I have been a member of Ebay since 2002 and recently opened a second account, from which I bought two pairs of part worn tyres. When they arrived I noticed that the amount of tread that was stated in the auction was not on the tyres and the second pair where infact two odd tyres. The auction was for two Michelin pilots with 5mm of tread and a pair of Star Performers with 7mm left, what I got was two Pilots with 4mm and a puncture repair done on them, one Star Performer with 3-4mm and a Jupiter? with 6mm. I contacted the seller  to complain and was told that as far as he was concerned he checked them and since he had good feedback, he was in the right then ignored me??? I then reported the transaction to Ebay who didn't want to know as I paid through Paypal. Paypal investigated the case and asked me for an independant condition report which I submitted. Two days later they told me that the seller had described them correctly????

The listing read....  

We have here a pair of Michelin Pilot  195 50 15R Tyres for sale both with 5mm tread and a pair of Star performer tyres with 7mm tread so loads of life left in all of them.

Michelins RRP £100 each ........bag a bargain

The independant report states the following...

195/50/15

X2 Michelin Pilots 1X4mm overall. 1X5mm outer 4mm centre

X1 Jupiter 6mm overall

X1 Star Performer 3mm outer. 4mm centre. 4mm outer

Also 1 Michelin Pilot has been plugged due to a puncture

How can Paypal saw that the sellers description is the same as the condition report??? I'm £81 out of pocket. I don't see why they offer Buyer protection????

I have started legal proceedings against the seller and will report Paypal to trading standards about their claims of having buyer protection.

More details on request.

Thank you! 

I eventually recieved a £41 refund from Ebay 4 months after purchasing the tyres, they told me that the claim had been passed to their payments dept then nothing until the money appeared in my Paypal account but they still haven't told me that they have refunded me? Brilliant customer service by Ebay and Paypal!!!

The seller ignored my emails and refused to give me the rest of his address (I have the postcode), my lawyer advised against sending a standard letter to all households with that postcode. Both Ebay & Paypal refused to reveal the address due to seller protection?

Trading Standards say that they are investigating Ebay & Paypal for false advertising and unfair practise. They also say that, this is possibly why they are not registered with the FSA.

The best advice that Trading Standards & Ebay gave me was to ONLY buy from companies for specialist items and not from individuals as this way they can trace the seller and prosecute. This makes Ebay a place for companies and not people like me or you. Why do Ebay not police their site in a better manner? Is it because it will bite into their profits?

If you are in any doubt, get the sellers full contact details and check them before making any payments.

Thank you & good luck