Phase 1 — Purchase, Immediate Failure & Repair Attempts

Machine not working

Entry 01

Purchase Confirmation

The seller confirmed that the machine is fully operational and no additional purchases are required.

Purchase confirmation screenshot 1 Purchase confirmation screenshot 2

Entry 02

Payment Completed

Full payment was made and acknowledged. The order proceeded to production and shipment.

Payment completed screenshot

Entry 03

Delivery & Initial Inspection Issues

Upon receiving the machine, several issues were immediately identified:

  • No content/packing list included
  • No manuals (assembly, operation, maintenance)
  • Incorrect shipping orientation (vertical instead of horizontal)
  • Lack of protective packaging, with internal parts moving freely
Delivery screenshot 1 Delivery screenshot 2

Entry 04

Missing Documentation & Setup Delay

Setup could not proceed due to missing documentation. A request was made for essential manuals and confirmation of all components.

Entry 05

First Operational Attempt

The first wall print was completed. The output quality was significantly below acceptable standards and not usable for clients.

First operational attempt screenshot

Entry 06

Delayed Technical Response

Follow-up messages were required to obtain support. No immediate diagnosis or solution was provided.

Entry 07

Ongoing Support Delays

The issue remained unresolved. Communication delays continued, and no clear solution timeline was provided.

Entry 08

Incorrect Diagnosis & Additional Costs

The initial diagnosis led to purchasing replacement nozzles. Later, it was confirmed that:

  • The diagnosed part was not faulty
  • The actual issue was a different component

This resulted in:

  • Unnecessary cost
  • Additional delays
Incorrect diagnosis screenshot 1 Incorrect diagnosis screenshot 2 Incorrect diagnosis screenshot 3

Entry 09

Continued Failures & Escalation

After replacing components, new issues appeared (no ink output). Further parts were requested to be returned for testing, creating additional delay and uncertainty without guaranteed resolution.

Entry 10

No Final Resolution

Despite multiple repair attempts and communication, the machine remained non-operational, and no definitive solution was provided.

Phase 2 — Negotiation & Refusal of Refund

Key trust breakdown

Entry 11

Request for Final Resolution

After multiple failed repair attempts, a clear resolution was requested:

  • A complete and reliable fix at their cost
  • Or return of the machine for a full refund

Further trial-and-error troubleshooting was declined.

Request for final resolution screenshot

Entry 12

Proposed Technical Solution (Motherboard)

The seller proposed replacing the motherboard, requiring:

  • Return of parts
  • Additional time
  • A deposit payment

No guarantee of a final solution was provided.

Motherboard proposal screenshot 1 Motherboard proposal screenshot 2

Entry 13

Admission of Configuration Issues

The seller confirmed that the original DX10 configuration:

  • Has a high failure rate
  • Has a short lifespan (2–3 months)
  • Is known to cause problems

An upgrade to a different configuration (DX7) was proposed at additional cost (~$1000).

Configuration issues screenshot

Entry 14

Request to Pay for Design Fix

A paid upgrade solution was formally proposed:

  • Replacement of multiple core components
  • Total cost: $750–$1000

This upgrade was presented as the primary path to achieving a working machine.

Paid upgrade proposal screenshot 1 Paid upgrade proposal screenshot 2

Entry 15

Objection to Paid Upgrade

It was stated that:

  • The issue originates from the original configuration
  • The proposed upgrade is effectively a paid fix for an initial problem
  • A working machine was expected from the beginning

Entry 16

Continued Focus on Paid Solution

The seller reiterated that:

  • Replacing parts within the original configuration is unreliable
  • The paid upgrade is the recommended solution

Entry 17

Return-and-Test Proposal

A proposal was made to:

  • Send back the full print head
  • Have it fully repaired and tested by the manufacturer
  • Ensure functionality before returning
Return-and-test proposal screenshot

Entry 18

Rejection of Full Responsibility

Instead, the seller proposed:

  • Sending individual parts
  • Guiding installation remotely

Responsibility for installation, risk, and outcome remained on the buyer.

Rejection of responsibility screenshot 1 Rejection of responsibility screenshot 2

Entry 19

Continued Uncertainty in Diagnosis

Even at this stage:

  • It remained unclear which components were faulty
  • Further checks were suggested instead of confirmed solutions
Continued uncertainty screenshot

Entry 20

Repetition of Trial-and-Error Approach

The proposed solution continued to follow the same pattern:

  • Send parts
  • Install locally
  • Test without guarantee

This approach had already been attempted multiple times without success.

Entry 21

Payment Required Before Resolution

It was confirmed that:

  • Parts cannot be shipped without payment
  • The risk, cost, and effort remain with the buyer
  • Resolution is not guaranteed before payment

Entry 22

Formal Refund Agreement Requested

A conditional agreement was proposed:

  • Payment for parts would be made
  • Only if a written refund agreement was signed
  • Guaranteeing a full refund if the machine still failed

This ensured a fair and balanced resolution.

Refund agreement request screenshot

Entry 23

Partial Acceptance Without Refund Commitment

The seller responded:

  • Agreed to extend warranty
  • Offered a general written statement

However:

  • Did NOT agree to include a refund guarantee
  • Message: "We can issue a written statement…"
  • Reply sent requesting explicit refund clause
Partial acceptance screenshot 1 Partial acceptance screenshot 2

Entry 24

Refusal to Sign Refund Agreement

The seller stated:

  • They could not sign the proposed agreement
  • Approval from superiors was required

No commitment was made.

"I cannot sign this document casually"

Refusal to sign screenshot 1 Refusal to sign screenshot 2 Refusal to sign screenshot 3 Refusal to sign screenshot 4 Refusal to sign screenshot 5

Entry 25

Delays and Lack of Resolution

Follow-ups were required to receive any response. Delays were explained as:

  • Supervisor unavailable
  • Internal approval pending
  • "Still waiting for reply"
  • "I will urge him tomorrow"
  • "Any update?"

Entry 26

Return Made Financially Impossible

The seller stated:

  • Return costs could be up to $3000
  • These costs would be fully the buyer's responsibility

This effectively blocks the return option.

Entry 27

Replacement of Refund with Repair Promise

Instead of a refund, a "repair until it works" promise was offered. This includes:

  • No defined timeline
  • No guaranteed outcome
  • Continued dependency on trial-and-error

"We promise to repair it until it's working properly"

Entry 28

Final Attempt at Balanced Resolution

A structured compromise was proposed:

  • Immediate payment for parts
  • Full cost coverage if issues persist
  • Refund option if unresolved after 45 days

This proposal reduced risk for both parties.

Entry 29

Final Refusal to Provide Refund Security

The seller confirmed:

  • Refund policy cannot be put in writing
  • Only a repair guarantee will be provided

This removes any financial protection for the buyer.

"We can't put the refund policy into writing"

Entry 30

Repair Agreement Submitted

A formal repair agreement was drafted and submitted for signature:

  • Full responsibility for future repair costs
  • Warranty starts only after proper operation
  • Binding upon signature and payment

Entry 31

“Final Solution” Provided Without Signed Agreement

The seller responded:

  • Agreement would be submitted internally
  • A “final solution” document was provided

However:

  • No signed version of the requested agreement was returned

"I will submit it…"

Phase 3 — Continued Repairs Without Resolution

Problem persists despite cooperation

Entry 32

Continued Delays in Execution

After agreement phase:

  • Delays continued
  • Shipping confirmations required follow-ups
  • "Any update?"
  • "I expect FedEx receipt…"
  • "Waiting for receipt"

Entry 33

Instructions to Underdeclare Shipment Value

The seller instructed:

  • Declare shipment value artificially low ($50–$100)
  • To avoid customs complications
Underdeclare shipment value screenshot

Entry 34

Customer Handles Logistics and Shipment

Customer:

  • Organized shipment via FedEx
  • Requested missing details (postcode, company name)
  • Provided tracking number

Entry 35

Machine Still Not Functioning After Repairs

After receiving parts:

  • Output still defective
  • Visible print defects persisted
  • Printed output showed vertical lines
Machine still not functioning screenshot

Entry 36

New Damage Identified After Repair Cycle

Seller response:

  • Claimed print head or board was damaged

Despite:

  • Components being new or recently handled by the seller

"Print head or part of the board is damaged"

New damage identified screenshot

Entry 37

Additional Delays Due to Holidays and Workload

Further delays occurred:

  • Chinese New Year holiday
  • Limited staff availability
  • Work handled by a single technician

"We are on Chinese New Year holiday" — "I am working on this alone"

Holiday delays screenshot

Entry 38

Continued Hardware Changes Without Resolution

Seller introduced:

  • New board configuration
  • Change from dual-board to single-board system

Without confirmed resolution of the original issue.

"There used to be two boards, now combined into one"

Hardware changes screenshot

Entry 39

Ongoing Remote Support Without Final Resolution

Customer:

  • Installed new components
  • Continued troubleshooting with remote guidance

Status:

  • No confirmed stable, fully working machine

"We received the package, ready to assist?"

Ongoing remote support screenshot 1 Ongoing remote support screenshot 2

Entry 40

Incompatible Replacement Components

Newly provided board did not physically fit:

  • Screw holes did not align
  • Could not be properly secured

"Board doesn't match the screw holes" — "Use two holes… just secure it"

Incompatible components screenshot 1 Incompatible components screenshot 2

Entry 41

Temporary / Improvised Installation Required

Seller advised:

  • Use partial fixation (not fully secured)

This results in:

  • Unstable installation
  • Non-standard setup

"Use two holes for simple fixation"

Entry 42

Component Compatibility Issues Confirmed

Seller confirmed:

  • Latest board is not fully compatible

"Board card is not compatible"

Compatibility issues confirmed screenshot

Entry 43

Continued Trial-and-Error Approach

Proposed solution:

  • Revert to previous board
  • Continue testing different configurations

No confirmed fix provided.

"We might need to use the previous board"

Trial and error approach screenshot

Entry 44

Open-Ended Repair Loop Acknowledged

Communication shows:

  • Repeated cycle of sending parts back and forth
  • No defined end state

"We keep sending boards back and forth without any solution"

Entry 45

Cost Responsibility Shifted to Customer

Seller states:

  • Full repair possible only if customer covers costs

"If cost is not a concern, you can send entire print head"

Entry 46

Final Resolution Proposal Issued

A structured final proposal was sent. Options:

  • Fully tested print head (ready to install)
  • Full replacement machine
  • Full refund

With a 5-day deadline and requirement for confirmed functionality.

Final resolution proposal screenshot 1 Final resolution proposal screenshot 2

Entry 47

Seller Rejects Final Resolution

Seller response:

  • Does not accept proposed solution
  • Continues offering partial component replacement

"We cannot accept your proposed solution"

Entry 48

Continued Partial Solutions Offered

Seller offers:

  • Sending another board
  • Covering shipping

Still:

  • No guarantee of functionality
  • No final resolution

"We will send you the new board card"