Finally received item but quite a bit of damage

Yes Tina, if the damage is obviously evident, then it should be mentioned in the description and shown in the photos. If the photos were taken to not show obvious damage then that's misleading. If photos don't show everything clearly, it's often good to ask questions in case the seller has missed seeing something that on closer inspection they might see, although this would normally be picked up when packing. See what the seller says to your query, but if they have not responded to previous emails, it might be that you won't get a reply.

Yes! Tina - All Damage is meant to be disclosed Upfront and the item described accurately! As per TM's T&C's - section 4.3 Listing and selling

Sorry to hear this has happened and I'm pleased you have reported to TM already - Let's hope the Seller does right by you here - All the Best - Cheers.

Hi Tina. Have you lodged a dispute from your won items page?. If you have photo's of the damage and of course photo's of the actual auction to compare for evidence that could certainly help you with a refund.

If the seller won't communicate a formal dispute may well cause a 'reaction'. TM expects the seller to step up and sort it out. If the seller doesn't, you just click the button at the end of the number of days when you get an update and say No, the seller has not resolved and it goes to the next step. Good luck.

Thank you all for your help. I sent photos to both TradeMe and the seller. The damage was very obvious and covered one whole side of the piece, I am waiting to hear from both parties.

I have just received an email from the seller, who is quite the nasty piece and there is also a threat in his email.  He tells me that his item can sell for hundreds of dollars and that I will be sorry for the negative feedback (plus other things) I posted.  He has asked I remove my feedback, he also advises that it is normal to have the type of damage on the item I purchased which I find hard to believe as it is one whole side of the item that he did not disclose or show in photos.... concerned of the tone of his threats and he has asked I call him or things could get worse for me.  Not sure I want him to have my number, he already has my address and email....

Plus he send me another message not via email but on an item I am selling...

Kia Ora Tina,

Don't let him intimidate you - Send that Threatening email and the email Question received on your listing direct to TM - you can contact TM via their Live Chat facility for immediate assistance here - Ensure your Service Request number from the Dispute report is on all info' and Chat sessions so TM can pull your case up easily.

You can add them to Your Blacklist if required, preventing them from asking questions and bidding on your listings. You can also blacklist them from your email program if required. If the threats increase or are overwhelming you can contact NZ Police who take threats very seriously and can work with TM to obtain your Seller's info' as when required.

Keep TradeMe updated of any hostility throughout - they can reach your Seller and apply any necessary account restrictions - Cheers.

Thank you all for your responses.  We have taken the necessary steps with continuing to update TM with copies of all correspondence plus blacklisting seller etc.  The seller continues to email but we are not responding and just forwarding to TM.  As a family, we have made the decision that once this messy episode has come to an end, we will ask TM to put this item up for fundraising (with full description and photos of the item) for Starship who have been amazing to our family and extended family.  Got to turn a negative in to a positive, right!

Well Done Tina! WoW!!! What a Stunning Attitude and Thoughts you have there! - Wishing you All the Best coming forward - Cheers 😊👍