rok55

iTrader: (17)

I hate to have to do this, especially as a newcomer to this forum, but it just chaps me when I don't get what I paid for.

On Dec 19 2013 I agreed to purchase some batteries from Elies12. Here's a link to his ad:

http://www.rctech.net/forum/r-c-item...wer-lipos.html

Notice that he only included a top side view of the batteries. I immediately paid through PayPal and to his credit he did ship quickly and I received them in few days, 23 Dec to be exact. I PM'd him to let them know they arrived but didn't really inspect them till 24 Dec and realized on of the batteries was swollen / puffed and the hard case was cracked along the side.

Here's a pic of what I received:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/members/...2-pc260054.jpg

I PM'd and asked how he would like to handle it. He said it was good when shipped and I must have damaged it. Those of you in the know are aware that Thunder Power batteries us a different balance cable than most. Being new to Lipos I was not aware of that and do not have a charger or adapter to allow me to do anything with this battery. I explained that to Elies12 but he refuses to take responsibility for the bad cell.

I realize he has been on this forum for much longer than me and has many successful trades in his Trader rating but right is right, and sending a puffed / cracked battery isn't right.

I have lodged a Paypal dispute and hope to work it out equitably, we'll see I guess.

In the meantime ......... BUYER BEWARE.

Josh-n-ya

iTrader: (95)

Never buy used batteries here. Not unless it is new in package and seller has posted all sides of battery. I have bought used batteries from friends at my track but I know they are good. Sorry!

racer1812

iTrader: (31)

So...you're blaming the buyer because the seller may have sold junk?

the rule of thumb is "buyer beware" not buyer at fault.

lbenton

iTrader: (48)

Did this stay on the ground for delivery or did they take a flight? A cargo compartment on a plane can be bad for LiPo. The sudden and drastic drop in air pressure can allow the gas in the cells to rapidly expand doing damage.

I would look into the angle of how these traveled, if they were properly declared as LiPo. It is the shippers responsibility to send them in a safe manner.

theblitzkidd

iTrader: (11)

tru this is, I'd look into it

Josh-n-ya

iTrader: (95)

No way am I blaming the buyer! Just saying don't buy used batteries here to be safe.

racer1812

iTrader: (31)

I agree with Blitz. This is correct and I would look into it.

I didn't think you were, but I figured I would ask.

ThePanda

iTrader: (68)

if it puffed in transit, then why does it look like it was taped along the edge?

in any way, it is the sellers job to ensure that contents come to the buyer in the condition they are sold.

If it was shipped not puffed, (which i am doubtful) and the buyer received it puffed, it is still the sellers fault.

rok55

iTrader: (17)

Thanks for the comments. I live 30 Miles out of town and no active track here at the moment (winter in Wyoming), just recently back in the hobby after many years away, no friends that are in to RC, and money is a little tight so I figured good used was the way to go.

I checked his Trader Rating, asked him specifically on the condition (which he stated was GOOD) and figured he would be GTG. I don't know if this was intentional deception or not but as you say why is there evidence of this battery being taped together on that side.

Hopefully it will all work out.

spookie

iTrader: (25)

My vote is it was shipped with issues. I took the add pic and the above pic and compared them. It may not have been too bad when sold, but maybe the air flight puffed it even more.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8245/bg68.png


ETA I have purchased used batteries here before and had good luck with them. So it's kind of a crap shoot I guess.

spookie

iTrader: (25)

delete

ThePanda

iTrader: (68)

I would ask for a refund, a total refund. seller honesty is important.

If you want good, cheap lipos; check out SMC. great lips, at great prices.

rok55

iTrader: (17)

I gave him the option of a partial refund since the other battery seems fine (although I don't have a way to test it yet) or a full refund and return shipping. He has refused either. I am hoping that PayPal will see it my way.

Thanks for the tip on SMC.

lbenton

iTrader: (48)

FWIW, I do not think it is allowed to ship a damaged lipo battery. Not sure that it is "illegal" but any shipper will have that as policy and could lead to additional headaches.

racer1812

iTrader: (31)

IMO, he obviously only posted a top view picture for a reason.

NOT cool.