Man Demands Refund For Jet He Bought On eBay

We couldn't begin to guess how the Latin standard "caveat emptor" translates into Chinese, but one Beijing businessman will probably be a little more careful the next time he decides to buy an old Russian fighter jet on eBay.

Reuters reports that Zhang Cheng wants his $2,000 deposit back on the former Czech air force MiG-21 he bid $24,730 for on eBay on May 9. The reason? The plane -- which is currently located in Lewiston, ID -- is "almost impossible to ship back," according to legal experts.

Zhang told the Beijing News he purchased the old fighter jet -- which last flew in 1995 -- to decorate his office.

"I like to collect valuable items. I have the buying power and my company has an empty space where I can display the plane," the newspaper quoted Zhang as saying.

Now, Zhang wants his money back... although, according to a member of eBay's public relations staff quoted by Xinhua, the seller clearly stated the destination of the plane was limited to the US and Canada.

We wish him luck... and also suggest that, if he's looking for a swell decoration for his office in keeping with the Mig-21 theme... perhaps Zhang should check this out instead. Shipping shouldn't be an issue.

FMI: www.ebay.com