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Hi all. After waiting over a month, a used violin that I ordered finally arrived today (after being shipped oversized parcel post, which is the cheapest and lowest priority of all the postal rates. Basically, I was told that at each point of transfer, the truck is filled with higher priority packages and, if any space is left over, a few oversized parcel post packages are crammed in). The cardboard box was stoved in on one side, and a 2 foot tear was opened along an entire edge on the other side. It had a "package damaged during shipment" label on it.
Through the gap, I noticed that the violin case was still there. No clue how that happened. The bows were loose in the case and the bow securing hardware broke free from the underlying foam that comprised the case and dangled from the now unglued inner case fabric. No damage at all to the violin (not even a finish scratch). I cannot imagine the horrors that violin endured in its month in transit.
Another problem remains. It was listed as a 4/4 and it is a 3/4.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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That's incredible. When I was in the 6th or 7th grade I had put my violin in the back of the classroom. I would put it there, along with the other instruments that the other students played, while we studied whatever it was we studied. When I went to get my violin to head to orchestra, I noticed a dent in the top of the case. Being a young boy, I didn't pay it any mind. When I got to class the violin was absolutely destroyed. I can visualize it today. The wood directly under the bridge was busted at about that width along the length of the violin. We later found out that a student had leaned back in his chair, lost his balance, and landed on the violin. I guess they aren't so tough when 100+ lbs fall directly on them.
I'm glad your violin made it safely. Too bad you can't water it and make it grow. 
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I have received a violin three different times that were not the size stated...
i also received one that they put the chinrest in by the lower bout and damaged it.
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Hi steveduf (and others). I’m seeing an unwelcome trend recently among sellers on eBay of recycling the verbiage (and database entries) of old auctions to create a porridged mess that is beyond logic. I think that the only option available is to rely completely on title and photos, and always ask for body measurements. I doubt that most sellers know the difference between a 4/4 and a 3/4 anyway.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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I'm afraid there is a tremendous difference between 3/4 and 4/4. You should ask for a refund, IMAO.
I don't think they will want to pay for the return shipping.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Hi FIddlerman (and others). It looks as though the eBay issue resolution system can only handle one complaint per auction, and is not equipped to handle sequential problems. And this auction was a Peril of Pauline of issues.
The seller said that they used expedited postage (they did not), so I submitted a complaint after 30 days. eBay (rightly) sided with the seller after the USPS scanned the package when delivered. But the package was delivered with a cut the length of the side, and the case could well have been missing (fortunately, it was not). And the violin was a 3/4 and not a 4/4. eBay is saying once they settle a claim, the buyer has no further recourse through them.
It is a very nice violin (Mendini MV 650), so I am sure that I can find a student that will enjoy it.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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Auctions can be a pain
I have found that a good share of auction sellers have no idea on what is what.
I have seen violas and violins listed as each other.
i have also seen some one list as a small violin and it was full size. And the other way around
I have boughten two violins that they said were unmarked and when I blow up the pic I can see that there is a label inside.
sometimes if it is cheap enough I buy it for the “lottery” of it.
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Irv, did you contact the seller? The seller might be more understanding. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Hi Fiddlerman (and others). The saga continues.
I did try to contact the seller, but he did not respond (why should he, since eBay sided with him). eBay sent me an email this morning to take a survey on how well their customer service handled the return request. I gave an honest opinion of how I felt about it. I got a call from them about 6 hours later. They are going to "erase from their servers" my original return request, call me again when that happens (they stated that it would take about 3 hours), and will make a new return request (this time with me winning). The seller will be given 3 days to either give me a partial refund or pay for the return (my option).
The power of the pen (or in this case, my fingers).
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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I just received my money back from eBay yesterday, but I wanted to add a word of caution to this tale. I found out that I am an eBay "rock star," and was allowed access to their concierge service (allowed to get human assistance via telephone). My appeal through their electronic grievance procedure was futile.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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