What should I do?

[ohio_tuec]

Last month on eBay, I purchased a Hoover 305 with attachments (but no hose) and owner's manual. This was the only one I've seen with the celluloid lens still intact. It has a bojack bag and a replacement cord. To my dismay, when it arrived the UPS driver left the box out in the pouring rain. When I opened it up, I discovered one of the bakelite rear wheels must have broke when the driver slammed the box down. Also, the bakelite floor/wall brush broke and the rubber guard on the upholstery tool was broken. PayPal won't do anything unless I return the cleaner to the seller. I paid $101.00 total including shipping. Do you think I should hold onto the machine and try and locate another wheel? The motor sounds alright. I asked Bert (my local vac shop owner) who has an arsenal of old Hoover parts if he had a wheel like that, but to no avail.

 

[kirbyultimateg]

Hi Karl.
Go with your gut feelings or instincts. I would return the vacuum to the seller.
Rob Gwisdala
ps: Did you used to post on the VacWeb forum years ago? I used to post on there all the time.

 

[electroluxxxx]

hmm I would make the complaint to fedex and was the machine insured through shipping?

 

[ohio_tuec]

Thank you for the input thusfar. Yes, Rob, I did post on the VacWeb forum years ago, and remember quite well some of the things that went on there (i.e. Larry Jaster). I was a member of the VCCC at one point, but let my membership lapse when I got involved with other organizations. Supposedly, the seller has filed a claim with UPS, so I'm hopeful I can maybe get a partial credit & be able to hold onto the machine. PayPal says that eBay will send me a return tag, so I won't be out the return shipping, but after being on hold for more than a half hour yesterday, eBay disconnected my call. Since they're so much alike, I'm wondering if maybe a wheel from a Hoover 27 or 28 would work? I know smooth-ruuning 305's are somewhat of a rarity because of the bearings they used.

 

[kirbyultimateg]

A wheel from the Hoover 27 or 28 should work.
I hope things get ironed out soon.