New bike classifieds expectations

Triathlon Forum
1

Looking for a gut check here.

Posted a WTB request for a new bike frameset. Bike shop responds via private message and after a little back and forth about specifics - like this is a NEW bike, uncut steerer, etc - i purchase via PayPal w fee.

Bike takes a little longer than advertised to arrive but no worries. Bike in one piece. However only about half the small parts are present - not enough for either a mechanical or electronic build. Integrated spacers are not all there. Integrated stem cap not provided rather an “off the shelf” FSA one is there. I contact seller and ask that all the parts of a new bike be provided. Communcation was quick and even offered me a t shirt from the shop for my troubles. Im feeling good.

Last communcation was July 8th saying small parts were in (they ended up ordering a whole small parts kit I guess) and sending in mail. Since that time despite ~5 follow ups I have not received any parts or communcation. Last log on of seller was July 18th.

My gut check question is am I off base if I file a PayPal complaint? Ive never done that and really dont want to but I’ve searched for the small parts online amd unable to find anything- even from Europe sites. Its annoying. I want to finish my build. What bothers me is that the parts were supposed to be in the mail. So was it UPS/FEDEX/USPS that messed up? I dont know. I’ve asked seller for tracking info. No response.

Should I even expect these parts? I know bike shops are horrible at keeping the small parts together and usually just pull what is needed from their local “stockpile” when doing a build. However I was also very clear I was buying a complete new unused frameset.

Ill never be ble to ride it w the stem cap. Every time i look down I’ll be frustrated by the incorrect parts being used.

So before I file complaint with PayPal, I’d like a little ST wisdom.

2

If you are frustrated by seeing an FSA stem cap, you are not riding hard enough!

Regardless, I like my bikes to be a certain way and I custom build all of my bikes, so- I get it.

What brand frame? Can you contact the manufacturer directly? They may lead you to a dealer, but of so- ask who they suggest. Even if it’s out of state, the shop can ship it to you.

Do you have the sellers number? Call them if you do instead of email.

If you got a great deal, I would just let it go. Too much to worry about in life than this.

3

If you file a SNAD complaint with PayPal, you will be required to pay for return shipping before you get a refund.

4

Can you call the shop and get a real human on the phone, possibly the owner? You’ll probably get some traction that way.

5

I was thinking that. Probably my next move before I contact PayPal.

Interesting from the other comments - I would need to pay return shipping for a product that didn’t include all the items required. I wouldn’t have thought that from PayPal. What are they protecting me from then?

And its the stem cap but also other small parts required to complete the build so right now I don’t have everything I need to ride. Getting those small parts is required.