...Hi Herman,
Thanks for taking the time to start this public forum for our discussion. I hope this will help clear up the radio transaction. First, I’d like to point out that I am a financially contributing member of TDIClub, and a TDI enthusiast. I confess, that I have not dealt with TDIs as long as you have, mostly because I have not been alive as long as you have, but that’s nether here nor there.
Last week, I responded to a WTB ad you had posted. I believe the link is in your original post above. The ad stated that you were looking to purchase a standard double din radio (3B7-035-180). Here is the first set of correspondence:
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---Quote (Originally by s.pavel6)---
---Quote (Originally by Herm TDI)---
---Quote (Originally by s.pavel6)---
Herm, I have one coming out of my 2003 wagon when I install the MFD. I don't know what these go for, how much were you looking to spend?
---End Quote---
Are you sure that you have the basic aka no amplifier double din radio ?
do you have the security code ?
---End Quote---
Yes, this is the stock radio - non-monsoon. It is in a 2003 VW Jetta Wagon GL TDI. I have the security code as well.
---End Quote---
Will you take $35+ shipping
“
At the time, I had purchased but not received the MFD out of Blizzard60’s car. Note that I clearly stated that the radio would be available when I installed the MFD. I told you that with shipping prices, and paypal fees, I thought that $50 seemed fair, considering that the radio is $457.00 from 1stvwparts.com ($625.00 MSRP). With my math skills, that is about a 90% discount. It’s used, so sure, I don’t mind.
The MFD arrived, and I proceeded to remove my radio from the vehicle using the VW radio removal tools. I am not the first owner of the vehicle, and somewhere in the past 10 years, someone had tired to remove the radio, pushing the clasps out instead of pulling them in. This made the tool useless, and I was forced to break the center console to remove the radio. It’s ok, I can purchase a new center console, as I will be going to aluminum trim in the wagon anyway, I said.
When the radio did come out, the two side clasps were deformed bent, and there were scrapes on the metal sides of the radiob (not visible when installed). The clasps are made of thin aluminum, and can be bent back into shape. They also do not affect the performance of the radio.
I shipped the item via USPS Priority Mail, which cost $11.35 + $0.75 for delivery confirmation, and the $1.75 that PayPal charges for the transaction. A total of $13.85. I had over-estimated the fees by $1.15. The package was delivered to you the day after I had sent it, and had sent you the tracking number. This was the 5th Business day after your payment.
The same day, I received two PMs from you in rapid succession. I will include both below, and my response. I realized that I had not sent you the radio code. I usually have this written on the top of my radios, since I don’t want to loose it, and I live in a low crime area. Being a new car, I had not previously pulled out the radio, and therefore it was not written on there.
“
---Quote (Originally by Herm TDI)---
The radio has arrived .
There is no security code .
Also see that the radio has damage where the removal keys would be inserted.
provide the 4-digit security code.
Herman
---End Quote---
---Quote (Originally by s.pavel6)---
---Quote (Originally by Herm TDI)---
This radio is useless.
What ever was used to remove this radio distroyed the latching clasps.
I want my money ($50.00 USD) refunded.
Herman
1-207-737-2861
---End Quote---
Hi Herman,
Sorry to hear that you can't use it. Please send it back and I will refund your full purchase price.
Thanks
Pavel
---End Quote---
As I was writing another PM to address the security code issue, I received a notice that you had filed a PayPal dispute against the transaction. This takes money from my account, and places it on hold. I attempted to go through the return process on PayPal, but as a dispute, it doesn't allow for returns after the item has been returned. Here is the Paypal exchange:
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From Buyer - Wits End Motors
The radio that I recived was damaged. I could not properly install the radio. The 4-digit security coded was not provided which prevented the use of this radio.
I expect you to provide return postage of this item of a total of $65.00
From Seller - Pavel Sotskov
Please send it back for refund..
“
At this point, you did not send the radio back, but started this thread. That would have put the radio back in my possession on Thursday, and a refund to you. Instead, you have decided to drag this out.
If you do want to “make a trip to his door” please do, I have no issues with that. I guess that will save money on shipping the radio back. I will not blindly pay $15 to ship this back. I will however pay the actual price of the return shipping. If you bought something at WalMart, and wanted to get your money back, you would have to return the item. I am pretty sure they will not reimburse you for the gas that you spend driving back to the store. They will also not issue you a refund without taking their property back.
If you want to play hardball, please continue with your paypal dispute. I would recommend escalating it to a claim, waiting for 10 days for paypal to take a look at the matter, and then returning the radio to me. Paypal does not require the seller to pay return shipping in cases like this. If that is the avenue you would like to pursue, I will do everything by the book and return your total payment amount and nothing more.
If you want to solve it in a reasonable manner, please verify the information above, and then contact me. I can even send you a prepaid label to return the item.
Thanks
Pavel