Projector Pro (eBay Seller) Mike Wood, Proprietor Failed to Provide Full Refund As Contracted

Projector Pro sold Buyer a Bell & Howell R8 / Super 8mm film projector. As shipped and out of the box, the projector presented with an unidentified rattling coming from inside of its base, which was later identified as being six broken-off pieces of plastic Projector Pro indicated had originated from a different projector. In addition, and more critically, the 110-Volt power cord was not connected to the circuit board, it lay bare and the projector was not in working order. Projector Pro was contacted and Buyer and Seller engaged in a video telecon to troubleshoot the issues. During the call, Projector Pro provided real-time instructions on the process for connecting the power cord. Although the Buyer had no prior electrical experience, they successfully made the connection, as instructed. However, when the Buyer tested the projector’s power plug in a 110-Volt outlet, it created a power surge that tripped a circuit breaker in the home’s main panel and shorted out the target outlet plus five others. Options for the machine’s replacement were discussed and Projector Pro agreed the Buyer would return the projector in exchange for a duplicate model. The Buyer initially agreed to the exchange, but later same day, notified Projector Pro they had changed their mind. The primary reason was that the Buyer became concerned of the risk of receiving a second compromised projector that could cause the same problems and preventable expense as the first one.

Projector Pro agreed to provide a “100% refund” by email, which considering the circumstances, the Buyer reasonably assumed it would include the cost of return shipping. The Buyer initiated the return and refund via eBay, which under Projector Pro shipping policy, “required” Buyers to pay for return shipping. During the return and refund process, the Buyer was not afforded any consideration even though Projector Pro shipped a machine in non-operational condition due directly to the power plug never being installed. As well, even though the Buyer was fully cooperative and attempted to repair their own projector. The Buyer paid $48.02 for return shipping which eBay deducted from the $272.85 total cost of the order. Additional punitive costs were incurred by the Buyer as they could not resolve the tripped circuit breaker caused by the projector’s faulty power cord. The Buyer was compelled to hire a residential electrician at $165.00 (see attached invoice) to diagnose and restore power to the home. In total, the personal cost to this Buyer of doing business with Projector Pro was $213.05, with an end result of a failed projector sale with no working projector to show for their time, effort and money.