Advice for eBay Purchase

Hi there.

I have bought a model aircraft from virginfans, an ebay seller. It was a 1:400 Gemini Jets Philippine Airlines A320, RP-C8615. I received the model, but on closer inspection, there were at least two faults with it. The nose landing gear was bent and the port side registration was slightly rubbed off as if the tampo didn't adhere properly. I mailed the seller back, explaining that the model wasn't as what was described. I first blamed it on the postal services, either HK Post or Royal Mail. However, I cannot claim any compensation from Royal Mail unless they are the sole provider of the mailing service, so i cannot get a claim number and give it to the seller to help me get compensation. I respect eBay sellers' "No returns" policy, but if it not my fault and the item appears worse than what is shown on the photos, I believe I am entitled to receive a new model or at least be able to return the item with a full refund.

I inspected the model more carefully and came to the conclusion that it may not be the postal services, but factory defects. I tried to bend the landing gear straight but it is rock solid. The landing gear would have most certainly snapped if it was damaged in transit, being so stiff. Also, there is no evidence of the registration tampo rubbing off onto the box like I have seen from other models. The seller did write to me saying that they are checked over before sending. So either the seller doesn't have a very good eye for obvious flaws or it wasn't checked at all. I have contacted the seller saying that I cannot claim from Royal Mail and got no more replies. I last wrote to the seller last Saturday.

What are your thoughts on what I should do? If it comes to it, I shall open a case. Three photos are attached. The first one is an overview of the model. Second one shows the bent landing gear. Last one shows the registration tampo.

Thanks.