Do These Transactions Warrant Negative Feedback
LeeG
Posts: 12,162 ✭
Please help me on this one. I purchased two items from the same ebayer, 98.4% Feedback Rating, and was very concerned when the items arrived. I feel these transactions deserve negative feedback. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive about this, but, I don't like to give negatives without justification. I'm new to the ebay thing but good customer service is good customer service whether online or walking in the store. Let me know what your opinions are. Heres the story:
Purchased a PCGS PR70DCAM coin for $400 and a ACGS PR64 coin for $3.80. Shipping cost on the PCGS Coin was listed as USPS Express Mail for $2.30 and shipping insurance was an option for $1.30. The shipping cost for the ACGS coin was listed as USPS Express Mail for $1.00. I paid for insurance on both items. It took 10 days for the coins to arrive. they both arrived in the same bubble mailer and each was wrapped in a papertowel? Sent normal mail at a cost of $1.11. They were not insured!!!!. I contacted this seller and stated: I am very concerned about your Customer Service Policies. Won this item on 08/28 and received 09/08. Listing stated USPS Express Service but it was mailed normal delivery? I also paid for insurance and they weren't insured. They came wrapped in paper towels for protection. What kind of protection is this for "Rare Coins" as stated in your listings? Unless you have a good explanation for all these concerns I will have no recourse but to give you Negative Feedback on ebay around these transactions.
This sellers response to me, in all Caps, was: I do not understand. You paid $2.30 for shipping and received these items in 10 days, which is timely in my opinion. You did not pay for express mail. Express mail starts at $13.65 These coins are "Rare" and if you question their authenticity, that is your problem, not mine. As you now own them. I have been very nice to you, when you could not retrieve the PCGS certification (bad link), I sent you a copy of the web page from PCGS which stated the coin was authentic. As for the ACGS Slab, you wil not find another on ebay anywhere. I am sorry you find paper towels offensive, but I ship lots of items, and they are a dollar a roll. when used in conjunction with a bubble mailer, they offer great protection. You have recieved the items you won in satisfactory condition, in a resonable amount of time, for a very resonable shipping cost. I understand you are upset that I failed to insure your items, but they arrived, you said they did and your shipping has been refunded X 2. I do not need to explain anything to you. What exactly is it that you want? Your expectations are unreasonably high. If you leave two negative feedback comments for me then you will receive two also. Maybe that will clear things up for you. I have over 1,100 positives, and I have earned evry one of them. Go lecture someone else.
Ouch. Am I wrong? Overly Sensitive? Does this warrant two negatives or chalk it up to experience??? Thanks in advance for all your comments! Lee
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Comments
I'd also save this e-mail and, if they left a retaliatory neg, I'd respond to it by calling it retaliation and inviting anyone to contact me for more information about this seller.
However, unless you want retaliatory negatives on YOUR feedback, I'd just let it go (and not buy from the seller again)
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Since you said you were new to eBay I can give you a pass on this last point, but for future reference a 98.4% feedback rating is pretty lousy. I bet if you look now you will find others who left negative or neutral feedback for reasons similar to yours. In my book, anything less than 99% should be researched before you place a bid.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
peacockcoins
While the above may be true, it's eBay !!!
IMO this transaction does not warrant a negative. The transaction you paid for was completed, you received the items and yes they were insured one way or another. If you did not receive the items, you would have been entitled to a full refund because you insured them. How the seller administers that insurance is up to him/her. Since you received the items there is no insurance claim.
Joe.
<< <i>Shipping cost on the PCGS Coin was listed as USPS Express Mail for $2.30 >>
Clearly, express mail costs substantially more, so that was an obvious button clicking error.
<< <i>You paid $2.30 for shipping and received these items in 10 days, which is timely in my opinion. >>
This statement would indicate that you didn't select the optional insurance. Did you, or did you not?
Russ, NCNE
One piece of advice I will give you and that is do not threaten negative feedback when you have a problem with a seller. It sets a negative tone and will make it much harder to work out your problem. Negative feedback should only be considered after all else fails.
Save it for those who intentionally rip you off. No neutral either, the $$ is too small to be material. The sellers attitude is confrontational but thats not a reason to neg. If you got what you paid for in a reasonale amount of time then leave a positive. OF COURSE, you can add a comment on the positive like "did not ship insured as stated" or "be sure to specify insured as mine was not" but a neg or neutral would be an overreaction requiring a mutual response.
Russ, NCNE
I think I'd just let this one go. No feedback (which is always an option).
<< <i>This seller has 24 negatives and 8 neutrals in the last 12 months. >>
What seller is it?
<< <i>What seller is it? >>
The seller from whom he bought the coins.
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>This seller has 24 negatives and 8 neutrals in the last 12 months. Personally, I wouldn't have even bid in his auctions.
>>
Thirteen of the negatives came from one buyer, though, so you have to discount that a bit. Still, most of the negative and neutral comments are from buyers with shipping issues - slow or non-delivery, or lack of communication after the sale. I probably would have moved on as well, but had I bid, I certainly would not be surprised by results like the original poster had.
Given this guy's feedback, I doubt two more neutrals or negatives would have any real effect on him. Two retialatory negs on the bidder with such low feedback would hurt far worse. Definitely leave nothing and move on.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
<< <i>your shipping has been refunded X 2. >>
Very reasonable responses from everyone. Has the seller refunded your shipping? If so then you should write the forgotten insurance off as a mistake and be glad the items arrived safely.
I wouldn't leave negative, as you will just be given a neg in retaliation, which leads to the bigger problem of feedback to the buyer being held to ransom. I know you did your part and paid but your feedback being held over until your leave positive is just a fact of life on ebay now.
Dr J
My omnicoin collection (or how my coin photography has progressed)
I bought this one over the wekend. When I got the paypal total it came out to 8 bucks more for shipping and Ins. I told him to just send it priority mail for 4.35 cause 8 bucks was a lot and I didn't need insurance (3%) on a 120 buck item.
I got a real long response about my obligations and theres more to shipping than just postage and shoulda read the listing blahblahlah
So I just paid it,
DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, its takes its toll on you.
I know most people won't see them but the people who purchase things from the seller right after me probably WILL see them - so - it at least has a small effect.
I purchased an MS advertised coin which was high EF at best, not even AU, but I had only paid EF money for it so no big deal. In the feedback however, I stated that it was "a nice EF coin - not AU".
I would leave the guy a positive but make it clear that the coins arrived uninsured. Something like
"Nice coins, arrived okay, not insured as paid for, questionably packaged, A-"
Just my 3 cents worth
My Auctions
Also this seller would get no pos. feedback from me as I STRONGLY believe the seller should leave feedback upon receipt of payment.
MO
W.C. Fields
I despise people who whine about shipping costs. As others have said, not buying insurance from the USPS does not mean no insurance. If you got it, you can never know that the seller would not be good for it.
I'm with you. Criminy! You got the items and postage was refunded? If that's the basis for a negative, I'd put a block on real quick. If you can't bring yourself to leave positive feedback (which I can understand)...I agree with those who suggest that you leave no feedback at all. I've done that myself a time or two when I'm not happy with the transaction, but my disattisfaction doesn't warrant a negative comment to the seller.
Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum
<< <i>ebay sale
I bought this one over the wekend. When I got the paypal total it came out to 8 bucks more for shipping and Ins. I told him to just send it priority mail for 4.35 cause 8 bucks was a lot and I didn't need insurance (3%) on a 120 buck item.
I got a real long response about my obligations and theres more to shipping than just postage and shoulda read the listing blahblahlah
So I just paid it,
DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, its takes its toll on you. >>
That auction clearly states $4.50 priority S&H, and $3.50 insurance required. The actual postage will be $7.05, so the guy is pocketing 95¢ which won't even cover the eBay fees. I really don't like this kind of cost for a $120 item either, which is why I don't bid on these types of items where the seller insists on using priority mail because of the "free" box.
Jerry
All you shipping experts may be able to divine the intent of the seller (that express mail was an error). I would assume
that what was agreed upon in the auction was what I was getting. If the seller refunded my shipping costs because of HIS
error, I would probably let it slide. Also for all I know the seller is willing to eat some shipping costs on a $400 item.
The lack of insurance wouldn't bother me (if he wants to self-insure, that's fine). I think the paper towl is substandard but not
worth a negative.
-KHayse
Slow to ship. Won 08/17 arrived 08/27. Coin as described in listing.
Ordered on a Sunday and received my order over a week later on Tuesday.
There is no way you should be leaving sellers negatives for getting your items to you in 9 to 10 days. I've had items I have sent and received that took longer than that from the time it was mailed until it was received. Getting auction items in 7-10 days is perfectly reasonable and normal, unless you are paying for next or second day delivery.
Now, looking at some of the "positives" you have left, you are lucky none of these sellers have retaliated with negatives. Doesn't matter that you made it a postive, it is still a negative comment:
Won 08/27, Received 09/03. Coin as listed. Picture a little deceptive though.
Thanks for the bonus!!! Won 08/27, received 09/03. Picture a little deceptive.
What I am trying to point out to you here are two things -
1. Be patient. Mail does not always arrive in three days. The time to get upset is when you don't receive your items after three or four weeks.
2. Stop nitpicking in your feedback comments. Sooner or later you will start getting zinged with negatives for your false positives.
<< <i>Lee, I think you really need to decide if doing eBay is right for you. I was just looking at your feedback left profile, and to be blunt, it is atrocious. You are very lucky you don't have a load of negatives already. You left these two comments for your sellers, one neutral and one negative:
Slow to ship. Won 08/17 arrived 08/27. Coin as described in listing.
Ordered on a Sunday and received my order over a week later on Tuesday.
There is no way you should be leaving sellers negatives for getting your items to you in 9 to 10 days. I've had items I have sent and received that took longer than that from the time it was mailed until it was received. Getting auction items in 7-10 days is perfectly reasonable and normal, unless you are paying for next or second day delivery.
Now, looking at some of the "positives" you have left, you are lucky none of these sellers have retaliated with negatives. Doesn't matter that you made it a postive, it is still a negative comment:
Won 08/27, Received 09/03. Coin as listed. Picture a little deceptive though.
Thanks for the bonus!!! Won 08/27, received 09/03. Picture a little deceptive.
What I am trying to point out to you here are two things -
1. Be patient. Mail does not always arrive in three days. The time to get upset is when you don't receive your items after three or four weeks.
2. Stop nitpicking in your feedback comments. Sooner or later you will start getting zinged with negatives for your false positives. >>
Some people just want the whole Bannana all of the time. Quite a few Ebay buyers around here need to take a dose of Chill Out medicine. Why use Ebay if all that can be done is complain about a coin is not on your door step in 24 hrs. Thats what coin shops are for. Start useing them instead of Ebay. See if your gas and time will be less than the shipping charge. Oh yea if you rack enough miles up on the car then you can pay extra insurance for nothing also.
Please never bid on one of my coins or car parts. Thank You.
Ken
No offense, but I am wondering if all the people who are reading this thread might add you to their blocked bidders list after reading the feedback you leave for people. I read them all and it seems like you want a magic to happen every time you bid.
As K6AZ stated, the feedback you leave for others is atrocious. I have a question and a statement for you.
1) Have you ever looked at the post mark on your packages to see when they were shipped? You cannot blame the seller for slow mail.
2) After the 9-11 attacks, mail was real slow. I had several packages take over 30 days to arrive to their destinations. I did get emails from the buyers inquiring and I showed them proof of mailing and asked to wait till after the 30-day period. All of which had no problem with that. One of them I actaully started to file a claim when on the 36th day, the package arrived at his door. Would you neg me for that??
You are highly unreasonable for expecting the person to mail you coins express mail for $2.30.
What was said earlier-You REALLY DO need to sit back and think-"Is eBay really for me?" Some people have full time jobs and do eBay on the side so they may not go to the USPS every day of their life. If you are so concerned about that, maybe you should email the seller before you bid and ask when the package will be mailed after you have paid. Quite frankly, I go to the USPS two times a week. If I get payment the day before I go go the USPS, I mail the coins. If I get it the day of or after I go to the USPS, it waits till the next time I go.
Rampage!
Paul
Here is an example of when I leave negative feedback
Has $675 8 weeks; NO GOLD COIN; NO REFUND; IGNORES EMAIL/PHONE;SHERIFF IS COMING
My posts viewed
since 8/1/6
You did not answer my questions:
Do you look at the postmark before leaving that kind of feedback? Or do you just make poor assumptions? I would guess poor assumptions, but I may be wrong.
<< <i>I STRONGLY believe the seller should leave feedback upon receipt of payment.
MO >>
I'm with you....After all, as a buyer, all that I have contracted to do is pay you. When I've met the obligation of that contract, feedback is due. If you hold my feedback as a hostage, you will never hear from me....
Lee, I'm glad to see that you understand. Good luck with your future purchases....
Paul
Sorry I missed your question. I checked the postmark on the coins in question here. I won one bid on 08/28 and the other on 08/29. The postmark on the bubble mailer was 09/02. Mailed from MA to MD. I received both coins in the same bubble mailer on 09/08. Had a holiday in there also. Was I wrong? I'll be checking this information in the future. Appreciate the help and suggestions. By the way, I left two positives.
Doug
I have to admit...the thought crossed my mind...but I read on;
and am impressed with the way Lee responded to what has been a fair amount of critical comments, including my own. So thanks, Lee, for wearing the 'thick skin' suit during this discussion.
Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum
<< <i>I really think he took it all in and thought about how to approach these situations in the future. He left two very nice positives for the seller. >>
I agree. Whatever can be said about his proposed handling of the situation and expectations, he's taken the constructive criticism very well and apparently to heart.
Doesn't sound like an unreasonable person to me -- just someone who needed an adjustment of expectations. And it sounds like he has it.
<< <i>If you are willing to leave a neg for this, I would put you on my blocked bidder list. If you got the items, how can you complain?
I'm with you. Criminy! You got the items and postage was refunded? If that's the basis for a negative, I'd put a block on real quick. If you can't bring yourself to leave positive feedback (which I can understand)...I agree with those who suggest that you leave no feedback at all. I've done that myself a time or two when I'm not happy with the transaction, but my disattisfaction doesn't warrant a negative comment to the seller. >>
I agree. Nuetrals are useless.
<< <i>Refreshing to see a Member like LeeG take opinions without taking offense.
Doug >>
Here, Here !!!
Paul