An item 'not as expected' is significantly different than an item 'not as described.'  Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:

Think about item you just purchased, and ask yourself this question:  Are you unhappy with the item simply because it wasn't quite what you expected? 

There is a huge difference between the two statements and as a responsible buyer we must take the time to differentiate between the two. 

Item is not "quite" as expected.

Maybe you thought that the material would be a little different.  Maybe you thought that the item would be a little bigger or smaller.  Maybe you thought the item would be longer or taller or shorter.  Maybe you thought the item would be sturdier.  Maybe you didn't expect the item to be dusty.  Maybe you didn't expect the item to be wrinkled.  Maybe you didn't think it would have an odor.  Maybe you don't know what you thought it would be - but it just wasn't!  We all usually experience this at least once when purchasing an item on Ebay.  It happens. 

Most of the answers to these questions can be found in the description.  LOOK BACK OVER THE DESCRIPTION and ask yourself:  Did I really read it carefully?  Did I really read the entire thing?  Did I accidentally gloss over something important?  Did I miss a sentence or a word that made a difference?  Sometimes common sense can present itself after the fact.  It happens.

Things To Take Note Of When Re-Reading An Item Description & How They Apply

Are measurements or dimensions provided?  If measurements/dimensions or approximate measurements/dimensions were provided, and you didn't notice, oops!  Were they not provided but you thought it should be a certain size?  Oops again.  Be reasonable if there is a minor error with a measurement/dimension.  **

Is a size listed?  If the size was listed and the item actually FITS a little differently than what you were expecting, oops.  Sometimes sizes differ with manufacturers and this is through no fault of the seller.  Now if the size label is missing and a seller "guess-timates" the size and you think they are wrong, that is a gray area. 

Is material/workmanship information provided?  If a material is listed and it just doesn't FEEL like you think it should, oops!  If a material is not listed, well, the 'oops' is obvious.  Sometimes workmanship may be in question.  If you just THINK the quality isn't what it should be, and it is truly an item as described, that's another oops. 

Is an item going to arrive dusty/dirty?  Sometimes a description clearly states that an item will not arrive in a clean and/or shiny state.  Take note of words or phrases such as "needs to be washed" or "needs to be cleaned up" or "tarnished" or "rusty" or "old" or "has been stored."  These keywords usually indicate that the item may not be spot free.   Freshly washed or spotless may also indicate the condition.  No information will be a surprise, albeit not always a pleasant one. 

Will an item be odor-free?  Sometimes an item will be listed as coming from a smoke-free or pet-free environment.  This doesn't necessarily mean it won't smell like mothballs!  Likewise, if the origin isn't listed, or it is unclear whether or not there will be an odor, surprise!    

If you had any doubts before you bid and/or purchased an item, and didn't ask, oops!

Be honest with yourself and the seller.  If the item is simply not what you were expecting, and you contact the seller, be prepared that he/she may politely point out what you may have missed.  Don't take it personally. 

Some, any or all of these things can happen when making a purchase.  One important thing to remember is that people are not infallable.  We all have the potential to make a mistake, how we deal with the mistake is the most important point.   Do keep in mind that feedback can be damaging and can't be taken back. 

If You Find That Your Item Was "AS DESCRIBED"  Ask Yourself:  Is it fair to leave less than positive feedback for an "oops?"