Minichamps BMW 3.5CSL missing grill disaster - advice please
Discussion
I recently won a MInichamps BMW 3.5CSL on ebay for a decent price - Advert here
Model described as mint 10/10.
On arrival opened it up to have a quick look. Did not unscrew from the polystyrene base and noted that in a couple of areas the decals were cracked/lifted at the edges. Minor issue in the scheme of things and given the price paid I felt I could deal with it (despite the advert).
As such I sent this to the seller:
This evening, I thought I'd finally get it out of the box and on the shelf. You can imagine my shock and horror when removing it I noticed this:
The grill was missing!! Because of the nature of the model, with it in the polystyrene base, it's almost impossible to see if the grill was there on the photo in the advert.
Could this have come off in transit? I certainly didn't notice it floating around the box on taking it out!
I'm absolutely gutted
I've already given the seller positive feedback. What can I do?
Can Minichamps supply replacement grills (apparently not according to their website)?
Should I get used to displaying it backwards!?
Any advice very much appreciated!
Model described as mint 10/10.
On arrival opened it up to have a quick look. Did not unscrew from the polystyrene base and noted that in a couple of areas the decals were cracked/lifted at the edges. Minor issue in the scheme of things and given the price paid I felt I could deal with it (despite the advert).
As such I sent this to the seller:
g3org3y said:
Dear nicnacpadiwac82,
I noted from your advert that the model is described as 10/10 (Mint). Unfortunately, on receiving, I am forced to say this is not the case: at the top of the bonnet the red decal is starting to come away (you can see this in the photo too) and there is a tiny gap at the front edge of the bonnet on the purple decal.
Small things, but if a model is advertised as mint or 10/10 it should be.
I can see you are an honest ebayer and given the reasonable price paid I am fairly accepting of this (moreover I understand you are raising money for a good cause). As such, I have no issue giving you positive feedback (am NOT looking for refund/return or anything like that).
However, I would urge you just to be a bit wary with your descriptions as there are plenty of model collectors out there who would get grumpy over this.
Best of luck with your money raising!
Warmest regards
Fair enough I thought, positive feedback given.I noted from your advert that the model is described as 10/10 (Mint). Unfortunately, on receiving, I am forced to say this is not the case: at the top of the bonnet the red decal is starting to come away (you can see this in the photo too) and there is a tiny gap at the front edge of the bonnet on the purple decal.
Small things, but if a model is advertised as mint or 10/10 it should be.
I can see you are an honest ebayer and given the reasonable price paid I am fairly accepting of this (moreover I understand you are raising money for a good cause). As such, I have no issue giving you positive feedback (am NOT looking for refund/return or anything like that).
However, I would urge you just to be a bit wary with your descriptions as there are plenty of model collectors out there who would get grumpy over this.
Best of luck with your money raising!
Warmest regards
This evening, I thought I'd finally get it out of the box and on the shelf. You can imagine my shock and horror when removing it I noticed this:
The grill was missing!! Because of the nature of the model, with it in the polystyrene base, it's almost impossible to see if the grill was there on the photo in the advert.
Could this have come off in transit? I certainly didn't notice it floating around the box on taking it out!
I'm absolutely gutted
I've already given the seller positive feedback. What can I do?Can Minichamps supply replacement grills (apparently not according to their website)?
Should I get used to displaying it backwards!?
Any advice very much appreciated!
After a similar faulty purchase, mine was a Mk2 Golf GTI. I emailed minichamps & they replied:
Dear Dave,
Our models are very detailed and very extensive. They are characterized by a large number of individual parts and therefore due to reasons in logistics and production we are very sorry not to be able to supply spare parts for our models.
regards...
There was further correspondence but none of that is relavent
Dear Dave,
Our models are very detailed and very extensive. They are characterized by a large number of individual parts and therefore due to reasons in logistics and production we are very sorry not to be able to supply spare parts for our models.
regards...
There was further correspondence but none of that is relavent
My experience with Minichamps in a similar circumstance was different. I emailed a lady called Stephanie at Gateway Europe (Minichamps importers) and had a quite remarkable service in that she sourced for me - from a damaged/returned model - a replacement set of windscreen wipers for my 1:18 Quattro. Let me know if you want her email address.
Thanks for all the replies.
A very kind person (in the US) over on the diecastexchange forum actually has one to spare and is due to send it across the pond to me. Otherwise, I've also come across a German site that does second hand parts and they have a grill in stock. Looks like I won't have to send the model back which I'm happy about as apart from the grill and the decals in a couple of places it really is a stunner!
Thought certainly crossed my mind. Though this individual seems to have sold plenty of (her husband's) models and usually gets good feedback. Perhaps I've naive (optimistic?) but I do try to think the best of people.
This was the response I received last week on informing her of the issue.
With luck (and a new grill), I'll have it back on the shelf soon. Will get some pics up on the 1:18 car thread.
A very kind person (in the US) over on the diecastexchange forum actually has one to spare and is due to send it across the pond to me. Otherwise, I've also come across a German site that does second hand parts and they have a grill in stock. Looks like I won't have to send the model back which I'm happy about as apart from the grill and the decals in a couple of places it really is a stunner!
Spangles said:
g3org3y said:
Could this have come off in transit?
It may have but I'd suggest the only reason the photos were taken with the car in the box is because the grille was already missing.This was the response I received last week on informing her of the issue.
selller said:
Hello i do not read emails very day this comes as a bit of a shock first you say there is some thing wrong with the decals then now the front grill is missing if your not happy with the item you can return it as it was bought new 7 years ago and never left the box only the autoart one I had was no display any way we are very sorry for this is the grill missing or is it in the box ? Please if you won't to return it up to you sorry to be so blunt but its the least of our worries at the moment .
I replied that it was likely I would like to return it and would she be kind enough to give me a return address...I've not heard anything since!With luck (and a new grill), I'll have it back on the shelf soon. Will get some pics up on the 1:18 car thread.
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