedback when I get into these situations. Sometimes it can be effective. I'm sure eBay will make an adjustment. They almost always side with the buyer. Keep us posted.
This post was modified 4 weeks ago by John Kuvakas
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Topic starter
08/10/2026 10:27 am
@jkuvakas It was a long search for this one, but I'll put it on the back burner, for now. This seller had six other models I wanted, but I won't be buying anything else from him. I have three others coming and as they are from a seller with whom I have had excellent results I am looking forward to their arrival.
08/10/2026 11:25 am
@jkuvakas It was a long search for this one, but I'll put it on the back burner, for now. This seller had six other models I wanted, but I won't be buying anything else from him. I have three others coming and as they are from a seller with whom I have had excellent results I am looking forward to their arrival.
I'm sorry this happened to you. With delicate FM and DM 1/24th models, I and most of the older Mint buyers check to be sure the replicas are in their ORIGINAL, form-fitting styrofoam boxes before bidding. This happens too often, when they are not.
I'd be proactive here and send these photos to eBay and the seller and be sure to tell the seller you are changing your mind and are NOT going to buy the other 6 (and I would name them!!!) unless he takes the model in return and refunds your purchase.
This post was modified 4 weeks ago by Tony Perrone
Topic starter
08/10/2026 12:07 pm
@perrone1 As he has refused to do the right thing I took it to eBay and filed a request for return, due to damage, and I included photos of the damage and how the model was so poorly packed. He did respond, but he is not budging, so I told him it is with eBay, now, and I have nothing further to contribute to the conversation. They will step in on the 13th if nothing has transpired between now and then.
This post was modified 4 weeks ago 2 times by GDH
08/10/2026 1:45 pm
Definitely follow through with eBay. I'm not sure of policies in Germany but here in the US the seller would have to cover this mo matter what. Even if their packing was perfect. I've been selling on ebay since 1996 and have NEVER let a buyer down. I know I've been the victim of fraud a few times when buyers intentionally lie about damage but that is unusual. Anyway, this seller will lose with eBay, I have no doubt.
08/10/2026 3:10 pm
Geez - what a POS seller! Don't you just hate these * * * * **** who simply "toss" items in a box!
OTOH, I'd be SHOCKED if eBay fails to compensate you.
Document everything including lots of pics (no doubt that's precisely what you've done ) and I'm guessing you'll receive a FULL refund AND be able to keep this item - at the very least - if it MUST be returned, that POS seller will pay for it.
Then, LAST but NOT least, AFTER you receive your refund, BLAST that POS with severely negative feedback! 😠 😠 😠 😡
Topic starter
08/10/2026 4:06 pm
@chris If you look at the last photo, fold the newsprint over the top, then the bottom, and then bring in both sides and fold all together, that was how I found the model in the box. He made no attempt to protect any part of it, which leads me to believe the windshield was already off and the other two parts came off as he wrapped it. No worries, though, even in my current state I was able to take the proper steps and if eBay drops the ball on this one I will be shocked.
And, yes, I will leave the appropriate feedback...with photos.
Topic starter
08/10/2026 4:08 pm
@whodeytink I was able to buy and sell classic 1:1 cars on eBay.com, with nary a whisper of a problem. Life is much different on eBay.de.
08/10/2026 4:43 pm
Spot on Chris! You can even leave pics on feedback these days.Then, LAST but NOT least, AFTER you receive your refund, BLAST that POS with severely negative feedback!
My recent ebay issues haven't been with sellers but with their diabolical global shipping program. Good luck with it all, and yes please keep us posted.
Personally I'd look for another model, keeping the rear seat canvas cover, knowing that many that do sell in good condition do not have it.
08/10/2026 5:27 pm
It's a shame that people like this exist and ruin it for the majority who try to do the right thing. Good luck in getting this resolved and hope you feel better GDH.
08/10/2026 5:56 pm
Yes, I hope you feel better soon, first and foremost. Also, I'm sure Ebay will make it right. I've only ever had one issue. PayPal told me if Ebay didn't take care of it they'd see to it I got refunded. Which Ebay made it right. Good luck.💯👍🙏
Topic starter
09/10/2026 8:53 am
@bob-jackman Thank you for your well-wishes and if eBay doesn't do the right thing I will go to my CC company for a resolution of the matter. I'm not letting this person wiggle out from under this issue. But, I do have to wait five more days before eBay will take action.
Geoff Jowett and Geno reacted
Topic starter
09/10/2026 9:01 am
I wish to also extend thanks to @geno, @chris, @geoff-jowett, @whodeytink, @peronne1, and @jkuvakas for your moral support, for though I believe I am a strong person, matters such as this bring a certain amount of negativity to one's life, which requires more energy to hold at bay, and additional positive energy can go a long way in helping control the negativity created by this seller. Merci, mes ami. Merci.