My First Fountain Pen

[lyonlover]

Hello everyone!

 

I'm not new to this forum (I've been lurking for a few months), but this is my first post. I've never had a fountain pen before, but I've done a lot of research. I've been fascinated with the Sheaffer Snorkel for quite a while now and I bought one (a Valiant model) off of a popular online auction website on Sunday night. When I got home and opened the package however, the nib was visibly bent. The seller said that the pen was in "working" condition and was "restored", but one tine seems badly bent and is touching the other one. Also, the blind cap tube has quite a bit of resistance to pulling out and has some play when extended (is this normal though?). The rest of the pen is in beautiful condition, and even comes with a matching pencil, box, and papers. The seller says he does not accept returns, but this may be an exception as the item is not as described.

 

I attached some photos too.

 

PS: I don't know if this is the right section to make a new post in, though. I don't know if this thread should be moved somewhere else.

[T4TEXAS]

Yes, not in working condition. If it were me I would try to return it, unless you got it so cheap that paying to have it worked on makes sense. Not as you say he described it and not acceptable.

[lyonlover]

Yes, not in working condition. If it were me I would try to return it, unless you got it so cheap that paying to have it worked on makes sense. Not as you say he described it and not acceptable.

Thanks T4TEXAS. I'll start negotiating a return right now and see if the seller will accept it. I'm definitely wary of buying a pen online now, though. Does anyone know where I could find a different first fountain pen?

[jar]

Yeah, that one is mangled. Could be fixed but I would simply not believe anything someone told me if they claimed that pen got restored.

 

If you used PayPal you should be fine. File a not as advertised claim. Snorkels are not that hard to find.

 

Look here and at Pendemonium and Peyton Street Pens and Main Street Pens and so many other places where you can be sure the pens are as advertised and the sellers will support you. It might be a little more expensive but in the long run it will be much cheaper.

[lyonlover]

What's weird is how the seller sold the pen like this... The package came with his card and apparently he even exhibits at pen shows. One would think a fountain pen enthusiast on eBay would be more honest.

 

Thanks guys for your help though I don't have much of a budget so I guess I'll be fountain pen-less for a bit longer.

[3rdlakerobert]

What's weird is how the seller sold the pen like this... The package came with his card and apparently he even exhibits at pen shows. One would think a fountain pen enthusiast on eBay would be more honest.

 

Thanks guys for your help though I don't have much of a budget so I guess I'll be fountain pen-less for a bit longer.

 

Hard to believe he sold it after seeing the pen. This person is not a restorer.

 

A return should be easy. In your My eBay menu select Purchase History. Find your pen transaction there and click the More Actions menu on the far right. eBay will steer you through the process. It's quite easy.

 

You should get your refund, including the original shipping cost, if any, and a shipping label to return it, paid for by the seller. When the seller gets the pen back, he has 5 days to refund you. You won't lose a penny.

 

Never let the fact that a seller doesn't offer returns deter you from asking for one if you think you have grounds.

[ink-syringe]

The Snorkel is a fine pen. Your instincts were good but luck was bad.

 

Look for a reputable Sheaffer knowledgable eBayers like Tom Kaczmarek (kaczs), speerbob or tbickiii

[Shaporama]

Yes, you do not have to fear eBay if you purchase from speerbob or tbickiii.