problem with metasparks

[bcook]

I was wondering what I should do in this case...


I bought a mobo/cpu/videocard/hdd/dvd rom from him and was told they were all working. When I got the stuff in I had to wait on a case and once it got here I tested all of it and the videocard is bad. It is a BFG card but had aftermarket cooling on it. The package had the normal cooler in it but if I remember right there is a metal X that goes on the back and its not in the package.

I dont think its fair to say things are working and them show up broke. The seller then told me to take it up with BFG and has not replied to any of my pms since that. I asked for a refund and for some kind of help on the issue but he said no and has not talked to me since.

He gave me a good deal on the parts and I am happy with the shipping and the comms before the issue. I really just wanted to get a computer without any issues to start some light gaming. Its pretty crappy to get parts in and have to wait god knows how long for an RMA IF THEY DO IT. I dont think the stock cooler is complete....

Can anyone tell me what the stock cooler should be. I got the metal cooler and 4 screws with springs in it.

Oh its a 7950GT OC 512 - BFG

 

[Ruckus]

PM sent to metasparks to get his side, and I dont believe the warranty is valid when the cooler has been removed.

 

[bcook]

Yea I told him that. He said if I just put it back on it would be ok. I dont think the cooler is complete though. I think it needs a metal piece that goes on the back of the card that he did not include.

 

[Ruckus]

well imho if he sent you a DOA item its his responsibility to try to con BFG not you since he is the one who voided the warranty. He needs to refund you if this is the whole story as i said i PMed him for his side of it.

 

[OldM3ta]

This buyer has been problematic from day one. He responded to a FS thread I had posted and offered $140.00 USD for a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 motherboard and a E6300 C2D processor. When I accepted the offer, he sent payment.

But then within 24 hours, he sent this message (04-04-2008, 09:27 PM):

Hey man I am sorry to ask this but can you either do me one of two things....

Refund me for the combo or toss something extra in with it. I did not realize how much I was paying for that combo. I found a E6420 + same board for 130 shipped. The guy just took a while to pm me back... its a much better deal for me.

If you dont want to refund me then can you please toss either a DVD-RW or a Hard drive(Anything over 60gb) in with the deal.

Thanks alot!

I was kind of annoyed that after him renigging on our deal after payment was made, but before I could write back, he wrote again this (04-04-2008, 11:18 PM):

Hey man.. I am really sorry to do this but please just refund me. Something came up and it looks like I wont be able to buy a computer right now after all. If you refund me you can keep 2$ out of it for your time and any fee that you may have incurred. I am very very sorry.

What I can do is this. I need a 8800 or 2900 series videocard. If you have one I can buy that instead. My roomate said I can just upgrade his PC with a nice videocard and game on it if I let him use my laptop. He has a decent X2 system so I will be ok in the long run. Please get with me asap and let me know whats up sir.

Sorry about this!

It was a shady message, but I didn't want to bother with it since I do a lot of selling/buying online, I wrote back (04-04-2008, 11:55 PM):

No worries. I refunded you your entire payment. I wouldn't have been able to ship out until Monday morning anyways. Best of luck to you.

I thought it was the end of that, but then the next day he wrote to me (04-05-2008, 03:30 AM):

got some OT for sat/sun so I can spend some cash now!


I would like to pay $175 for the following parts shipped *****. You will save money since all of it is shipped together. I have the money ready to paypal you and wont ask for it back lol! Please get with me asap.. this would be a perfect build for css(what I want to play) And you would basically save hassle by selling it mostly together


7950GT Videocard
E6300 Cpu
DS3 Mobo
20Gig HDD
IDE DVD Rom

I then replied ( 04-05-2008, 06:12 AM):

After I refunded your money to you, I went back and lowered my prices on asking for the CPU, GPU, and Motherboard. However, the offer you are putting on the table for all those parts is under the current asking (which was just lowered) by about $70 dollars which is just way too low for me.

I will sell you everything you ask for: CPU, VidCard, Mobo, DVD, HD, all for $225 shipped and insured. I can not go lower than that because I have already lowered my prices based off our former emails and basically would be giving you the IDE drives for free on top of the discounted prices and on top of the fact that I'm eating all the shipping and handling costs.

The offer stands if you pay by today 11:59PM EST or it will no longer be valid. If you do go for it, I'll even throw in a free Ratzpad Hard mousing surface to help you frag. ;-) Please let me know after reading and thinking about this. Thanks.

Best of luck either way.
P.S. (That would be a great CS system!)

He then replied (04-05-2008, 08:05 AM):

The only issue I have is that the 8800GTS 320 is 129AR and the 9600GT is 114AR shipped. I dont think the 7950 is worth what you are asking for it. If you would go $200 shipped we would have a deal. I really dont NEED the HDD but I could use it though. I have paypal ready so LMK! I work nights and will be asleep from 9pm cst - 2pm cst so atleast give me until 3pm to finish making the deal with you. Im sure we can work it out somehow!

I'll continue our interaction on the next post.....

 

[OldM3ta]

This is in continuation to my previous post.

I replied to his counter-offer with (04-05-2008, 12:40 PM ):

Okay. $200. Please pay by today, or else I will have to accept other offers I have from others. Items will ship from Orlando on Monday and get to you by Thursday or Friday. I will send tracking info once they are out.

To which he responded with (04-05-2008, 06:32 PM ):

Thank you for the FANTASTIC deal! I really do appreciate it. I am a poor ass dude and just got a great PC in my budget!!!

I will make sure in all of your threads and stuff that people know you are a good trader and very very fair!

The payment is sent! If you can include that 20gig please do.. if not I understand. I have a case already so all of those parts together would make a whole pc for me. I dont care about saving files so that 20gig would be fine for css and tf2. Anyways, thanks alot and please get with me when you have other stuff for sale. I always have friends looking for stuff.

So I accepted the new deal, and went ahead and accepted payment, and wrote back (04-05-2008, 11:53 PM):

Thank you for your payment. The package will go out Monday. Confirmation should be sent to you by Monday night. Have a nice weekend.

He then wrote back something that irked me. Here is what he wrote (04-06-2008, 12:04 AM):

You too buddy! Will the package be: DvdRom, 20Gig, 7950Gt, E6300, GA DS3? If so I will send you nakeds of the next hot chick I bang... hahahahahahaha!!!

I work 7/12s (really 13 hours a night with lunch) so I am online all night. Sucks but when I get that paycheck everything is gravy! I actually make alot of money but just bought my first house for 120k.. Im only 25 so that is pretty good I think. My point being: Sorry I was being a cheap ass I just have to penny pinch for this year to get my house paid down as much as I can for a refinance.

I wasn't impressed so I replied (04-06-2008, 09:52 AM ):

Yes, I'll pack all the stuff in there. I understand the situation. If you want to be extra nice though and still cheap send me $5 more bucks to help cover shipping instead of the pic of the hot chick u bang.



Best of luck with your house.

Now this is important, when he replied, look at what he wrote back to me (04-06-2008, 01:35 PM):

This was a one shot deal lol. I cant use my account for about 4 business days now. They forced me to verify =(

 

[Ruckus]

and what does this have to do with a DOA card? He was a PITA but you still chose to do business with him, yeah I get it. He's and annoying asshat but you wanted the money deal with it. Now back on the DOA card?

 

[OldM3ta]

I was glad this "one-shot deal" was over. I felt like I gave that guy a great package for the price of items I sent. I thought our transaction was over after I sent him his USPS tracking number after shipping.

But then I get this from him a few days ago (04-18-2008, 07:49 AM):

I got the package. There is no backplate for the MB. I dont remeber if you had said that or not. I have not tested yet but will today sometime. Thanks for the package. Other than the no backplate it came as stated. You may have told me about the BP but I dont remember. Its been a while.

I was a bit perturbed because I am very thorough and explicitly remember packing all pieces included with the motherboard. So I wrote back (04-18-2008, 07:57 AM):

Please check the box carefully. I remember placing it in there. If I am mistaken, I will have to look through some boxes for it. I have just moved from one city to another so this may take me a while. All I ask is that you triple check all the contents of the box and see if it is there and let me know before I have to start opening boxes that were sealed. Thank you.

He then replied that he had found the item here (04-19-2008, 06:42 PM):

Sorry for the scare! I found it. I have not tested yet but everything looks good though. Thanks!

I was definitely not impressed but then the horror continued....

 

[bcook]

What does me haggling have to do with anything? Maybe you think I am an annoying asshat but thats fine because I value my money over your opinion. Every poor person wants to save as much cash as possible. Yea I made a mistake on the backplate because it fell between the cardboard that keeps the bottom of the box together prior to shipping... or during.

What the heck did my paypal status matter on this? That makes no sense at all. I had not set a bank account to it and wont do it. My friend in RL got his ID stolen from paypal and they did nothing to help him get his money back. I use google checkout as I stated 10 times to you and I am verified. Stop trying to detour the fact that you sent me a DOA card....


That has nothing to do with a DOA card that has a void warranty.

 

[OldM3ta]

the conclusion of my side of the story ...

He writes me later (04-21-2008, 10:07 AM):

Ok, so I have installed all of the parts... The videocard is fucked up man. It has alot of spots and all kinds of shit on it when I boot up. You sold me a broken videocard. I know BFG has a lifetime warranty but still man. I bought shit I thought would be working.

What do we need to do on this to make it right? Get with me asap.

I wasn't pleased to get this so I wrote back (04-21-2008, 10:45 AM ):

First of all, I don't appreciate you cursing at me. Who are you to talk to me that way? I've been professional throughout our dialouge, and expect the same courtesy in return. Second, the video card I sent you was in perfect working order when it left my location. If you are having issues with it after installing it, it has a warranty on it, so contact BFG.

I don't think you notice that my online transaction record is PERFECT... why would I ruin that for a sub $100 card? It was working perfectly, so I will not take a return.

He apologized for cursing and wrote back (04-21-2008, 12:19 PM):

I was not cursing at you bro. I curse in general. I promise on my life the card is artifacting terribly. I called BFG and they wont take it because it has aftermarket cooling on it. We need to resolve this. I told you that I did not have a way to test because I was on 7/12's nights at work. I got it all installed this morning and then tossed winxp on it. It artifacts from the moment I turn it on to the moment it goes off.

To which I replied in my final reply (04-21-2008, 12:27 PM):

The stock cooler was included in the package. Remove the aftermarket cooler and install the stock cooler, and contact BFG for repairs. It left my location in working order. The card was never overclocked. There is nothing more I can do for you.

He then wrote back (Yesterday, 10:05 AM):

They gave me a RMA number but was there any compound on the reg heat sink? If I remember correctly dont they use those little pads? If not should I just put it back on and bolt it up or what?
Overall this was a bad trade man. You did not offer any help on sending me an item that you said was working. Pretty terrible trade.

So in conclusion, and after this long dialouge which I post for full representation of my side of the story, I want to say the following:

He called it a one-shot deal.

I do normally provide buyers with DOA protection, but his card was not DOA. It was NOT malfunctioning in a way when sent out, and from his symptoms, seems to have to do something with power, connectivity, and or/cooling, but it seems to work enough for it to be trouble-shooted and fixed locally or via BFG. Again, the card was in perfect working order when I sent it out.

The benefit of the warranty is still intact through BFG who already has issued him an RMA. I have no control over whatever installation techniques he used and included all parts need to return the card to stock if necessary.

He is complaining about missing some cooling accessory back plate when a simple google search will verify there is no back plate on the 7950 GT from BFG.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowI...7950GT+BFGR7950512GTOCE+OC+Edition+Video+Card

My record stands for itself:
http://myworld.ebay.com/metasparks/

That's 200 positive transaction of a total of 200 transactions on ebay.
On Heatware, I also am perfect with my transactions.

This person has an outlet to get his card repaired, and I don't trust him in the least for all the shady tactics he used in our transaction. And as for my reputation here on HardOCP, I've been here for almost four years and have had plenty of good business with others. He has been here for less than three weeks and has handled himself quite unprofessionally.

Therefore, I cannot take the card back, because of what I just said, because it was a packaged one-shot deal (even by his own words), and because the card was not DOA and has a RMA number from the manufacturer and all the parts necessary to get serviced.

Thank you for allowing to represent myself fully.

 

[bcook]

I said it was a one shot deal with paypal because they would allow you to do one transaction without adding a bank... stop twisting words.

I will try to RMA it since this card does not have the metal X that my old 7950 had. I asked you if it had it.. all you had to do was tell me that it did not instead of ignoring my last few messages.

You still sent me a DOA card though.. and nothing I did was shady. If they send me a new card/refurbished I will be fine with the deal.

I still have to pay shipping for the RMA and spend my time on getting something that was supposed to be working fixed. I will leave a neagative heat for this. (-- Does that sound fair mod?

 

[Crosshairs]

and what does this have to do with a DOA card? He was a PITA but you still chose to do business with him, yeah I get it. He's and annoying asshat but you wanted the money deal with it. Now back on the DOA card?

What it has to do in my eyes, it is shows the credibility, or lack there of, of the buyer.....

anyone else see this staring them in the face? or is it just me

 

[bcook]

I told him I use google checkout. He did not have an account. I said I would make a paypal account for one transaction. I went out of my way to try and get the deal. It was a very good deal(If it would have got here non-doa)



Anyway, you can close the thread. He gave his answer and I said what I was going to do. I will try RMA and if that goes ok then all is well other than lost time and shipping money.

 

[morgwon]

I don't think a buyer should be penalized for coming to an agreement on a deal. He offered you money and you accepted. I don't know if he would have accepted a "if you buy for $225 you get DOA but for $200 you are buying as-is" deal. Also he had to bring it here cause he was still trying to contact you but was being ignored which I think is the bigger issue for him.

Also OP you mentioned you could not test because you were waiting for a case but in your PM to MetaSparks you said you had everything but the case. Your flip-flopping really hurts your case for coming across as honest.

 

[RangerSVT]

What it has to do in my eyes, it is shows the credibility, or lack there of, of the buyer.....

anyone else see this staring them in the face? or is it just me

Be easy on Ruckus, he is a noobie mod

 

[OldM3ta]

I don't think a buyer should be penalized for coming to an agreement on a deal. He offered you money and you accepted. I don't know if he would have accepted a "if you buy for $225 you get DOA but for $200 you are buying as-is" deal. Also he had to bring it here cause he was still trying to contact you but was being ignored which I think is the bigger issue for him.

First, I'd like to say thanks for your input and for everyone else's input, too. The Hard community is showing some representation here for all three sides of the story and that helps us all.

Second, I just want to be clear that the card is not, by bcook's description and by interpetation of his story, DOA. It seems by his words that it has worked enough to be troubleshot after installation and to be received by BFG for repair.

By my credibility, reputation, sales history, and experience here on HardOCP, I swear the card was in working order when sent with the other fully working items, and packaged well. I am an honest and reputable seller here on Hardforum and else where. Here is a feedback of my previous Hardforum sale of an Antec P180 case: http://www.heatware.com/eval.php?id=30446&expand[0]=515239.
A quote from Arteka says (04-04-2008):

The greatest seller I have ever encountered. Very understanding, lightning quick responses, and amazing communication. I would never hesitate to do business with him again. He deserves two positive reviews!!!

Additionally, because of the dishonesty and shady tactics used by the buyer throughout our transaction, and because he has an avenue of resolution, I feel no need to offer a refund FOR ALL items sold in the package. Even if I did take just the card back, which I won't, settling on a refund for that one piece will involve more communication with this individual. I don't want to be part of that, and only have responded here on the forums because I value my experience with this community.

Lastly, there was never a message sent to him saying there was a x-back plate for the stock cooling, and I only did not reply to his two messages yesterday because I had already replied almost over 20 times regarding this transaction and there was a course of resolution via the warranty explicitly stated in the sales post.

Either case, I probably won't be posting again on this thread unless asked by a moderator. I have spent enough time as it is with this matter and wish everyone a good day.

 

[bcook]

I asked if there was a backplate. I asked for a refund on the card not the stuff that works. Im done dealing with you and will give a bad heat for sending a BAD CARD. It was not DOA its VRAM was DOA!

 

[RangerSVT]

Either case, I probably won't be posting again on this thread unless asked by a moderator. I have spent enough time as it is with this matter and wish everyone a good day.

Have a good one, you represented yourself very professionally.

I asked if there was a backplate. I asked for a refund on the card not the stuff that works. Im done dealing with you and will give a bad heat for sending a BAD CARD. It was not DOA its VRAM was DOA!

Shush you, the PM's you sent to metasparks were not professional, your tactics were far from professional, you haggled him down on the price, even had him refund you your money , if I were metasparks, I would have refunded your money at first and ignored the rest of your PM's.

This is online trading, there is only so much that can be done, I don't give a flying rats butt if you work 13hrs a day, 16 hours a day or never sleep at all, if you don't have the money to spend on little things like this that could happen , then you buy from newegg.com

 

[bigted]

OP also states he could only make one transaction with the paypal account, i count three. first payment, refund for said payment, second payment and final payment.

OP is not only a noobie here on the [H], but also a not very tactful person.

I am glad to deal on [H] and every time I see something like OP (clearly a person from another forum) with a lot of positive feedback from other forums come here and treat people like this, my heart breaks a little. i guess i'm just too used to people generally being treated with respect and transactions usually going very smoothly, whether buying selling or trading.

my 2c and good riddance to OP.

i also commend metasparks in his behavior on this issue and can only hope to ever need anything he is selling.

 

[Crosshairs]

Be easy on Ruckus, he is a noobie mod

Im not picking on Ruckus, just giving my take on the whole deal..

Im done dealing with you and will give a bad heat for sending a BAD CARD. It was not DOA its VRAM was DOA!

All he has to do is link this thread, and anyone with a half a brain will see right thru your negative feedback.

You were wrong here from the start, and continued to act unprofessional throughout the whole deal.

You paid then asked for a refund, that would have been the end for me right there.
You deserve a negative feedback, and the fact that you threaten him with one now, has no doubt put you on the DNT list for anyone here.

Enjoy your stay at Hard Forum, , but don't expect anyone else here to trade with you in the future

 

[bcook]

Opinions are like assholes and everyone has one.

I haggle. Its what I do.. cant help it. This deal was bad from the start but seemed to work out in the end. If the card would have came all fine and dandy none of this would have ever been posted.


I did nothing wrong in the trade. I backed out of the first deal and then went back when he added more items. I needed all of it so yea....

The deal went smooth until I got the package in and the card was bad. Either way... I do feel he worked with me in the begining and can understand why he got to where he was fed up over a 200$ deal.

I will take my chances with RMA. Peace.

 

[Ruckus]

What it has to do in my eyes, it is shows the credibility, or lack there of, of the buyer.....

anyone else see this staring them in the face? or is it just me

well I had seen a bunch of posts and nothing touched on the fact that it was reported the card was dead on arrival until after i made that post so im my eyes he was avoiding the subject, by directing it to the person being annoying. I wanted him to answer the question at hand. I personally would not of dealt with the guy after he asked for a refund the first time. He got greedy and it bit him in the ass.

 

[Ruckus]

Be easy on Ruckus, he is a noobie mod

Im not the one who has been here for less than a year Just because you dont know my history doesnt mean there isnt one.

 

[bcook]

well I had seen a bunch of posts and nothing touched on the fact that it was reported the card was dead on arrival until after i made that post so im my eyes he was avoiding the subject, by directing it to the person being annoying. I wanted him to answer the question at hand. I personally would not of dealt with the guy after he asked for a refund the first time. He got greedy and it bit him in the ass.

It wasnt greed. It was the fact that I needed all of the parts. He did not have the other parts listed... once he did I asked for a package price. Either way you can kill this thread. I think RMA will work.

 

[Ruckus]

greed on his part no one was talking about you youre the one I wouldnt of dealt with he is the one who was greedy instead of listening to his better judgement.