So about a week ago, I saw a great deal on Ebay for a new 2016 12m Slingshot SST Wave kite and decided to purchase it.

The kite arrived this afternoon and when I got off work, I decided to pump it up and inspect it.

Unfortunately, the first thing I noticed were large green stains on the kite fabric. It was very pronounced on the orange fabric. Other than that, the kite appeared to be in great shape (I would hope so, considering it is brand new).

So my first question is, do you think this would compromise the integrity of the fabric?

What would cause something like this to happen?

And finally, if you were in my shoes, what would you do? Would you ask to return it, ask for a credit, just ignore it and let it go, etc.?

I've reached out to the seller and am waiting to hear back from them...

First look closely at the pictures posted in the Ebay listing to see if the stain was shown. If the pictures match the stain, it was disclosed so you probably won't get relief. Check if the seller does doesn't offer returns. If not you may have no recourse, but the seller may not want a bad spot on his/her record so may work with you. Also, if it was stated to be "New" then you would be fair in saying if it was new, it shouldn't have any defects. So bring it up with the seller now matter what. The seller may offer a partial refund, or take it back. If it is minor, you might just get yourself a nice refund.

It looks like the stain is from the blue color running. I had a kite with a minor stain like that - made no difference to the flight performance and was not really obvious in the sky. I can't see why it would impact longevity of the kite.

If the seller is really a shop, which most Ebay members seem to be (rather than an individual) you may have a better chance of getting some relief. So check with them.

I agree that it looks like a color bleed from the blue material which usually means that it was either folded before the dye was fully cured (not normally the case since it's colored before stitched together) or somehow it got damp at some point. Damp may or may not be a problem since this is a water kite to begin with. Perhaps they treat for water resistance after the product is sewn together. That could cause a bleed if the formula didn't evaporate and dry before packing. If the color bleed doesn't bother you and there is no sign of mildew or sail rot or anything like that you are probably OK. I would bring it to the seller's attention but not necessarily return it if you did get a really good deal.

Thanks guys.

I heard back from the seller (it's a shop).

"Looks like dye transfer from the adjacent darker panel. There is no effect on the integrity of the material and will be invisible with the kite in the sky.
Sorry for your trouble, I'll file a claim with Slingshot. In order to do so, please send a picture of the serial number on the kite."

Gotta say I'm impressed with the seller. He responded quickly to my questions before I bought the kite, shipped it fast and now offered to file a claim.

So I feel kinda silly to ask but, what happens after he files the claim?

Good question. Let us know when you find out.

According to the seller, I can use the kite and Slingshot will offer us some kind of discount.

I'm cool with that.

It will be interesting to see what that discount is...