ethics?

DreamDiver wrote:There's a difference between 'used' and 'worn out.' In jsmythe's case, it sounds like the mask was actually worn out. If I bought a used mask that had all the spring stretched out of it's frayed straps and yellow, lifeless silicone parts, I'd be more than just peeved - especially if I paid more than a fifth what a new one was worth on CPAP.com. If the only reason for getting rid of it is because it's so old you cannot use it, the seller should disclaim in the auction description that it's probably only good for parts. This isn't just about cooties. If you can't wear it, not because it's uncomfortable or doesn't fit from the outset but because it's too worn out, don't sell it as if someone could actually use it. The karma will bite you.

Then there are the DME's. While we're talking about cooties, why the heck don't they give you a loaner to try out before you buy it? They let you try them on in the office before you buy it. But that's not the same as sleeping with the darned thing on. Why not give me a week-long loaner? I'd pay five or ten dollars to 'rent' a loaner for a week before actually buying it. My DME says they aren't allowed to sell used ones. They say they aren't allowed to let people use used ones. But they sanitize them before they let us try the ones on in the office - and they are definitely used, and frayed. As far as I'm concerned, DME's use the 'sanitary defense' (cooties) as a way to make you buy something that may or may not work. Then you cannot get your money back because, 'Oh, it has cooties now.'

I want DME's to provide loaner masks until I find one that satisfies my needs. I want to be able to buy a used mask at the DME - and inspect it before I buy it to rest assured that what I'm getting is what I'm willing to pay for. But that's not going to happen, is it? They don't make enough money that way. Thank you DME's for putting profit before humanity, comfort and health.

Worse, I despise the way they sell you the package, but make you pay the higher per-part prices. I'm just waiting for a bolt of lighting to 'ZOT' these folks.

Whoa, was that bitter or what? Sorry - just venting at 9 cm pressure...

That was good ... that was good. Me thinks you be getting the hang of the CPAP venting ... keep it up!

DreamDiver wrote:Then there are the DME's. While we're talking about cooties, why the heck don't they give you a loaner to try out before you buy it? They let you try them on in the office before you buy it. But that's not the same as sleeping with the darned thing on. Why not give me a week-long loaner? I'd pay five or ten dollars to 'rent' a loaner for a week before actually buying it. My DME says they aren't allowed to sell used ones. They say they aren't allowed to let people use used ones. But they sanitize them before they let us try the ones on in the office - and they are definitely used, and frayed. As far as I'm concerned, DME's use the 'sanitary defense' (cooties) as a way to make you buy something that may or may not work. Then you cannot get your money back because, 'Oh, it has cooties now.'

I want DME's to provide loaner masks until I find one that satisfies my needs. I want to be able to buy a used mask at the DME - and inspect it before I buy it to rest assured that what I'm getting is what I'm willing to pay for.

Excellent!!!! I agree, I agree, I AGREE, DreamDiver.

I've heard of a few people being able to take a mask home from their DME and try it for several nights, returning it if it didn't suit, and getting to try another and another. But those DMEs are few and far between, I'd think.

I've also read of some DMEs who won't even let people try masks on in the office. "You open it, it's yours." Period. So much for that "extra", "personal", "hands on" service that is supposed to justify the higher cost of dealing with some of the bricks and mortar DME.

There are good ones out there who go out of their way to help cpap users. They are gems among the many lumps of coal.

rested gal wrote:

DreamDiver wrote:Then there are the DME's. While we're talking about cooties, why the heck don't they give you a loaner to try out before you buy it? They let you try them on in the office before you buy it. But that's not the same as sleeping with the darned thing on. Why not give me a week-long loaner? I'd pay five or ten dollars to 'rent' a loaner for a week before actually buying it. My DME says they aren't allowed to sell used ones. They say they aren't allowed to let people use used ones. But they sanitize them before they let us try the ones on in the office - and they are definitely used, and frayed. As far as I'm concerned, DME's use the 'sanitary defense' (cooties) as a way to make you buy something that may or may not work. Then you cannot get your money back because, 'Oh, it has cooties now.'

I want DME's to provide loaner masks until I find one that satisfies my needs. I want to be able to buy a used mask at the DME - and inspect it before I buy it to rest assured that what I'm getting is what I'm willing to pay for.

Excellent!!!! I agree, I agree, I AGREE, DreamDiver.

I've heard of a few people being able to take a mask home from their DME and try it for several nights, returning it if it didn't suit, and getting to try another and another. But those DMEs are few and far between, I'd think.

I've also read of some DMEs who won't even let people try masks on in the office. "You open it, it's yours." Period. So much for that "extra", "personal", "hands on" service that is supposed to justify the higher cost of dealing with some of the bricks and mortar DME.

There are good ones out there who go out of their way to help cpap users. They are gems among the many lumps of coal.

Coal?

I thought coal didn't smell nearly as bad

Thought about this over lunch.

I have a 100% Ebay rating. I'm very protective of that. If I have a problem with something I received, I weigh that very carefully before leaving feedback. Is this item worth the fight? Is it worth risking getting a flaming negative feedback on my profile? Did this person knowingly and aggregiously rip me off for vast amounts of money?

I put myself in your shoes, and this is what *I* think I would do at this point.

1) Send a VERY polite email to the seller, expressing civil dissatisfaction with the item, pointing out the differences between item as arrived and item as described in the listing, but NOT outlining any required remedy. If the seller replies to me with an offer of a refund or other acceptable remedy, I will consider it. If they don't, that leads me to my next steps.

2) Hold off on feedback until I hear from the seller. This will determine what I choose to do.

3) VERY LIKELY I will either refrain from leaving ANY feedback at all, or mark it as "positive" but in a very civil way make it clear my dissatisfaction with the item. No personal remarks about the seller, unless the communication with the seller was not civil or the seller left me bad and/or flaming feedback already.

I personally prefer the option of not leaving feedback. It reduces that seller's overall sale numbers without leaving me open to a possible flaming feedback and reduction of MY feedback rating.

I have left a "positive" feedback with negative comments before without being flamed by the seller.

As for the ethics of complaining about a trader here on the board, from my standpoint, I'd like to hear about it, since I might be buying from them. If I were your seller, however, and read about it HERE FIRST, I would lose my mind. Please give that seller the benefit of the doubt, and approach them civilly and privately first. Try to believe they are a fellow patient with other stuff going on in their life - might make you feel more compassionate towards them, which might smooth the interaction.

I have to admit that in my numerous test drive mailouts, sometimes things aren't as clean and tidy as one might wish. I can be pretty scatterbrained that way. But I also tell people to cut me a break, and WASH STUFF when they get it. I don't claim it's in 100% like new ORIGINAL PACKAGING and then send them something else.

So, try the direct private approach first. Then deal with feedback, and after some time and reflection, decide if you want to report the seller here.

Cheers,
Babs

Well I purchased a profile lite maks from mesquite75149. It was listed as used -- which doesn't bother as I will wash them prior to using. I was interested in the headgear mainly as I have a couple with no headgear except homemade one.

Much to my dismay this mask is very used and the headgear has definitely seen better days. I am debating whether to even bother washing it up to try it as it is all stretched out. The mask itself has the gel where it is crinkled -- it is still soft and pliable but the outer layer has the wrinkles in it. I know I would not have listed it and sold it!!

Appropriate feedback will be left.

This is an old thread that I figured some us could use about various sellers to warn others.