Webcam microphone is crap, should I get a refund ?

After my last webcam adventure I was still in need of a webcam that actually worked and met my requirements. I thought I'd up my game and look at what HD webcams were available. I found the following on eBay:


Over twice as much as the previous non-HD camera, it not only claims to be HD but it also includes this fantastic description of it's audio capabilities.


What's not to like?

It turned up and the video appeared to be as good as advertised but the audio was incredibly muffled. I decided to message the seller and see what they had to say.

New message to: lorelane

The camera is described as having clear audio and your voice can be heard clearly for up to 10 meters. This is not the case and the audio is very muffled.


They replied with not-quite-the-usual delaying response asking what item I'd actually been sent. This actually of makes sense as the item was described as located in the UK but all communications appear to come from someone in China's timezone. I suspect they've just got a storage unit in the UK with someone sticking things in the post and they wanted to make sure that person had posted me the correct item.

New message from: lorelane (191Turquoise Star)

Hello,
We are really sorry for that.
Could you please send us some pics to show the item you have received?
After we record it, we will give you a satisfactory solution.
Is that OK?
Sorry for it again.
Waiting for your reply.
Best Regards.


No probs.

New message to: lorelane

Hello,

I have attached a photo of the camera I received.

Regards.


Their response

New message from: lorelane (193Turquoise Star)


Hello,
We are sorry for that.
d you can use this item?
we are willing to give you partial refund as compensation.
Wait for your reply.
Best Regards


Without me prompting for it they're already going down the partial refund route.

To be fair the camera does work and I think with some minor modification I could improve the audio to a sensible level. A full refund would be incredibly cheeky to ask for but £20 would give me enough for a half decent external USB microphone. Let's see what they're considering.

New message to: lorelane

I may be able to use it with an external microphone.

How much of a refund are you offering ?


New message from: lorelane (197Turquoise Star)

Hello,
We are really sorry for that.
Please confirm the refund account,

We will refund 30% to you asap .
Wait for your reply.
Best Regards.


That works out at £14.22, not quite enough for a half decent microphone. I'm now thinking that the camera has two features, video and audio. Only 50% of the features are as advertised so how about a 50% refund ? That seems fair and would get me £23.70 which would cover a microphone.

Nothing had landed in my PayPal by that point so I asked for more than their 30% offer.

New message to: lorelane

Hello,

30% is not enough. Half of the functionality of the camera is missing and a decent usb microphone will cost more than 30%of the price.

I would find 50% acceptable.

Regards


New message from: lorelane (206Turquoise Star)

ok
We have refunded 50% to you.
Please check the paypal Within 2 days.
If any question, please contact us first.
Best Regards.



And over in PayPal


Next up, diagnosis and modification of the camera.

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