Seeking Advice on Damaged Card

[ISO NJ 30 G]

I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and if so, how it was dealt with.

I recently purchased a card, autographed and /25, from a seller through SportsBuy for $20. When the card arrived, I removed it from the magnetic holder and saw noticeable damage to the bottom two corners. I took pictures and e-mailed the seller asking why he advertised the card in “near mint or better” condition when it clearly was not. He said it came out of the pack that way, and offered a refund if I returned the card. (I can share the full e-mail thread, but it’s longer than most all tradelists on here already).
I don’t want to send the card back for a full refund for two reasons:
-The card has such a low print run that I don’t want to count on finding another one for my collection.
-I feel like the seller will just re-list the card and this will happen to another buyer.
Through all the e-mails the seller has not given any reason for why he inaccurately listed the card. We are in the dispute process at SportsBuy currently, but have no idea how/when/if they will help reach a resolution. I have asked for a partial refund of the purchase price (I would not have paid $20 for the card in the condition it is in), and the seller said that was blackmail.

Chime in, anyone, and let me know how you would handle this and if something similar has happened before. And if I left out any valuable info, let me know that also.

Thanks all.

-Matt

[BigBerserker]

You've done pretty much everything you can. Personally, I end up biting the bullet and keep the card and try to ignore the damage however, that seller offered you a refund in exchange for the card so that's what I would do. Return the card, get your money back, and leave him negative feedback and move on. On any future purchases, I would demand clear photos of the entire card and all four corners. If the seller does not want to make the effort to do that, tell them they just lost a potential buyer!

[BCUS28]

What he said^^^^

Take the full refund or keep the card and leave appropriate feedback. Not sure a negative is warranted because the seller is offering a refund- maybe a nuetral I dunno.

[beex215]

asking for a partial was the right move, he doesnt want to do it though. but what ever. i say it is worth a neg as its damaged as he said it was near mint. i hate it when sellers say return it for a refund. they should pay for the shipping as they didnt accurately describe it

[ISO NJ 30 G]

I've looked around on SportsBuy and there is a spot to put "notes" after you let them know a card has been received, but I do not know that they have an actual feedback process for other buyers to see (much like Beckett Marketplace). So I don't know that that is an option. It would be nice though.

[ISO NJ 30 G]

After getting threatened with potential legal action for mail fraud (after saying I would consider pursuing a partial refund via PayPal), I spoke on the phone to someone at SportsBuy (the author of the legal action e-mail, thankfully). They can't do anything toward a partial refund. I can't leave public feedback for other prospective buyers to see. I was, however, told that the seller won't get off scot free. He's a VIP seller there and this issue will be elevated to a VIP customer service employee there. The gentleman I spoke with told me I would stay in the loop regarding how the situation transpires from here. As it is, I have a "near mint or better" card with two crushed lower corners.
My only resolution left is to advise people not to deal with Bob Jacobi - BrickmanSportsCards.com. The jury is still out on future business with SportsBuy.

[angel0430]

In my oipinion, if you want to keep the card after he offered a refund, there is no reason to complain in here.

That is just my 2 cents.

People complain too much in here asking for advice and they end up doing whatever they want.

[gladdyontherise]

I'd keep the card if it is that low of a print run, if i may ask, what brand is the card? i'm assuming its something like Exquisite, UD Premier, or UD Black, all of which never stay in close to mint condition once pulled, they have chipping before you open the pack, myself knowing this, i know i wont get the card NM condition, but i try not to focus on the damage thats on the card

[potvin48]

Just to play devil's advocate here, put yourself in his shoes. He's probably seen his share of scammer buyers too. With a serial numbered card, it's harder because each one is unique, but I know some people "upgrade" the condition of their cards that way. Buy one on eBay, claim the one they got sent had bad corners, or a crease or whatever, and return their damaged card to the helpless seller. I am by no means saying you did this, but know that there are people who do this, and perhaps he's been burned before, I know I have...

[ISO NJ 30 G]

Angel:
Actually, despite the title of the thread, I never asked for advice on what I should do. I asked what people would do in my situation, and if they had ever found themselves in this situation. But thanks for chiming in.

Dan:
It was Co-Signers, actually.