Hi Callum. How do you contact TradeMe exactly? Everywhere I looked I get FAQ's (was this helpful?). Like I said they operate at arm's length there's no personal service just like trying to contact Google (Alphabet) if you have a Gmail issue - it's all automated workflow crap now. TradeMe itself does not protect its customers, it offers some options that's all as far as I can see. Open a Dispute literally means opening a case with the Disputes Tribunal. Have you ever done that? It's not trivial. If more money was involved maybe I would consider it but part of the process is having a document...
No I gave them plenty of time to respond. My email to them was in response to previous communication regarding shipping times so we had an established link. I warned them that I would be placing feedback if I didn't hear from them by a specific time and date.
I spent $20 on an item that failed almost immediately. Not a lot of money you might say but I'm out of pocket and that money is hard earned. The seller refuses to respond, has thousands of sales and ships from China. TradeMe operates at arm's length and points you to the Disputes Tribunal!! For $20?