Auctions Don't Always Deliver 

The most common complaint from online auctions is that the item never arrives. Alex used an online auction to buy some cycling gloves and shorts. “I wanted a few things before I went on a cycling holiday in France. The goods never arrived. I'm sure they were sent – they just got lost.

The shop owner was apologetic but he wouldn't help. He said once they shipped then they were my responsibility. He gave me the shipping information and told me to contact the courier company. The courier company said that I couldn't make a claim as I hadn't asked them to ship the goods. The shop owner has to make the claim.

I went back to the shop owner and he refused to discuss it with me. The website complaints procedure didn't help me. But then I found out through e-victims, that if you buy from a business trader they are responsible for the goods until they are received by the purchaser. This also applies to online auctions.

In other words, it is the shop keeper's responsibility to replace the lost goods. He should have insured the goods in order to reclaim his costs.

I contacted the seller again. I stayed calm and explained what I had learned. He moaned about the time it would take and how much it would cost him. I wanted to scream but I didn't I remained polite. I pointed out that it was not my fault that the courier company had lost the goods and that he was responsible for making a claim. Eventually, he agreed to refund the money.

I don't think the trader was trying to con me. I think he just didn't want the hassle. But it was his responsibility, not mine.