Buying a used road bike

I’ve been hankering a while now for a road bike and so recently bought a used Bianchi Nirone 7 which popped up on ebay. I’m always very cautious when buying anything this way, but thought that buying from an established bike shop (Bianchi dealer no less) would minimise any pitfalls.

I contacted them by phone and must admit the way they dealt with my enquiry gave me confidence to buy off them. Unfortunately when the bike arrived it was not in as good shape as the advert stated…pretty shocking really.

Rear derailleur blocked almost solid with old lube/mud residue severely affecting the shifting.
Rear wheel was not correctly seated in drop outs.
Rear brakes were out of alignment with wheel and were ineffective.
Rear brake blocks were unevenly set with one side at an angle and touching tyre wall.
Excessive noise every pedal rev which I suspect to be from the bottom bracket.
Handlebars severely crimped through movement of stem.

When I contacted them about this they offered to take the bike back……as long as I’d stand the shipping cost! Eventually they grudgingly agreed to supply some used handlebars and new bar tape. I’ve now sorted out the rest of the issues with the exception of the BB which seems to have settled down (maybe that was something else).

I don’t want to name and shame the shop, but thought it right to draw attention to others who might be considering buying unseen.