Welectron sold me non-genuine Miniware products - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sfs1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2025, 09:04:04 am
content: Hi, just a quick PSA.I ordered a couple of Miniware DC5525 cables (for use with the TS101 and MHP50) from Welectron a while ago, but instead of the nice heat-resistant silicone cables from Miniware (based on the retail packaging shown in the product listing), what arrived were regular cheap PVC cables with an 80°C rating.Since the listing presents the cable as a Miniware product, I thought I'd check with Miniware, sent them a photo of the cables, and they quickly responded:QuoteI also contacted Welectron. They initially told me that it was a genuine product...Quote(Translation: "You have received the correct product. These are original Miniware items.")...and then changed their mind after a few emails.Quote(Translation: "In fact, the cable is not an original Miniware cable. I apologize for my first email. The information in the first email is incorrect. As Miniware no longer produces the cable, we had to go to an alternative supplier")I think that's unacceptable - even if it’sjusta cable. Replacing a product is one thing, but the listing should have clearly stated that it was no longer from Miniware. (For the record: the listing never explicitly said the cable was made of silicone or had a particular heat rating.)I requested a refund (which was processed quickly, although I had to pay for return shipping...) and got a lame voucher (5€ for orders above 50€) as an apology. I was also told (after asking specifically) that they would update the product listing:Quote(Translation: "We have just forwarded this accordingly. We will update the description and images in the webshop as soon as possible.")That was at the end of January, but thelisting is still live todayand still claims it's a Miniware / E-Design product. Meanwhile, Miniware continues to wrestle with that "inexplicabe sense of sadness"....Hope this is useful info for you.This post reflects my personal experience and opinion as a customer. All descriptions of events, communications, and product conditions are based on verifiable documentation, including correspondence with the seller and manufacturer. I am sharing this information in good faith to inform other potential buyers, particularly those who rely on accurate branding and specifications for technical components. I do not intend to assert any legal conclusions about the seller's intentions or conduct. If there are any factual errors in my account, I am happy to correct them.

author: Haenk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2025, 09:18:27 am
content: Awful.Having *you* to pay for the return shipping is unlawful, I'd certainly *insist* (*) on a refund.https://www.it-recht-kanzlei.de/nacherfuellung-unmoeglich-gewaehrleistung-muster-fuer-haendler.html(*) corrected that damn english word, there are so many of them, it gets confusing

author: Ranayna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2025, 11:52:50 am
content: I agree.They interpreted that as a "Widerruf", i.e. stepping back from the contract within 14 days. Then, as long as the goods are less than 40 euro value, they can ask you to pay return shipping.But you got a wrong product. So that is a case for "Gewaehrleistung", and you are due the product you are ordered. Only if it would be "undue hardship" for the seller they are even allowed to non-deliver and give you a refund. Since the cable is apparently not manufactured anymore, that is likely "undue hardship", so in my opinion you should be getting the money back, including shipping cost.Of course we are talking about a couple of euro here, so you need to make up your mind if you want to go that route.To reach more potential buyers, i would suggest leaving a review though.

author: sfs1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2025, 12:05:48 pm
content: Quote from: Ranayna on April 09, 2025, 11:52:50 amYeah it's not that important. I was hoping that they would tell me it's an honest mistake and correct it. That would have been enough for me.Quote from: Ranayna on April 09, 2025, 11:52:50 amI tried leaving a review in the store, but it was never published. I don't know if the review system is even functional.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2025, 12:50:02 am
content: I don't blame them too much for the initial wrong part, someone in purchasing might have sourced it without a second thought.But then asking to return a $8 item is not worth yours or their time, poor choice there.I don't see many reviews on their site at all, 121GW only has one review, so I'm thinking they manually filter and approve them.