Advice re consumer rights when purchasing saddle from FB

[Boots*McGruber]

I’ve seen a saddle on Facebook Marketplace that I’m interested in purchasing. It is the make, model and size recommended by my saddle fitter but secondhand and therefore much less expensive than the new ones they carry. However it is a lot of money to spend and I can’t afford to lose it if there is a problem with the saddle. If I pay PayPal Goods & Services would this cover me if, for example, the tree is broken? The saddle condition is described as used-good. TIA.

 

[musk]

Yes pay by PayPal Goods and Services and make sure that photos you receive are clear and you have asked all questions you need to about condition etc so you have lots of evidence to go back on if you feel it isn't as described. I have sold a few saddles on Facebook and have never had any issues but never bought one!

 

[planete]

Make sure you see a picture of the saddle being measured correctly with the tape in the picture. The number of people incapable of measuring a saddle is unbelievable.

 

[HorseMaid]

I've bought and sold a lot of saddles over the years, I've never had one turn up with a broken tree and find that most sellers are honest (although maybe I'm good at weeding them out, there are lots of scammers out there!). That said, I'd ask for lots and lots of pictures of it, in good light, and from all angles, before you commit to buying it so that you see the condition and any damage/marks, and check with your saddle fitter first. And if it simply doesn't fit then sell it on (unless the seller explicitly states they will accept returns).

For me personally, as a private seller and not a business, I don't want the faff of a saddle being returned to me once I've sold it just because it doesn't fit, although if it was misdescribed or an issue came to light of course I'd take it back. I've always taken payment through PayPal goods/services and never had any issues that I can remember.

 

[Jellymoon]

Yes, you will need proof that it’s not as described, but you are covered. I don’t think you would be covered if it simply doesn’t fit, unless the size has been misdescribed.

 

[JBM]

Yes if she refuses to refund you if it’s not as described PayPal will refund you themselves

 

[HorseMaid]

Actually, thinking about it, if I was selling a high value saddle, generally nowadays I think I'd only take cash on collection or a bank transfer, because a there is NOTHING to stop the buyer saying there's something wrong with the saddle and getting a refund from PayPal, then keeping the saddle - and there are plenty of people out there that this has happened to.

I do say this as someone who takes a lot of detailed pictures and measurements before selling though!

 

[Melody Grey]

Is there a serial number/ code on the saddle so you could check out its credentials with the maker? Might give you a bit more surety along with pics/ description and answers to your questions?

 

[sbloom]

Yes, you will need proof that it’s not as described, but you are covered. I don’t think you would be covered if it simply doesn’t fit, unless the size has been misdescribed.

This.

 

[MissTyc]

Actually, thinking about it, if I was selling a high value saddle, generally nowadays I think I'd only take cash on collection or a bank transfer, because a there is NOTHING to stop the buyer saying there's something wrong with the saddle and getting a refund from PayPal, then keeping the saddle - and there are plenty of people out there that this has happened to.

I do say this as someone who takes a lot of detailed pictures and measurements before selling though!

Ditto, I am happy to pay by paypal if someone is willing to accept that, but I will only take cash on collection myself. I have the saddle clean and ready for inspection and re-measuring.

I have, myself, been fortunate to nab some excellent saddles from Ebay as described but I've heard too many sad stories.