Ebay: am I in the wrong here?

Argo

Lifer
Apr 8, 2000
10,045
0
0
I won a linksys wireless to ethernet bridge on ebay. As I was about to pay for the unit I noticed a line at the botton of the page:

Included: Wireless Bridge (WET11)
Not included: Anthena

Now, here's the picture of the unit: picture. As you can see it's similar to USB wireless adapters, so anthena is a part of the unit. I emailed the seller asking if the unit is broken, especially since my access point is on another floor and it the bridge most likely won't get the singal without the anthena. Here's his reply:



No, it's not broken...it just doesn't come with the unit. This is because these units were used for wireless internet and were connected through pigtails going up to a satellite dish that sits atop of a 60' foot tower.


Say what? How could it not be broken if the anthena, which is part of the unit isn't included? That's like me saying the car isn't broken, it just comes without a transmission. Anyways, I reply:


Ok, now you're confusing me. Are we talking about Linksys WET11 wireless to ethernet bridge? What does satellite dish have to do with anything? I was asking about the anthena that can be seen on the side of the unit: http://i17.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/42/5a/7e_1.JPG

I'm pretty sure that anthena (as seen in the picture) is part of the unit, since without it the unit simply won't work.


His answer:


Yes, we're talking about the bridge. The unit is used to wirlessly send remote signals just like a network or for wireless internet service. This unit is universal in anything having to do with sending data remotely whether it be for a network or for internet service. The antenna does NOT come with the unit as specified in the auction.



Yes, he did specify in the auction that the anthena isn't included, but I think it was his responsibility to mention that the unit is BROKEN. He was obviously hoping that somebody (er, me) would miss that fine print at the bottom, thinking the unit is intact. Yes, it was my fault for not paying closer attention, however, I did realize that I was being screwed before I paid and I refuse to be taken advantage off, even if that means negative feedback. Anyways, here's my reply:



Ok, since the unit obviously will not work without the anthena it is a deffective unit. You claim that it's not broken, yet I fail to see how that could happen since the anthena is attached to the unit. You're obviously trying to confuse potential buyers by not specifying that the unit is damaged. Having been burned by ebay before, I'm not going to pay for a defective unit. You can go ahead and contact the next highest bidder. If you leave negative feedback I'll be forced to do the same, stating that you misrepresented your product.

Have a nice day,

-Joe


What do you guys think?
 

CRXican

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2004
9,062
1
0
I think you're wrong. If the antenna was removed it doesn't mean it's broken.
 

brunswickite

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2002
6,386
1
0
the antenna for those things are usally detachable, and can be screwed off. you might have to buy a 802.11 antenna....
 

Argo

Lifer
Apr 8, 2000
10,045
0
0
Originally posted by: CRXican
I think you're wrong. If the antenna was removed it doesn't mean it's broken.

Yeah, but the unit won't work without the anthena? Why would I pay for something that won't work? I think it was his responsibility to specify that, especially since most non-technical people may not realize that the anthena is needed.
 

CRXican

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2004
9,062
1
0
Originally posted by: Argo
Originally posted by: CRXican
I think you're wrong. If the antenna was removed it doesn't mean it's broken.

Yeah, but the unit won't work without the anthena? Why would I pay for something that won't work? I think it was his responsibility to specify that, especially since most non-technical people may not realize that the anthena is needed.

It will still work.
 

zixxer

Diamond Member
Jul 6, 2001
7,326
0
0
You're in the wrong.

1) It's NOT broken. That is completely normal to attach a seperate antenna on a rooftop for building to building network access.

2) It SAID it didn't come with an antenna. You bid and won, right? It said at the bottom no antenna... right?

3) You can buy those antennae at radioshack.
 

Trygve

Golden Member
Aug 1, 2001
1,428
9
0
Yeah, I think you're in the wrong here. As a general rule, I think you should read the auction description before bidding.
 

DBL

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2001
2,637
0
0
Did he use a picture in the auction showing the antenna? If so, then you have a case.

Edit: That auction is misleading. He should provide an actual picture or one w/o an antenna.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: CRXican
I think you're wrong. If the antenna was removed it doesn't mean it's broken.

NOT broken no but not in working condition.
 

rubisco

Member
Dec 25, 2003
116
0
0
Unless he changed the description, it looks pretty plain to me. It's not like he tried to hide the fact that the antenna wasn't included.
 

Argo

Lifer
Apr 8, 2000
10,045
0
0
Originally posted by: Hammer
you're wrong.

So what am I supposed to do? Throw out $55 on something that's broken??? Wtf, yes, I'm probably wrong but I could care less he should've stated that the unit was broken and will require an anthena.
 

minendo

Elite Member
Aug 31, 2001
35,560
22
81
Originally posted by: DBL
Did he use a picture in the auction showing the antenna? If so, then you have a case.

The auction clearly says in bold Not Included: Antenna.
 

edmicman

Golden Member
May 30, 2001
1,682
0
0
the antennas screw off - we have two of the same units, running via coax to antennas on the roof that bounce our network connection across two buildings. its a pretty slick setup. its not broken, per se, just without a part thats probably needed for your setup. i'd start looking on ebay for replacement antennas
 

minendo

Elite Member
Aug 31, 2001
35,560
22
81
Originally posted by: Argo
Originally posted by: Hammer
you're wrong.

So what am I supposed to do? Throw out $55 on something that's broken??? Wtf, yes, I'm probably wrong but I could care less he should've stated that the unit was broken and will require an anthena.

It is not broken. The antenna simply unscrews from the unit.
 

Beattie

Golden Member
Sep 6, 2001
1,774
0
0
I believe you are wrong here. Usually the antennas for those things pop off so that you attach a different antenna. He said that's exactly what they did. There is probably nothing wrong with it at all except that it doesnt come with a (detachable) part.
 

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: Argo
Originally posted by: Vic
Link to actual auction?
Link
Tough call. Even though the seller stated "Not included: antenna", the seller's picture in the auction includes the antenna. You do have a case for misrepresentation. I would contact Ebay.
 

moomoo40moo

Golden Member
Jul 10, 2003
1,449
0
0
ya, id say just learn from your mistake, buy the item, and just get and antenna from radioshack, even if it will cost a few bucks more. Better than a neg.
 

rubisco

Member
Dec 25, 2003
116
0
0
You could just not pay and deal with the negative feedback. Or complain to Ebay itself and take your chances there (which in turn, you'll probably end up with a negative feedback anyway).
 

Hammer

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
13,217
1
81
Originally posted by: Argo
Originally posted by: Hammer
you're wrong.

So what am I supposed to do? Throw out $55 on something that's broken??? Wtf, yes, I'm probably wrong but I could care less he should've stated that the unit was broken and will require an anthena.

honor the agreement you entered in to, and then buy a replacement antenna.