When a card comes not as advertised

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Posted By: Richard

I recently purchased a card through ebay that was graded a GAI 4.5. It was advertised as having "no creases or wrinkles". However, when I received it, there was a light crease - visible on the back and only somewhat visible on the front.

The card does meet the Global standards for a 4.5 graded card. However, it clearly does not meet the condition as described in the auction. When I purchased the card, I was buying it based on a combination of the grade and the description. Of course, there is only so much you can see in the tiny posted pictures.

When contacting the seller, he said that he was not aware of any creases, but offered to refund my money if I were to return the card. However, it is a card that I have not seen too often in a 4.5 grade or higher and I do not know when I would see another one if I were to send it back.

My question is: as a buyer (or even as a seller), if you are in the situation where you want to keep a card, but it is not as advertised, do you ask for compensation (or offer compensation if you are the seller who made the mistake)? Or is it typically take it or leave it?

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Posted By: Rob

Are there any visible signs that the slab has been cracked?

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Posted By: Richard

No signs of slab tampering that I could see. I believe that it is a legit GAI 4.5. The seller just missed the light crease in his description.

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Posted By: Jay Miller

You can't have it both ways. If you want it--keep it. If you don't--return it. NEXT!

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Posted By: rob

Since he offered your money back, that seems to be the logical choice and a clear effort by the seller to make amends. Not sure partial compensation is really appropriate and ultimately it seems a little nit-picky to me. He may have made a mistake and clearly is willing to stand up to it, sounds like its take it or leave it. I understand you feel slighted or misled, but I cant see asking for anything, especailly since the card was graded and refund granted.

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Posted By: Richard

I have requested and received, as well as offered and handed out, compensation for items that were bought or sold with a mistake in the description. As a seller, I usually give the buyer the option of a full refund or partial compensation if I made the mistake. I was just wondering if this was common practice.

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Posted By: Wesley

A refund is all you can ask for. There are some big dealers who would refuse to give the refund without a restocking penalty or refuse to give any refund whatsoever. So consider yourself luck...this guy is being fair.

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Posted By: Howie

You said the card had a light crease, visible on the back and somewhat visible on the front. It sounds like the kind of crease that many people miss when sending cards in for grading and can't understand why their card came back a low grade. I don't know what the problem is if he's allowing you to return the card. If you don't like it send it back. My only question would be what's the heck is that to the right hand side of the picture. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5194283691&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

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Posted By: Rob

It's a 'Magnum'

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Posted By: Richard

But as long as it did not come into contact with the card, I am fine. Should I run the case through the dishwasher just to be safe?

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Posted By: Glenn

Looks like a new spinoff from the folks who brought us "reflectoporn."

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Posted By: Richard

that it is something that would be easy to miss if you are not looking at the card very closely. But why wouldn't you look at this card closely? I spotted it in about 2 seconds after pulling it out of the wrap. I do not believe that the person I purchased the card from was the person who sent it in for grading, but the crease would be very apparent if you held the card out of the case in your hand.

That being said, I am happy with the card and will be keeping it. The fact that the seller offered a refund was more than sufficient to make me happy. I was just wondering if compensation is something that is inappropriate to ask for, or too generous to offer.

Thanks.

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Posted By: warshawlaw

I think you are right. If the seller states something that isn't true, I think the seller should offer a refund or a make-good. Reputable sellers who've made a mistake will offer to take back the card or make a deal with you on the $$.

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Posted By: Howie

I was basing the severity of the crease on your explantion of it, and it sounded like something that could easily be missed. In fact it's light enough to where you're considering keeping the card. If the seller didn't have the "no creases" line in the auction would you have been okay with the card when you got it? As far as asking for compensation after the sale I think this may be abused too often and a seller may be more inclined to offer a full refund rather than paying out a few hundred to make it ok. If a collector wants cards with no creases getting a few dollars back doesn't make the crease go away. If you're okay with the crease it wouldn't hurt to ask the seller to adjust the price, or ask him to look at the card when you return it and consider your offer for it. If he agrees he can send it back to you along with the difference.

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Posted By: Chuck R

that's a card condom, isn't it?

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Posted By: Bob Marquette

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