Scrap for sale
I recently bought a small lot consisting of a wheelbarrow and a petrol-driven garden blower.
On collection, I found that the petrol engine on the blower was completely seized and effectively worthless. When I queried this, I was told that the item was sold “AF” (as found). Please see uodate below
While I appreciate that auction items can be sold as found, I feel that a completely seized petrol engine is a significant condition issue that should have been specifically mentioned in the description rather than simply relying on “AF”.
The wheelbarrow also had a completely flat tyre, which will require replacement and is not an insignificant cost relative to the value of the item.
The total purchase price was only £18, so this isn't really about the money. My concern is that the condition of the items could have been described much more clearly, allowing bidders to make an informed decision before bidding.
I would simply suggest that in future, obvious defects such as a seized engine or damaged/flat tyres are clearly stated in the auction description.This description "Wheelbarrow and a Petrol Driven Partner 22 GBI Blower a/f "in my opinion is less than what was acceptable .
Update
The Auction house has since contacted me .I did bring the seized engine to the Auction houses attention where they offered me a full refund on the lot however the wheelbarrow was already dismantled for transportation and in the car so accepted the loss as you "live and learn" .On getting home was when I discovered the wheelbarrow was also not as described that prompted this review .They still maintain that the description was A/F was acceptable and eluded to me not knowing the jargon and I should of asked ore question .I dont accept that and maintain they were poorly described a more accurate description would be .Petrol blower in poor or unknown condition .May not start or seized .Wheelbarrow with non functioning wheel .Tyre flat .
