DWR Degredation

Shouldn't. What brand/model? How did the buyer perform the test?

MH Alchemy soft shell jacket. I'll have to ask how they performed the test. They are also saying it'll cost $50 to reapply the coating and they want me to pay for it. At most, this is $20 for Nikwax wash and the DWR spray, right?

In the old days it seems DWR lasted just long enough for a product to sell. I don't think anyone took it seriously. DWR degradation would have been oximoronic, or redundant.

> I sold it and the buyer claims the DWR is gone.
Ah, but what sort of DWR did it have when new?
Frankly, I seriously doubt that a fluoropolymer DWR would degrade like that.

I assume you did not make any guarantees of performance when you advertised it? Legally, it's second hand, and NO warranties are applicable.
Perhaps the buyer is confused as to what to expect from a second hand item?

Ryan:

I think much depends on what your buyer wants. After finding out about his testing (maybe he's confusing water resistance with waterproof?)… if there is merit at all, offer to refund him $25 for a bottle of Nikwax Tech Wash and Nikwax Softshell Proof. He may be happy with that, or he may not want to bother.

IMO, the MH jacket should NOT degrade like that at all. If buyer wants too much, you might just offer the buyer a full refund plus shipping both ways — after receiving the jacket from him. I bet you can get MH Warranty to give you a brand new jacket — with tags and all. With that, you should get an even better price on your next Ebay auction.

EDIT: Reading Roger's post above, he is absolutely correct in the legal sense. However, if your Ebay rating is 100% positive, it would be a shame to risk getting a negative — even if buyer was unreasonable. A perfect record on Ebay is like money in the bank. For me, I wouldn't risk antagonizing a buyer — particularly when I know I have recourse with MH warranty. Anyway, my two cents.

I have no clue what kind of DWR Mountain Hardwear applies at the factory. I never washed the coat either since I never ended up using it. I wore it a few times outside my apartment to check size, never did the climbing class that I planned on so a year later decided to sell it rather than have it take up room in the closet.

Yes, my rating is 100% and that is my concern. How do you deal with such problematic buyers? He whined about how long it took me to ship, he whined about the packaging it came in, then the condition and DWR and he swears it reeks of cigarettes though I've never smoked in my life. I've had problematic buyers in the past that had no merit but this guy takes the cake. I suppose best bet is just offer to take it back like you said and pay after it is returned.

If it were me I'd tell him to take a hike. If you sold it in good conscience then you're clear. If he slams your Ebay feedback then just do it likewise.

Ryan:

Remind your whinny buyer that you sold the jacket to him in good faith, but then you don't want him to be stuck with something that he isn't happy with either… word it nicely and all… and ask him what he would like to do.

I have a strong feeling that he just wants something for next to nothing. When he responds, you can either meet his demand or just have him mail the jacket back to you for a full refund and move on. In my mind, this guy is bad news.

It would only be fair to rate the buyers as well!

Buyers and sellers are both rated.

Personally, to keep the rating I would do as Ben suggests and offer him a refund. Even though you can rate him poorly as a buyer, your rating/reputation would still be blemished.

The dollar savings would not be worth the reputation damage, IMHO. I'd work something out.

Pam