Ugh! CraigsList - WWYD

[kresta]

I am so mad right now. I bought a pack-n-play from someone off of Craig's List. I had to have it last-minute for our weekend camping trip -- we had previously borrowed one from our friends, but they needed it back. I specifically ask the seller if there are any stains or wear. She said no. I pick up the thing, she can't find the bag. I should have just said "nevermind" then. I get home to try to clean it up a little to take w/ us this weekend... THIS THING IS FILTHY and yes, THERE ARE STAINS. It's disgusting - there's cereal in the bottom of it. I had to take it outside, spray it down with cleaner and then spray it with the hard setting of the hose.

So my question is this, I still need it (assuming I haven't ruined it by spraying it down and assuming it's even dry enough to take with us in a few hours). So I'm not asking for a refund or anything. There's not really anything she can do. But I'm mad as fire about it and am thinking of sending her an email telling her how disappointed I am and how she should have been honest about it.

Your opinion and what you would do -- send the email just to make yourself feel better and let her know you're upset, when there's nothing she can even do to rectify it; or just let it go and chalk it up to living and learning????

[LenaGardner]

I would atleast speak my peice. If you do, she may think twice before doing something similar to someone else. I'm sorry that happened to you!

[Kiki]

If it had happened to me, I would write a polite but firm email about the importance of being honest in online sales. Otherwise she's likely to think she can pull that kind of stuff whenever she feels like it.

[4noisyboys]

I think there is a way to "flag" the seller too, so others can see what you thought of them.

We sold an above ground pool this year, and it sold in no time at all, because we had it set up and filled, so the buyers could see it and there would be no surprises. It was a pita to empty (took a few days), but I felt better knowing that it was in the condition that we said. They couldn't come back and say something to us or about us that wasn't true.

Definitely let her know though.

[kresta]

Alright, here's the email I wrote to her:



I really debated whether or not to send this email, because I'm generally very non-confrontational in nature and at this point, there's nothing that you can do about it. But I'm extremely disappointed in the pack-n-play. I specifically asked if there were stains or wear to which you answered "no". When I opened it up at home to see if I needed to wash anything real quick before our trip, I was surprised to find stains all over it and even cereal in the bottom of it. I had to spend a good amount of time in the back yard with spray cleaner and the hard setting on my hose to get it acceptable. I only hope it is not ruined and/or it will be dry enough to take with us on our trip in a couple of hours.

I think you misrepresented what you were selling. I am a very honest person and tend to expect that others are as well. I really felt you should have knocked $5 off the price since you did not have the bag. I probably should have known to say "nevermind" at that point. I guess hindsight is 20/20. Again, there is nothing I'm asking that you do at this point -- only to know that you should be honest in your descriptions and dealings.

[jessica31876]

well I dont think she should have sold it with stains and food in the bottom (YUCK!!) but Im curious why when you went to buy it you could not inspect it? (also on a side not I doubt you ruined it by washing it as I had to do the same to my playyards after having them in storage for awhile and a couple yucky diaper incidents).

[Lauren Reid]

well that's just crappy! i think your email is honest but not rude, so i think ya done good. ;)

poo on her for being dishonest! :thumbdown:

[xboxmom]

I think the email is fine and it gets it off your chest and hey you never have to see that person again anyway so why not! Sorry you are stuck with a crap pack and play that sucks.

[Shawna]

Well that just sucks. I think the email you sent her was perfect though, hopefully it will make her think twice before she is dishonest in her online dealings.

Also I doubt you ruined it by washing it down with the hose, I've had to spray mine down pretty good (especially after 3 kids lol) and it's held up fine. Also you can buy sheets made specifically to fit the pack n play's if that would make you feel better about using it & help cover up any stains that didn't come off. I found mine @ Toys R Us I think but I've seen them at Walmart & Target too I think.

[NettieB]

good on you, Kresta! you handled that well. sorry this didn't go as smoothly as it should have.

We have a slim piece of foam from a craft store cut just under the size of the mattress pad which we put on top of the pad and secure under a sheet from Babies 'R Us -- it's secure, as you can still shove the pad into the corner holder thingys -- if you have time, I'd recommend this, maybe after you get there?

It's extra padding, and would cover any stains with the foam + sheet...

hope you have a good trip!

[CA Dreamer]

You said it nicely. Stern and to the point. Really addressing the behavior and not attacking her as a person. There should be some way to report her as a seller? Or, report her to Craigslist. It isn't good for them to have bad sellers, they should at least care, I would think!

[scrap2day]

I'm so sorry that happened to you but I thought your letter was good.

I know you're probably already on your trip so have a good time!!!

I have never used these but it might be something you would be interested in. They are slipcovers for the pack and play and other play yards. It's more than just a sheet. It is an actual slipcover for the whole thing. Again I've never used one so I can't really recommend either way.

http://www.coverplayard.com/

[MamaBee]

That sucks! I too think your email was well worded, hopefully she reads it and it sinks in...

I know this is late... but if you (or anyone) watched that show "Shark Tank" on ABC... there is a product called Cover PlayYard that goes over the whole thing... something I wish I had two years ago!!


http://www.coverplayard.com/

[MamaBee]

Opps... I didn't realize that Cover Play Yard was already mentioned... I was in middle of typing when my two year old started to throw up... :(

[nun69]

I think your email was perfect!

[mommyrebecca919]

Im sorry had to deal with a dishonest seller mama :( I think your letter was perfect and not rude at all. Those cover playard slipcovers look cool, I think I will be getting one! I bought my son's new 1 year ago but its already looking horrible!