Ebay bike - damaged in transit

I have a dilemma; I recently purchased a Giant 42cm race bike off ebay for my 8 year old, who is racing regularly and has outgrown his Pro-Lite. Now these bikes are no longer made, and are as rare as hen's teeth (at least those in good condition).

So, when I finally found one on t'bay, I paid up for it.

It arrived today in a bike box with a great big gash on the down-tube, which would appear to have happened in transit given there was a big hole in the side of the box. See picture.

Now, providing that the bike is safe to ride, I'd probably want to keep it, as in all other ways it is in fantastic condition and as described, and will be the right size for the young man.

Clearly when he outgrows it, I'm going to get nowhere near what I paid for it back (which was about 80% of the new cost of this bike).

How much do you think I should be looking for in compensation? Should I just say f*ck it and send it back and demand my money back?

What do you think?

My personal view is that the seller described the bike accurately, packed the bike in a proper bike box, and posted it pretty quickly.

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The seller had a contract with the delivery company. Inform him of the damage and see if he can make a claim for the damage on your behalf.

I've already sent the guy a message, explaining the position and saying that I'll send him pictures if he lets me have his email address. The real question is what sort of compensation should i be looking for?

ask for the refund of p&p

Doesn't look much more then paint damage, £20?

I'd get a friendly LBS to do an assessment of the damage, then seek that amount from the courier company.

An unscrupulous person might want to seek the full amount for the frame knowing that it's resale value is significantly lower than what they paid for it. I am not, of course, advocating such action. ;-)

If I take it in to see Mark at Strattons, he'll tell me it's worth a fiver!

Ask for a re-fund and then let him come back with a figure, he will lose the postage cost and will have to pay for it to be picked up. He won't get money back from the courier, cause they will say not packed properley. As a well known courier said to me 'hold the package above your head drop on the floor if it does not damage, packed well'
Also they will demand to see packing materials.