Customer bluffing?

[xbadwolfx]

I sold my older build to somebody through PayPal for $800. The computer was in mint condition and was properly packed prior to shipping. I made sure to test all connections prior to shipping- I have been building for 3-4 years now. Customer got the computer and after a couple e-mails says:

"Okay so here is the current run down and answers to your questions as of now.

We are using a 17" dell Monitor, we thought about using our 42 plasma but didn't in the end. We are using DVI wire and tried plugging it in to both DVI ports. Nothing. We have also tried all of the various USB ports (for the mouse, speakers, keyboard and even our printer) and still nothing. The 4 lights (start, lock, restart and oc) in the computer come on as you said they would, as does the touch screen fan controls. The fan controls note speed at 700 rpms down to 600 rpms and the temp is 71 F or about 21 C. It seems to be that no matter what we try it does not recognize the equipment we plug into it. The gentle man who came out checked everything over and he still was unable to get it to recognize anything hooked up to it. He even brought his own monitor and equipment to test it and still nothing. Luckily he only charged us $20.00 for this not so good result. I can try and drag it off to Office Depot and let them do a free test and see if they get it to boot up and recognize the keyboard, mouse etc. But figured I best check with you and set up a new plan of action at this point."

If the computer boots, the motherboard is giving an all systems go, and the fan controller works, what are the odds that both the graphic card (Radeon 5850) and the USB controller were mysteriously damaged upon shipping?

 

[kdfresh09]

like you, i too have been building and selling for some time. if it were me, i would tell the buyer to take it to get looked at for diagnosis, but only if you are unable to meet with him and do it yourself. tell him to have the place who looks at it send you an email verification or to call you with results and costs quote. you should then pay for whats wrong with it, or offer to pay at LEAST half. good business ethic is the most important business skill. customer service and satisfaction is priceless. its the most valued tool in all sales. fix this to the best of your ability, as losing out on some extra money is better than having the beginnings of a bad reputation.

 

[Deviousmind]

I would tell then to return the item so you can check yourself with the promise that if found faulty on return all monies will be refunded,
Check it out yourself m8
i hope that you used some security checker like a av marker also

 

[Dystopia]

Question? Did you install the operating system? If you did, that would be the ideal way to prove that either, they are bluffing, or, that the computer was damaged during shipping/their set up. I would say most likely cause is shipping damage (if not bluffing), in which case, did they purchase insurance? If yes, set up a claim (or however that works), if no, it's their fault.

If you didn't install the operating system, well, then you really have 3 options. The first, is to ignore him. Obviously, that's a bad idea. Option 2 is to tell him to please (say please, make sure he knows you are sympathetic with him) bring it in for the free diagnostic. In my opinion, that's really your best bet. Your last chance can be rather costly, but the safest. Ask him to ship it to you. Tell him very clearly, the following (heck, c 'n p it if you want):

If I receive the computer, and it is damaged in anyway, I will not refund any money, at all. If I receive the computer, and it works as I described, I will offer to send it back at your expense. If I get the computer, and it fails to boot per your description, I will either give you a full refund including all shipping costs, or, repair it at my cost, and ship it back to you, and reimburse you for your shipping cost to me.

I hope you have lots of pictures, so that you can prove it was not damaged.

Best of luck to you.