There's a new deceptive practice going at ebay motors...
sellers doing a brisk business in"used tires". One seller's description (item 150005718419) includes such general info as:
"...over 98% of the tires sold will mount with no complications, however in some remote cases the tire may require to be patched. This is very uncommon, however it has happened before."
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However, this seller's feedback indicates it happens QUITE often.:impatient
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"...Tread is WELL above the indicators." What does that mean?
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When I sell an item, I describe THAT PARTICULAR ITEM in the auction description, and I reasonably expect the same. So I sent the seller this email:
"Dear DrTires,
I've read all your feedback, and it appears that the incidence of problems or tires needing repair is higher than stated in your item description. I would like to bid on these tires with confidence, so please answer the following questions about THESE PARTICULAR TIRES: Are there:
1. patches or repairs made or needed?
2. scallops or any other uneven wear?
3. less than 5/32 tread in any location?
4. balance problems or issues?
5. any other condition other than normal wear?
Thanks in advance for your response.
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Here is what they emailed back to me:
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"tread is good, we gaurantee the tires to mount. it is possible you will need a patch. should not be less than 5/32nds.
Thank You,
Win
(DrTires- Sales Manager)"
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This is a lot of BS. All tires will mount. None of my questions were answered. If these sellers, and there are many, refuse to describe their items individually and accurately, and refuse to answer direct questions, they should not be permitted to sell on ebay.
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If you see a similar listing, especially from a seller that has multiple pairs or sets for sale, and who uses a generalized description as above, ASSUME THE FOLLOWING:
1) the car has been wrecked, and these are salvage tires from a totalled car.
2) one or more tires WILL need patching or repair
3) one or more tires may be out of round, have uneven wear, or scallops from misalignment.
AND BID ACCORDINGLY!
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I HIGHLY recommend that you not do business with sellers who refuse to provide detailed information on the EXACT used item you are buying/bidding on.
Mike