eBay seller question? What would you do?

zef204 · May 22, 2006 11:55AM

I had some auctions close on 4/25. I got a mo from the buyer on 5/10 and shipped from home via paypal and USPS on 5/11. They still have not arrived and the buyer is being a jerk even though I have been pleasant and upfront.

Here is his first e-mail in its entirety recieved on 5/17:

dear sir,
it has been some time after the bid and i have not received my cards. where are my cards at? PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK

Did I mention that was his first e-mail to me? Here was my reply:

Your cards were sent 5/11. Shipment # 910115013471146085$%$%^. Please let me know if they don't arrive soon and I will see if there is anything I can do being the sender. I appologize that they have yet to arrive, but the USPS has been slow at times. Regards, Jordan

Today he e-mailed me for the second time with:

i have not receieved my cards WHERE ARE THEY AT!

That was his entire e-mail. How should I respond to this guy.

Bosox1976 · May 22, 2006 12:00PM

Tell him that you have given him the tracking number, give him a usps link, and remind him that the PO is out of your control (and note how long it took his mail to get to you as an example). Sure he's a pissant, but who cares? If he negs you though, crush him.

hardcorehockeyfan · May 22, 2006 12:01PM

I have had a couple things like this happen, just inform the buyer, that most times, shipping from the USPS is quick and goes as expected. Sometimes, it is not, if you have a confirmation number, that should help some. But also, I have had 2 or 3 items take a week and up to two weeks longer than expected to arrive at their destination. Just make sure you tell the buyer to note the postmark on the parcel, even though, some buyers think a seller actually works for the USPS themselves!

poppie · May 22, 2006 12:05PM

<< Shipment # 910115013471146085$%$%^. >>

Was this a tracking number from Paypal purchase of postage? If so, I would remind him that the tracking number confirms the shipping date . Was insurance offered as optional and he declined ?

zef204 · May 22, 2006 12:09PM

<< 

<< Shipment # 910115013471146085$%$%^. >>

Was this a tracking number from Paypal purchase of postage? If so, I would remind him that the tracking number confirms the shipping date . Was insurance offered as optional and he declined ? >>

I changed the number. Paypal gives you a delivery confirmation number when you ship through them. It's an additional $.12 that is mandatory when shipping through Paypal. The problem is, when they decline ins, which he did, then the conf number says the following:

The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified by the shipper or shipping partner on May 11, 2006 to expect your package for mailing. This does not indicate receipt by the USPS or the actual mailing date. Delivery status information will be provided if / when available. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later.

In the past, buyers have said to me that the note above means nothing and how do they know its been shipped.

poppie · May 22, 2006 12:23PM

<< In the past, buyers have said to me that the note above means nothing and how do they know its been shipped.[/Q The Post Office will return mail to the sender if the date on the postage label (be it PayPal, USPS Click-ship or a Pitney Bowles postage machine) precedes the date that they have it. Obviously they let it go the next day, but never try it on April 16th !!. Not too long ago, one of the USPS employees posted some good facts on the site. I personally go ask the post office questions like " a shipper said a damaged package was returned to him; is that possible?" Answer, not possible. They will give you the policy on the postage meter issue which I think is only 24 hours. This didnt go to Canada did it? Customs can hang up the mail for several weeks when they feel frisky !.

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 12:27PM

Even though insurance was not purchased it is still the sellers responsibility to make sure the item gets to the buyer.

As a seller if it were me I would offer a refund or replacement, but I would also make them wait at least 21 days before I even offer it.

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 12:29PM

Was insurance offered as optional and he declined ?

Why do so many people assume that insurance protects the buyer. It protects the seller. If a buyer mails a payment to you and you do not get it you don't just send the item do you?? Of course not. You expect them to fix the problem or you file a UPI on them. A buyer should expect the same from a seller.

hardcorehockeyfan · May 22, 2006 12:29PM

Reasons like this problem, are why I still do things the old-fashioned way, and hit the PO on my way to work, they get delivery from myself, they scan the DC number, etc etc etc. On some things, PayPal is very suspect in my opinion, and for the amount of money they make in fees, I think they should have better ways to make things somewhat more secure!

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 12:32PM

On some things, PayPal is very suspect in my opinion

Shouldn't that be on ALL things they are suspect.

hardcorehockeyfan · May 22, 2006 12:35PM

Not necessarily all, so that is why I had to say some, about 90% of their practice is suspect, and I can see why many sellers will no longer use it!!!

zef204 · May 22, 2006 12:35PM

<< Was insurance offered as optional and he declined ?

Why do so many people assume that insurance protects the buyer. It protects the seller. If a buyer mails a payment to you and you do not get it you don't just send the item do you?? Of course not. You expect them to fix the problem or you file a UPI on them. A buyer should expect the same from a seller. >>

I agree with you. It is my responsibilty to get it to the buyer. But I think the buyer should be responsible to know that once it leaves my hands, there is not much I can do. I would hope he would wait for 21 days as well. What happens if I refund payment and then he gets the cards? Who pays for the return shipping? What if he tells me they never came and I see thru DC that they did?

I always give people the benifit of the doubt both when they say they mailed payment as well as when I bought a card and they said they mailed it. I bought the card for a reason. I want it. I can wait a little bit if the seller seems to have good feedback and not look like they are ripping me off. If they are responsive and honest, I have a lot of paitence. I just wish everyone did.

poppie · May 22, 2006 12:38PM

<< Even though insurance was not purchased it is still the sellers responsibility to make sure the item gets to the buyer. >>

I disagree 100% with your statement ! It is the seller obligation to appropriately package and item and ship it as instructed. I have had cracked PSA holders arrived appropriately packaged in bubble mailers where i did not purchase insurance. I left positive feedback and ate my loss! When I ship anywhere, the minimum I get for documentation is the delivery confirmation for US and proof of shippment for Canada. Large sales are always FOB my hometown!

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 12:46PM

I have a lot of paitence. I just wish everyone did.

Don't we all. I got a buyer threatening a neg because I did not get an item I received the MO in the mail today for shipped today. Hmm I work a real job 6am to 4pm.

hardcorehockeyfan · May 22, 2006 12:48PM

Patience is a key that too many people do NOT have. I can understand the buyer getting angry if it approached the 14th day with no item, but some expect an item to be delivered the day after payment. I had one buyer who paid me on a Saturday morning, and was upset he did not have the item delivered the following Monday, I cannot mail a package after closing hours on a Saturday or Sunday, some buyers even think that a seller is sitting around his/her computer all day long, as if they have no other jobs. Some buyers also need to realise, that just because an expected delivery date is one day, it can take much longer than expected, and in that case, it is "the seller's fault!" I would usually give a seller the benefit of the doubt when I am a buyer, if it takes awhile longer, I am patient to wait, as long as the seller's FB is good. But what can you do?

Also, I understand insurance is there to benefit the seller, and it is usually optional, but I feel, if a buyer does not purchase it, then it should be their fault, unless it is just a total brainfart packing job and an item gets damaged. With much of the fraud that actually does go on, it is very tempting to make insurance required for every auction, at least to myself, at least anything over $10.

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 12:51PM

and proof of shippment for Canada

And if the buyer pays with Paypal and claims they did not get it Paypal will give them a refund as a proof of shipment is not trackable online and is not proof of delivery

Remember to be protected by Paypal a seller must be able to provide online proof of DELIVERY not shipping.

Several states have laws regarding the insurance issue, clearest is New York.

The only real way a buyer could be legally responsible in this case would be if they choose the shipper. If the seller chooses the shipper they are the one agreeing to the terms of that company. USPS puts the finincial responsibility on the sender unless insurance is paid for then they assume some of the responsibility for that item.

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 12:56PM

it is very tempting to make insurance required for every auction, at least to myself, at least anything over $10.

I build it into my S/H on any item I think will sell for more than 25.00. I will send a replacement or issue a refund on any item under 25.00 should it be lost or stolen. To me that is just good customer service. One customer I refunded the first item I ever sold to him now spends an average of 400 a month in my store.

hardcorehockeyfan · May 22, 2006 1:02PM

I have yet to have to issue a refund, but I do offer a money back guarantee if returned within 7 days, and I will pay the return shipping. I do make insurance required for high dollar items, if and when I ever decide to sell them, it is not often, right now, I just get rid of my junk or stuff I have taken in trade from shows or what not. This would not be necessary to do, but there is too much of the, "I did not get it" crap that goes on, even if DC was used. Right now, as I said, I only make insurance required on high dollar items, but it is very close to where it will be mandatory on anything I deem will sell over $10.

zef204 · May 22, 2006 1:06PM

The problem with "replacements," Wizardsguildcards as you have mentioned a couple times, is that I am a 50's-70's guy and often don't have replacements nor would the buyer want a replacement because the old debate, All 8's(or 7's, 9's or 10's for that matter) are not created equally. This leads back to the paitnece aspect.

I am however, going to block this guy from bidding on my stuff in the future. I don't need the possible headache.

DeutscherGeist · May 22, 2006 1:51PM

I believe insurance is for the seller's protection too. I am sure that if I send a check by mail to pay a seller and the envelope never arrived, I would be blamed. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Anyway, I digress. Sure this buyer has an attitude problem, but don't take it personally. Just send him polite emails and then block him from further business. Its not all about money, some of us just rather deal with pleasant people all day long. That's OK if you block him after this transaction is over. I also agree that buyers should have patience with shipping from a seller who has excellent feedback. I don't think its rude to ask where the item is after two weeks as long as its done in a friendly way as PAYPAL buyer protection works only within 30 days and I, as a buyer, would not want that option terminated.

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 1:53PM

PAYPAL buyer protection works only within 30 days and I, as a buyer, would not want that option terminated.

It is now 45 days.

DeutscherGeist · May 22, 2006 1:56PM

Thanks for telling me Wizard. I am glad they extended it. I had a bad experience with a seller once who kept delaying emails about resolving an issue....now I know why he did it....he wanted to run out the clock so I would not go to paypal as a last resort.

zef204 · May 22, 2006 1:58PM

<< I believe insurance is for the seller's protection too. I am sure that if I send a check by mail to pay a seller and the envelope never arrived, I would be blamed. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Anyway, I digress. Sure this buyer has an attitude problem, but don't take it personally. Just send him polite emails and then block him from further business. Its not all about money, some of us just rather deal with pleasant people all day long. That's OK if you block him after this transaction is over. I also agree that buyers should have patience with shipping from a seller who has excellent feedback. I don't think its rude to ask where the item is after two weeks as long as its done in a friendly way as PAYPAL buyer protection works only within 30 days and I, as a buyer, would not want that option terminated. >>

I agree. This buyer didn't use paypal, took 2 weeks to get me the MO and has been short and demanding. I am just frustrated. I have been nice and will continue to be and I actually responded very nicely:

They shipped on 5/11 with the usps tracking number of 9101150134711460858221. I know that it is frustrating at times, but the USPS can mess up and it could take a while for the cards to get delivered. The cards have been sent and there is little I can do at this point. If you would like, fill out an Item not recieved thru eBay. I hope you can give it another week and see if they arrive, if not I will give you a refund and hope that you will return the cards to me when the do show up, as they always do when USPS messes up. Please let me know if this is OK with you and if not, how else you would like me to handle this. Please refer to my feedback and realize that I have been selling on eBay for quite some time and I know that the USPS can and does make mistakes. Regards, Jordan

Whatever he does, its the last time he buys a card from me. I too understand that people will ask, but take a moment and write something that you would like to recieve if you were in the seller's shoes.

SDavid · May 22, 2006 7:05PM

If it doesn't arrive soon, go to your local post office and have them look up the package's status. For packages with delivery confirmation, they have information on their intranet system that doesn't show up on the usps.com link. They should be able to see where it is, when it was received, etc.

Wizardsguildcards · May 22, 2006 9:12PM

I forget the form you can also file a loss/rifling report with the PO this sometimes shakes them out. Recently though mail has been slow all around. I sent an item priority last Tuesday to Dallas which is only 100 miles away from me it finally arrived Yesterday.

Anything that might have to go through Dallas will take longer as I have heard they are still processing all the mail that New Orleans was processing as well.

Bosox1976 · May 23, 2006 8:23AM

Great note Zef. If he's still a pain after reading that his true colors will be exposed and you should treat him accordingly. Sadly, as a 40 year old man I am about to quote Swayze in RoadHouse - "Be nice until it's time to not be nice..."

RichG · May 24, 2006 4:30AM

I agree with everything wizardsguild has said in this thread. It sounds like this guy has a good head on his shoulders (at least regarding common sense).
Rich

zef204 · May 24, 2006 6:29AM

This was his response today:

i will give it a week longer to see if the cards will make it to me but after one week i wish a full refund on my cards. I give you my word about this but I do want something like the cards or the money. I do see you left good feedback and i know most people will not leave good feedback unless the transaction went over with out something going wrong. i do not wish to mess your feedback up so i will give the mail one week when if the card has not been received by that time i will ask for the refund

RichG · May 24, 2006 6:43AM

Hey zef:
Call me an idiot, but to me the buyer sounds sincere and I believe what he is saying. However, as a seller myself, I'll never leave feedback until the buyer has first left it for me. I Have have seen enough examples on how a buyer can hold a seller hostage for leaving feedback first (I know that some bad sellers can also hold buyers hostage when it comes to feedback which is why I beleive that everyone needs to look out for himself and his best interest)
Rich

zef204 · May 24, 2006 6:50AM

Rich,

I have gone both ways on this. I typically want the trasaction to be settled amicably if an issue arises so I don't find the need to hold feedback hostage. If I refund this guy and he negs me, well then simply put, he's an a-hole. Hopefully he'll do the right thing.

RichG · May 24, 2006 6:58AM

Zef:
In a perfect world I believe that the seller should leave feedback first. However, this world is far from perfect and there are a ton of idiots in it. This is why I won't leave feedback first as a seller. However, as a buyer I'll leave feedback as son as I receive my item in satisfactory condition regardless if the seller has left me feedback first (which I don't expect them to do).
Rich

goose3 · May 24, 2006 7:27AM

I would politely asked him why it took him over 2 weeks to get you your payment.

by the way, please post or pm me the username of this assclown.

I don't need any hassles from morons like that and would like to block him.

zef204 · May 24, 2006 10:23AM

The buyer is:

lackey66

MarkJ · May 24, 2006 10:25AM

Thanks, I just blocked him!

goose3 · May 24, 2006 11:07AM

Thanks Zef.

zef204 · June 1, 2006 9:41AM

OK,

What do I do now? Here is an e-mail I just got...

dear sir,
i give you one more week for the cards to be make to my house. the cards have not been received. i want my money back. PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK

WinPitcher · June 1, 2006 10:57AM

Jordan

Not sure if this was ever mentioned by you. Is this whole ordeal over 2 auctions valued at less then 5.00?

Steve

goose3 · June 1, 2006 11:05AM

<< OK,

What do I do now? Here is an e-mail I just got...

dear sir,
i give you one more week for the cards to be make to my house. the cards have not been received. i want my money back. PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK >>

Zef..

how long have the cards been in the mail to him?

when was the ending date of the auction? what date did payment arrive?

zef204 · June 1, 2006 11:26AM

<< Jordan

Not sure if this was ever mentioned by you. Is this whole ordeal over 2 auctions valued at less then 5.00?

Steve >>

Close to it. I know what you're going to say and you are absolutely right.

zef204 · June 1, 2006 11:29AM

<< 

<< OK,

What do I do now? Here is an e-mail I just got...

dear sir,
i give you one more week for the cards to be make to my house. the cards have not been received. i want my money back. PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK >>

Zef..

how long have the cards been in the mail to him?

when was the ending date of the auction? what date did payment arrive? >>

Auction ended on 4/25, money order recieved on 5/10 and I mailed the cards on 5/11.

Getting back to Steve's question, this is somewhat just a matter of principle and this guy has been rude, demanding and short. Not worth a neg, but I have a feeling he is going to give me one anyhow because I already left him + feedback.

goose3 · June 1, 2006 11:37AM

Tell him that you and he can start the claim process (the paperwork portion between the 2 of you) and that on the 31st day, you will submit it.

If he doesn't like that, tell him to....................yeah that's it.

zef204 · June 1, 2006 11:38AM

<< Tell him that you and he can start the claim process (the paperwork portion between the 2 of you) and that on the 31st day, you will submit it.

If he doesn't like that, tell him to....................yeah that's it. >>

There is no INS, I can't make a claim.

goose3 · June 1, 2006 11:52AM

Oh!

sorry, I missed that. If you offered and he refused, I'd just take the neg.

If you are ultimately going to pay him, I'd still insist he wait 30 days. I've had stuff take that long.

And before I paid, I'd find out the PO that his stuff goes thru and I would call his carrier before I paid him a dime since he wants to be a jerk about it.

bhl2359 · June 1, 2006 12:31PM

File Form 1510 (Lost and Rifled Mail) with the Post Office. They may be able to track it down that way.

WinPitcher · June 2, 2006 5:40AM

My advice is to send the guy his 3.99

and be done with it.

Steve

RCGuy · June 2, 2006 5:46AM

Talk about being thin skinned and over sensitive!

montanafan · June 2, 2006 6:52PM

Today he e-mailed me for the second time with:

i have not receieved my cards WHERE ARE THEY AT!

That was his entire e-mail. How should I respond to this guy.Text

i would tell him it's not correct to end a sentence with a preposition..

GlynRParson · June 2, 2006 9:40PM

"Remember to be protected by Paypal a seller must be able to provide online proof of DELIVERY not shipping."

This has not been the case in the past as i have had paypal reverse 2 different transactions when the buyer said item did not arrive and i had proof of shipment and i had no proof of delivery. You are correct on higher priced items but you only need to prove delivery on cheaper items this may not be what is stated somewhere but it has been their policy.

eBay seller question? What would you do?

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